Extensible instant messaging (IM) and presence management applications provider Jabber Inc. says an upgraded version of its WebClient now lets both Web portals and enterprises enable text chat and conferencing into offerings, without requiring users of those services to install special client-side software.
The newest version (1.3) of Jabber WebClient will be available Thursday (June 27). It is a feature included with the Jabber Communications Platform (JCP) Server at no additional charge.
Through Jabber WebClient, messages seamlessly pass through network firewalls via a standard Netscape or Microsoft browser. Because of this, a user can access IM from the browser window in a portal or a customer Web site. Also, WebClient's content delivery vehicle now can deliver IM as well as dynamic HTML content, which gives enterprises and portals the ability to show end users advertisements or corporate branding, for example. Or enterprise developers can embed a client roster, chat window, text conferencing window and advertising window into separate frames in their portals, providing the users with a fully integrated IM solution.
WebClient's enhancements also include the ability for enterprises to deploy real-time communications tools through the software for customer service or for internal use via Web portals or intranet -- without requiring client-side installations. The IM system now includes a range of added features, including security, subscription control, roster management, user and room search and presence and status information, among others.
"While other products and services have offered `light' HTML clients that lack in functionality, this version of Jabber WebClient provides the same full feature set as our installed Windows clients, including conference rooms, customizable user preferences and security," said Jabber's Jeremie Miller. "That core difference will set us apart as we continue to meet the IM needs of consumers and businesses."
The first releases of WebClient included giving companies the ability to brand the client with logos, images and buttons, and having a business' IT department retain full control over the system. These features are included in the newest version.
The Jabber WebClient V1.3 is available for demonstrations at the Jabber Web site. The demo shows how WebClient can be combined with other Web content for customer service and automated customer service response.
Denver-based Jabber's investors include Webb Interactive Services, Inc. and France Telecom.
Bob Woods is the managing editor of InstantMessagingPlanet.
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