I want to create a Web site with multiple chat rooms based on XMPP open-source server software such as Openfire.
Requirements:
1. Ajax client. Does not need ANY client software beyond a browser (no Java, no Flash).
2. Users require a user name and password, which any visitor can create.
3. Users can create their own chat rooms and assign a password to the room.
4. IMPORTANT: Each chat room has its own unique Web address. If you have a user account, you can enter the chat room merely by visiting that unique Web address or clicking a link sent in email. (For example, rooms you create at www.webchattr.com are like this.) If users who click the link are not already registered, they are first prompted to join before they can enter.
5. Chat rooms must have an “Ignore User” function.
6. Revenue will be generated from banners and Google AdSense.
7. Solution must be built on a highly scalable open source foundation.
8. Optional: All users that create a room can also delete a room or change the room’s password.
9. Optional. Video capabilities for chat rooms. Users can see approx. six other users at a time. Every video feed is labeled with the appropriate user’s name.
10. There is one other very simple but innovative chat feature the software must include. I will reveal this required feature to the party chosen to develop the software. Before I do so, the party must first sign an NDA, and then we can renogatiate the costs if need be.
Questions for the developer candidate:
A. What is your total time and cost estimate to complete this project?
B. Please detail your web programming experience and provide samples of previously coded websites.
C. When can you begin?
Other Specifications:
1. I want the chat functionality to be unicode-compatible and able to handle input and output in all major languages. I also want a basic set of emoticons available in all chat rooms.
2. Users in the same room can sent private messages to each other. These private messages will appear in pop-up windows. All chat windows, whether private messages or conference windows, will include Google AdSense and/or banner advertising.
3. I will provide much assistance in choosing the look and layout. In general, the look of the site must be very clean, clear, bold, and soft/rounded. Not boxy, busy, or wordy. No pop-ups, no preloading.
4. Scalability is a concern. Solution must be able to expand to clusters. (It is my understanding that XMPP-based software can be clustered.)
“FAQ”:
Q1. Is it right to assume that users will access their accounts only on website?
Yes, there will be no client beyond a Web browser. However, if they have cookies from the Web site saved, they don’t need to log in and can go straight to a chat room.
Q2. What will be the process of joining the chat rooms created by other users? Can chat room creator invite other users by sending mail?
Yes, the chat room creator can invite others by sending email. In fact, that is the main way that chat room creators will invite others. The chat room creator can also delete the room or change the password for the room at any time.
Q3. The banners and google ads will be displayed on home page only or on chat pages too ?
Banners and Google ads are displayed only chat pages, not the home page.
Q4. If the rooms are password protected, is it that only invited users can join the room ?
No, anyone with the password can join the room. Some recipients of an invitation might not be members. They will click on a room link and be required to create an account before connecting to the chat room.