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Hey guys, I need an IM. So, I figure I’d ask the best.
I need an IM for my website. One that I can customize as say websitename IM and set my own look n feel. It would be nice if it can connect ppl on my site, icq and msn buddies.
Something like this: http://www.arabia.com/mersal/english/?IE=MER1
There are other sites that have the same sort of thing. Any idea how they did this. I’m sure they didn’t code the entire IM all by themselves.
Great question! Here’s a few options for you:
Odigo has a private-label instant messaging program that allows you to create your own custom skin, brand, etc., but run off of their IM infrastructure and interoperate with other Odigo clients (as well as MSN, ICQ, Yahoo and AIM). The have a fairly long list of international customers, including big companies like Prodigy and British Telecom and smaller ones like Van’s skate shoes. They have support for many devices (wireless, PDAs, etc.) and platforms (Windows, Java, Mac).
Jabber also allows you to create your own client, or build on one of the many third party clients. Jabber uses XML to send messages, and every instant message is routed through a central server which communicates with the respective IM networks (Yahoo, MSN, ICQ). This is the catch: you need to license Jabber, and you need to setup your own Jabber server. For clients, you have a lot of choices, and of course, your users can choose their own personal favorite (which may or not be a good thing). I believe the Mersal example you gave runs on Jabber.
And believe it-or-not, Microsoft allows you to create a custom-branded version of MSN Messenger using their Internet Explorer Administration Kit (IEAK). Last I checked, this was free to sign-up, license and distribute. You can do some branding, but they get to add a “power by” graphic/text as well as some rotating ads. Very little customization available.
Finally, you can provide a crude messaging service using many of the forum applications (like Snitz, phpBB2, etc.). Most of the forums (such as this one) provide private messaging. If you check the bottom of our forum index, you’ll see a link the the “PM Pager.” This provides rudimentary IM-like service. The lowest-end solution, but not all bad. Check http://www.IamViet.com for a terrific implementation, including buddy lists!
Hope this gets you started. Let us know what you end up doing.
Jeff Hester
BigBlueBall.comThanks for the advice, Jeff. Lemme try it out.
iamviet is pretty cool too. I’d love to do something like that. Is it powered by something or is it self coding? I mean the member spotlight, the chat n everything.
I saw the snitz forums thing. I’ve been using ikonboard myself.
As for IamViet, most of the stuff on their homepage is custom-built. Alan Le does most of the programming (username “Alan”). You might leave him a message for more info.
Jeff Hester
BigBlueBall.comHMMMMMMMM……
Quote:quote:Finally, you can provide a crude messaging service using many of the forum applications (like Snitz, phpBB2, etc.). Most of the forums (such as this one) provide private messaging. If you check the bottom of our forum index, you’ll see a link the the “PM Pager.” This provides rudimentary IM-like service. The lowest-end solution, but not all bad. Check http://www.IamViet.com for a terrific implementation, including buddy lists!
Hope this gets you started. Let us know what you end up doing.
Jeff Hester
BigBlueBall.com
THE WAY U SPEAK OF THE MESSGING SERICE U PROVIDE ON THIS PAGE. Y DO U KEEP IT??
-Bob
If the sky is dark why not lighten it up.-BobEdited by – smartergeekboy on 04/22/2002 03:05:25
Why keep the PM Pager? I’ll jump in and take a stab at this, and let Jeff correct me if I’m wrong.
First, he did say that it’s “not all that bad.” I think he understated how useful it is. I’ve used it, and I’ll continue to use it. Everyone here uses different messaging systems and the private messaging here is a way to send and receive messages that are with a specific group of people. Most of the people here are not on my buddy list. That’s not because I’m anti-social, it’s just because I prefer to keep my buddy list lean.
In addtion, when I send or receive PMs here, I already “know” the other person somewhat. I know that he or she is a fellow member at BigBlueBall, which implies a higer level of interest in instant messaging, etc. In other words, they’re not just some cyberspace wacko randomly messaging me.
Finally, those other options (Odigo, Jabber, etc.) cost $$$. BigBlueBall is not a big company with deep pockets, it’s a dude with a hobby. Last time I asked him he was still spending more on the site than he ever made on it. Besides, even if he was to license and implement Odigo or Jabber, how many people would bother downloading yet another instant messenger?
fanatic has spoken
Quote:quote:Finally, those other options (Odigo, Jabber, etc.) cost $$$. BigBlueBall is not a big company with deep pockets, it’s a dude with a hobby. Last time I asked him he was still spending more on the site than he ever made on it. Besides, even if he was to license and implement Odigo or Jabber, how many people would bother downloading yet another instant messenger?
fanatic has spoken
If Jeff does decide to make his own IM or at least is willing to customise Jabber/Odigo for other people, I think a helluva lot a ppl would be interested. A good number of people would even pay.
How about it Jeff? I’d be glad to help you with the design (in whatever way I can). I’m sure a few other ppl on the site will also chip in and help.
How about a Big Blue Ball IM??
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