nstant Messaging has exploded into the online world and is a wildly popular service of the largest Internet Service Providers (ISP) like AOL with AOL Instant Messenger, MSN with Microsoft Messenger, and Yahoo with Yahoo Messenger. Millions of Internet users everyday exchange IM?s and its use beyond messaging is just around the corner. For example, the new Microsoft .NET platform will be using instant messaging technology for data exchange.

This intermediate Java programming book provides Java programmers with the information and tools needed to create your own IM client and server software. You can use the software to create your own IM systems or integrate IM features into your existing software. Imagine allowing your customers to chat directly with technical support or other users from within your application!