Coversant has released a suite of open-source software development kits (SDKs) for building collaborative applications based on the Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol (XMPP). The LGPL-licensed SDKs, known as SoapBox Studio, support Novell's Mono project, and version 2 of the .NET Framework and .NET Compact Framework (CF) managed application environments.

According to Coversant, SoapBox Studio leverages three key technologies that combine to enable real-time messaging and interoperability among diverse computing platforms and portable devices: XML, .NET Framework (or CF), and XMPP.

XMPP, the company explains, is an IETF protocol for real-time exchange of XML messages and presence between any two points on the Internet. Being built on XML, XMPP is easily extensible; additionally, it's decentralized, which enables the development of custom XMPP server implementations that enhance security or add functionality to the server environment. Instant messaging is perhaps the most useful — and visible — application of XMPP technology, the company notes.

The combination of XML, .NET, and XMPP, according to Coversant, presents structured rich documents that can be shared among compatible systems and applications. These range from standard PCs and their browsers, to PDAs and smartphones based on Windows Mobile, to other hardware/software platforms. In addition to .NET, Soapbox Studio also supports the Novell-sponsored Mono open-source managed code framework, which runs on Linux, Solaris, Mac OS X, and Unix systems, and which was recently updated.

Specifically, Coversant says that “solutions built using SoapBox Studio can be deployed on Windows, Linux, Pocket PC, Smartphone, and the web.” Additionally, “they are compatible with XMPP Instant Messaging systems including Google Talk, Jabber, Apple iChat, and Coversant's SoapBox Server.”

Soapbox Studio

Soapbox Studio comprises two groups of functionality: Soapbox Framework, which is used for building client applications; and Soapbox Server Express Edition, which provides the server functionality. The software is licensed under the GNU LGPL (Lesser General Public License) open-source license.

The SDKs can be installed on 32- and 64-bit x86 platforms running Windows 2000 and above, with development taking place under Microsoft's Visual Studio 2005 IDE, according to Coversant. A Pocket PC emulator and “associated development tools” are recommended for developing .NET CF applications.

To support the Soapbox Studio, Coversant recently launched an online developer community, where source code, documentation, and a discussion forum are available.

Coversant CEO Jason Frankel stated, “It's time to inspire a new era of integrated XMPP messaging and collaboration development. Through our new developer community, Coversant will be working closely with software publishers to give their customers the ability to collaborate on content and communicate more effectively.”

 
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