Beyond Chat - New Generation Software for Real-time Discussion.

This paper discusses the need for and the design requirements of generic chatroom software that is readily configurable to particular domains and that is also extensible. The architecture of a client/server chatroom generation system, ChatterBox, implemented in Java, is presented. The following components of ChatterBox are described: (1) the basic client/server system; (2) interface features; (3) configurability, including messaging format and use of profiles; (4) extensibility, including use of plug-in technology, implementation, and examples of use. Further developments are also considered. (MES) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. Beyond Chat New Generation Software for Real-time Discussion PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE AND DISSEMINATE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY