C/C/30. Red Ink Productions Ï Instant Messaging Systems: An Implementation of an instant messaging system in a company, with accompanying documentation

Open source (free) software licensed under the GPL was taken and modified to implement an instant messaging at a company called Red Ink Productions. The Jabber server free software, Openfire was used and the Jabber client Exodus, also free software was modified to suit the requirements of the company. Documentation accompanying the software began with an introduction to current instant messaging systems, including a description of the protocols and languages used in the design of current instant messaging systems. Then the design and architecture of the Jabber instant messaging system is described in detail, with the help of a UML use-case diagram. The advantages of the Jabber system are also described. This is followed by a description of the customisations made to the software, and a test plan and documentation on the test plan results. A comprehensive user guide is also provided, which includes a technical user guide for server installation and client user guide for end users who includes detailed screenshots. Then an evaluation is done of the entire process that the author went through in installing the system at the company's premises, followed by a critique of the entire process the author went through in the development of the system.