IM security vendor FaceTime debuted a Web site Monday that tracks threats against instant messaging and peer-to-peer networks. The site also features an index FaceTime's promoting as an indicator of the current danger to IM and P2P software.

Dubbed the "IMPact Index," the 1 through 9 score lets IT and security staffs "quickly assess the risk level posed by viruses, worms, and other malware propagating through real-time communication channels like IM, P2P, and IRC," said FaceTime in a statement. An index score of 7 or more, FaceTime added, means that security managers should take immediate action to protect their networks.

IMPact Index debuted at "3," so there's no cause for alarm.

In addition, users can register on the site to receive e-mailed alerts, which FaceTime uses to describe IM and P2P viruses and worms in detail.

FaceTime's IMPact Center is supported by a collection of technology companies in the IM and security spaces, including America Online, IBM, Jabber, Reuters, Symantec, Webroot, and Yahoo.

Rival IMlogic runs a similar IM/P2P center, called IMlogic Threat Center, with the help of a slightly different list of partners. IMlogic's center, however, does not include a single-digit metric of current conditions.

FaceTime's center can be found here.