Why use one Sametime client versus another? The availability of Sametime clients and features may depend on how your computer is configured and which version of the Sametime server is in use at your company. There are a number of features that you may or may not have available based on the level of Sametime software installed in your workplace. There are four levels of Sametime available: Entry, Standard, Advanced, and Unified Telephony. Each subsequent level adds features to the previous level and determines what options you will have at your disposal.

Sametime Entry—Sametime Entry is the "get your feet wet" version of Sametime. As its name suggests, it provides a basic set of options which include instant messaging, online awareness, file sharing, geographic information, screen capture, and Microsoft product integration.

Sametime Standard—Sametime Standard builds on the Sametime Entry features to include web conferencing with video and/or audio, as well as instant screen sharing; Voice over IP (VoIP) chat for those installations on a VoIP network, support for Sametime Mobile, and integration with public IM systems like AOL, Google, and Yahoo through the Sametime Gateway system. Some integrated telephony voice options are available with third party vendor support like "click to call" and call management.

Sametime Advanced—Sametime Advanced is the next tier. It includes all the features of Sametime Entry and Sametime Standard plus expanded chat and web conference functions. Sametime Advanced offers chat room service, broadcast chat messages, and screen sharing from within a web conference.

Sametime Unified Telephony—Sametime Unified Telephony adds "unified communication" functionality. Many organizations are seeking to integrate chat, e-mail, and office applications, with what has typically been only phone-based functionality like voice mail, call routing, and caller presence. Sametime Unified Telephony adds those features to the Sametime product set.