Free network messenger app?

[ICT_GUY]

Had some teachers come back after seeing a network based instant messaging program at a school they visited, now they want the same sort of thing.

 

It needs to be free, or very cheap, and work by computer names (or login names) or by browsing the network for connected clients. It only needs to be able to pop up a simple message from one computer to another and be easy enough that teachers can use it with minimal training. Also it would be best if it did not require the teacher to login to an account. (don't want much do I/).

 

Google talk almost meets this requirement, except then I have to create accounts for all the teachers and get them to make sure they login.

 

Any ideas?

[localzuk]

Openfire with spark client... That's what edugeek runs. It integrates with active directory too.

Ignite Realtime: Openfire Server

[cookie_monster]

I'll second that we trialed it a couple of months ago and it ran flawlessly and i was very impressed with it. One day when we have time we'll probably roll it out to all staff.

[plexer]

Indeed another recommendation here for that solution.

 

I had it installed on a server and the only reason it's not still running is because the server was pressed into service as our wireless controller.

 

Ben

[ICT_GUY]

Thank you.

[button_ripple]

Try interchat - available from conware.org

 

using it already - it is very good!

[Nick_Parker]

HI all, I know this thread is a bit old, but I was wondering you could elaborate a but on the OpenFire/Spark combo.

 

I've got OpenFire running on one of our servers (The DC/AD Server)

with LDAP/Active Directory Authentication installed and working.

 

I can open my spark client and connect to the server and it all works.

 

BUT:

 

1) Do you have to be an admin/power user or have access to certain files/folders to run Spark? I logged on as a guest and Spark would not run, you double click the spark.exe desktop shortcut and nothing happens

 

2) How can i setup/deploy the client to Staff PCs so that they don't have to logon, the client just opens in the system tray, connects to the correct server as that staff member? If staff have to actually do anything, they won't use it...