Im2go is named after Instant Messaging –
IM, since it is essentially a messenger suite.
The objective of Im2go was to provide a set
of components which could be used to implement
solutions that require Instant Messaging as
an ‘end-user application’ or as
a middleware service. By middleware we mean
a software solution that can be re-used to
develop further IM applications. The Im2go
Messenger suite comprises of popular instant
messaging service libraries and components
that provide basic IM functionalities like
presence, messaging, conversation, and shared-content
capabilities, using which various IM solutions
can be written.
The aim of the project was also to develop
a universal solution that would run over
multiple platforms and devices. Hence different
versions of the messaging components were
made available for Windows desktop (Win32),
Java, Windows CE, Palm OS, EPOC and some
components were also accessible through
data-enabled mobile devices like WAP phones.
Since the IM components were targeted across
multiple platforms, the system design had
to be flexible enough so as to accommodate
differences on the various target platforms.
Additionally the Im2go messenger had to
support both text as well as graphical messaging.
Coupled with the above requirements the
system was designed such that additional
services (like VoIP, Games, etc.) could
be easily integrated and launched. The final
system design which came after a good deal
of research and study, proved very efficient
with the smooth implementation of Im2go
bearing testimony to this fact.
With the above requirements, Im2go spanned
across 11 calendar months with a relatively
large team comprising 3 C++, 3 Java, 1 Win
CE, 1 EPOC, and 1 Palm developer, 2 Quality
Assurance Engineers, and a Program Coordinator.
Im2go has set an example in terms of ADI’s
excellent design and development capabilities.
It’s also given us great insights
into developing multi-platform, multi-device
solutions that can be easily integrated
with other 3rd party solutions with minimal
efforts. |
