Odyssey is the re-written Java version of
an existing Instant Messaging (IM) application
developed using C++. This is a three-tier
system where the lowest layer is a proprietary
Distributed Object Technology that works across
multiple platforms.
The major design considerations for the system
involved user friendliness and security. In
terms of usability, the system was designed
with the provision of customized user interfaces
(UI) where the user could change the look
and feel of the UI based on individual preferences.
For security, RSA encryption algorithms were
utilized making the IM sessions totally private
and secure.
Apart from customizable UI’s and
security, other interesting features on
Odyssey include Non-Invasive messages i.e.
focus stays in the current application window
when a message arrives, unlike other invasive
IM applications where the focus shifts to
the IM window on receipt of an incoming
message. Message logs – a very useful
feature where the user can store all IM
conversations; clickable URLs – where
the user would be directed to the actual
web address with a single click; and embedded
graphics are other functionalities that
add up to Odyssey’s feature bundle.
The server component consist of services
across multiple NT servers with the clients
written in Java, hence the application is
platform independent. Additionally, communication
between the clients and the server is based
on TCP/IP which again is transparent to
the client as it only has to implement a
set of interfaces and the rest is handled
by underlying system. In terms of performance
optimization, the database is accessed using
OLEDB.
Odyssey involved a team of 6 Developers,
2 Managers and 2 QA’s; its development
cycle ran for 18 months. This has been ADI’s
premier projects involving the implementation
of Distributed Object technology in Java
and RSA encryption algorithms. What initially
began as a consulting project, developed
into a strong relationship with the client
which gave rise to a full-fledged offshore
development center (ODC) at ADI, dedicated
to the client’s requirements.
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