What about IRC?
Originally posted by dan at WebFlyer:
If anyone knows of a solution that:
1. Won't break the bank (always an important factor)
the IRC server is free, it can run on your exisiting UNIX/Linux servers.
2. Is easy for our audience to jump into and enjoy.
GUI based clients make chatting easy, and you could put a java client on your website
3. Is customizable as far as look and feel
Unfortunatly, this is the downfall of IRC, its not designed as a "pretty" protocol, its more functional
4. Is cross-browser/platform (at least to PCs and Macs on 4.+ version browsers)
Yup. Mac, Windows, Linux, BSD, Amiga, etc etc
5. Won't overtask our servers (cgi-driven chats tend to)
its not resource intensive on the server
We're always open for suggestions...
Whatever you switch to, make sure it will support Linux/UNIX as well. I love the Live Chat, it my favorite part of FT.
edit for UBB-oops
[This message has been edited by markbach (edited 03-29-2001).]