Are We Present?
The words ‘presence information‘ conveys a presentity’s availability and willingness to communicate.
That’s a simple, logical and powerful statement. A statement Ross Folwer, Cisco’s Managing Director for Australian and New Zealand recently quoted in his keynote speech at a recent conference. [the big boys have the desire]
Presence is closely linked to preference. Willingness to communicate via phone in a meeting is nil, a SMS, however might get an instant reply. Presence is what allows both parties to work out what format for the location/time works best for both parties.
The Preference allows our favoured communications methods to be published to the other party.
Some people don’t like voicemail, they prefer e-mail. Others prefer SMS to e-mail, or IM to SMS.
I can’t wait to live in a world that understands my ever changing, but relational preferences (presence). When people talk on preferred channels, both sides are more likely to give and receive the information they are after. It’s in sync, and fluid with their environment.
At work, I prefer SMS from friends,
At work, I prefer e-mails over calls from colleagues.
On weekends, I’d prefer a call, but at nights SMS.
If I’m at home, I’d prefer IM over SMS.
There’s a huge privacy concerns around broadcasting such information, and the services may not be for everyone. Me, personally I can’t wait.