Instant Messaging Notification When Phone Is in Sleep Mode or Locked?

[jonesle7]

I have some friends that are cancelling their text plans with Verizon and using the instant messaging software.

The problem that I have is that when the Touch Pro 2 is in sleep mode or locked with the password protection, then the phone does not give any sound or notification that a new instant message was received.

Consequently I don't know I have a new instant message until I happen to turn on my phone and unlock it.

Is this just the way it is? Or has someone figured out some modification or adjustments to settings to allow for an alert/notification when the the phone is in sleep mode or locked with a password?

For example, a new text message will make a sound and show a symbol that there is a new text message received even though the phone was in sleep mode or locked with a password. I was hoping it was possible to get the same type of notification for instant messaging.