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JBuddy Developer Tools Readme

Welcome to Zion Software's JBuddy Developer Tools.

If you need to build an interactive IM Bot or add IM technology to your application quickly and easily without being distracted with the underlying details of each protocol and their evolution, you've come to the right place. Using the JBuddy Bot Framework and simple XML skills, a non-developer can build a basic interactive IM bot. Using one of the JBuddy Instant Messaging Toolkits, a software developer with basic programming skills in JavaTM or any COM or .NET programming language can easily integrate Instant Messaging & Presence technology into client or server deployed applications using the simple JBuddy API and runtime components.

Release Notes
JBuddy Developer Tools Release Notes

System Requirements
Developers

  • Java Developers using JBuddy SDK require Java Standard Edition* version 1.3.1 or newer
  • COM Developers require a Java Runtime Environment** (JRE) version 1.3.1 or newer
  • .NET Developers require a JRE** version 1.3.1+ and the .NET Framework
  • MSN and XMPP (Jabber) may require SSL authentication which is available in the JSSE library or included in Java 1.4+.

Applications built with JBuddy Developer Tools

  • All applications built with JBuddy Developer Tools will require either Java Standard Edition* or a JRE** version 1.3.1 or newer
  • COM and .NET applications will require the JBuddy.dll component to be installed and registered.
  • .NET applications will require the .NET Framework to be installed.
  • MSN and XMPP (Jabber) may require SSL authentication which is available in the JSSE library or included in Java 1.4+.

* The latest Java Standard Edition can be downloaded from http://java.sun.com/javase/
** The latest Java Runtime environment can be downloaded from http://www.java.com/

IM Protocol Support
Popular Public Instant Messaging Services

  • AIM  -AOL Instant Messenger SM
  • ICQ   - ICQ (I Seek You)
  • MSN  - MSN Messenger Service
  • YIM   - Yahoo Messenger
  • XMPP  - Google Talk
Enterprise Instant Messaging Protocols
  • JABBER  - XMPP Protocol (aka Jabber)
  • SAMETIME   - Lotus Sametime
  • LCS   - Microsoft LCS
  • JSC  - JBuddy Message Server protocol

Features

  • Simple, flexible, Object Oriented Framework
  • One API for common Instant Messaging features including:
    • Sending and receiving Instant Messages
    • Composing and parsing rich content within Instant Messages
    • Conferencing support (multi-user chat)
    • Sending and receiving Files
    • Sending and receiving Presence (Status) Information
    • Buddy list management
    • Privacy features
  • IClient subclasses supporting protocol specific features

    Versions & License Limitations
    JBuddy Developer Tools are packaged for software developers in two flavors; JBuddy SDK (Java) and JBuddy.NET (COM and .NET languages) in one installer, and JBuddy-CF for ColdFusion MX 7+ developers in a separate installer. The use of JBuddy Developer Tools require a Java Runtime Environment (JRE) version 1.3.1 or greater and a valid license key for the intended use.

    JBuddy requires a valid license file or license key to run. A free, restricted license file comes bundled with JBuddy. Please read the LicenseAgreement to verify you are using JBuddy according to your agreement. On startup, JBuddy will try to locate a valid license file or license key. You can help JBuddy find the proper license by specifying a Java system property 'jbuddy.home' with a value equal to the location of the JBuddySDK directory. You may also specify this absolute path within the JBuddy.properties file. If you are provided with an upgrade license, you should replace the original jbuddy.lic file or license.lic with the license file you receive in order to remove certain restrictions in the bundled free license.

    Bundled JBuddy license limitations

  • The bundled license limits the number of chat sessions to three (3) concurrent chats within a fifteen (15) minute period
  • The bundled license is limited to three (3) concurrent IM clients signed on concurrently

    • Installation
    JBuddy SDK and JBuddy.NET are available in a double-clickable java jar installer
    The following subdirectories may appear depending on selections you make during installation:

    • JBuddyBots - contains the JBuddyBots Framework including the javadocs, xmldocs, docs, demos and libraries for building IM bots
    • JBuddySDK - contains the JBuddySDK and JBuddy.NET including the javadocs, docs, demos and libraries for IM-enabling your application
    Bots Showcase
    In the near future, Zion may allow IM Bots developers to submit their JBuddy Bots for inclusion in an online JBuddy Bots Showcase. In addition, select JBuddy Bot developers (ISVs and VARs) may be able to offer their JBuddy Bots for sale through this online Showcase - check our site and JBuddy Community Forums periodically for announcements.

    Support
    For more information, see Support Documentation online.

    Free community based support is available online at
    JBuddy Community Forums

    Developer and Production Support contracts are available by contacting the Sales Department at Zion.

    Contacting Zion Sales
    The limitations of the free, bundled JBuddy license can be lifted by contacting the Sales Department at Zion to purchase a less restrictive license suitable for your deployment needs. Please contact Zion Sales M-F 9-5 EST at 860-432-6258 or email sales@zionsoftware.com, or visit Contact Zion and click the 'Instant Help' link and submit your question for live help.