Instant Messaging

1
Instant Messaging

• Alan Parker
• Robert Callow
• Brian Kearney
• Fortunato Macari
• Daniel Harrington
• Chang Gong Wang

2
Introduction

• Text only
• America Online Instant Messenger
• Microsoft Network Messenger
• Webcasting
• Wireless

3
Brief History

• BBS was commonly used
• Early 90s saw more internet activity
• Instant messaging came on the scene in 96 with
  ICQ

4
Instant Messaging

• Clients are used to chat with others
• Maintain Buddy lists
• Change states
• Can be customised

5
Instant Messaging

• Users require to log in
• Buddy lists stored on server
• Possible to search for users
• Persons user name is required to chat

6
Instant Messaging

• Closed source
• Proprietary communication protocols
• Strong competition between major players

7
Instant Messaging

• Most IM clients are closed source
• Most use proprietary communication protocols
• Strong competition between clients

8
AOL Instant Messenger

• AIM is America On-lines IM client
• Currently the largest with 53 million active
  users
• AIM supports encrypted messaging
• Automatically scans files for viruses
• No offline messaging

9
Yahoo Instant Messenger

• Dont have to download a client
• Must have a yahoo e-mail account
• Integrates well with other Yahoo services

10
Microsoft service Network (MSN)

• Need to create a .net passport
• Comes with most windows installations

11
Text Only

• Forums, BBS, IRC
• Public servers usually organized into rooms each
  with its own topic
• Public rooms dont always need authentication

12
Internet Relay Chat (IRC)

• IRC is open-source, open-protocol
• Uses plain text
• Users needs to have a nickname but not a password
  
• Administrative power given to certain users

13
Webcasting

• Broadcasting video or audio over the web either
  live or delayed
• Uses streaming media technology
• Web casting usually refers to non-interactive
  streams or live events
• Used extensively in commercial sector for
  E-learning

14
Wireless

• Wireless instant messaging is available for hand
  held devices
• AIM Yahoo Msn have versions for these devices
• A commonly used method of this is SMS

15
GAIM Trillian

• GAIM and Trillian allow different IMs to
  communicate with each other
• AIM Yahoo and MSN oppose this
• GAIM and Trillian are the IMs of tomorrow!

16
GAIM
17
THANK YOU