Service enables self-destructing IMs.

• Author: Swartz, Nikki
• Position: UP FRONT - Instant messages - Survey - Brief article

BigString Corp's new service enables users to send instant messages (IMs) that self-destruct after being sent, preventing them from being stored or archived to a server.

Additionally, IMs sent via BigString's service cannot be copied, logged, or screen-printed, CNNMoney.com reported. BigString IM is a free advertising-supported service available at www.bigstring.com. Anyone can sign up to use the service, which is available as a web version or as a free plug-in for AOL's AIM service.

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The patent-pending technology leaves no trail or copy of the IM on any server after the message serf-destructs. Senders can set the time until self-destruction, scheduling an IM to disappear in as little as a few seconds or longer than one hour. Senders also can select from...