Open directories for communication software

[David Farber <dave () farber net>]

Begin forwarded message:

From: Michael Robertson <michael () linspire com>
Date: September 18, 2005 6:19:20 PM EDT
To: dave () farber net
Subject: Open directories for communication software


Dave,

Thanks for the post referencing Gizmo Project.

While many people focus on whether software is 'open source' as a  
litmus test of its goodness, I would contend that for communication  
software (email, IM, voice, etc) a commitment to open directory and  
standard protocols is of paramount importance.

As an example we just soft-launched a version of Gizmo Project which  
implements jabber/xmpp based IM. This means that Gizmo Project users  
can send/receive IMs to hundreds of open directory jabber IM servers  
(www.jabber.org/network/). They can also view presence information  
with users across servers. This is the kind of interoperability IM  
needs between vendors to create the best consumer experience with  
healthy competition between directory maintainers and software vendors.

I believe there's still time to save instant messaging from the  
clutches of proprietary silos (AIM, Yahoo Messenger, MSN). The best  
bet is to build momentum behind jabber AND open servers which freely  
exchange directory information. Google Talk uses jabber so as soon as  
testing is completed their gateway will be turned with Gizmo which  
will give it more momentum.

For voice the world needs to support SIP and publicly commit to  
connect to any and all directories (even competitors) which is what  
we've done at SIPphone with Gizmo Project. And of course cross- 
platform software is important to which is why we offer mac/win/lin  
at gizmoproject.com.

Let me know if you have product suggestions or ideas.

-- MR

Michael Robertson
michael () linspire com  Read the latest Michael's Minute here

Avoid viruses, spyware and save hundreds by using Linspire - the  
easiest desktop Linux
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