An electronic discussion for library-based World-Wide Web managers.

Jess Posgate | 22 Jun 2012 16:25

Re: Meebo Me Alternatives

I have been looking for a free, web based IM widget solution to replace
Meebo for our Toolkit chat support service and am experimenting with Zoho
Chat. They have a very easy embed option for live chat, but also have Live
Support and Shoutbox options https://chat.zoho.com/mpchat.do. Theirs is a
simple interface that allows one-way file sharing, one-click screenshare,
and other options which make a pretty package for supporting users. My one
complaint is the inability to customize the alert when a new chat guest
arrives--right now it's a very loud old-fashioned telephone ring. Give me
visuals, anytime! I am still exploring and testing, but if anyone has input,
feedback or a history of using this service, i would be very interested to
hear about it. 

============================

To unsubscribe: http://bit.ly/web4lib

Web4Lib Web Site: http://web4lib.org/

2012-06-22

headers

Ronnie Fields | 27 Jun 2012 20:25

Re: Meebo Me Alternatives

Hello Jess,

I've done some experimenting with Zoho as well.  I love it as a Meebo
replacement...BUT, there are a couple of issues preventing me from
recommending it as a solution (right now): 

1. online/offline status updates
Currently, users have to refresh their browser screen in order to
determine the online/offline status of the person logged into chat. This
can be problematic. Users don't really know if librarians are available
for chat.

2. changing the background window of the chat widget when user not
connected
Currently, when users visit our site and see the chat widget, the window
has a gray background with a smiley face asking for the user to enter
their name.  I've asked Zoho folks if it will be possible to 1)
customize the background of this window to our liking, and 2) not
require users to enter their name in order to chat (especially since
it's already anonymous).

3. Zoho chat in beta!
I would like to know the future plans for Zoho chat.  It's currently in
beta and I'm wondering if the service will remain free.

Other than this, I think Zoho Chat is a great tool.  The desktop and
file sharing functionality is very easy to do for both the admin and the
patron.  I hope they address the first two issues listed above.

Ronnie Fields

(Continue reading)

headers

Jane Littlefield | 28 Jun 2012 21:58

Re: Meebo Me Alternatives

Hi Ronnie (and Jess),

We're leaning toward ZohoChat too.

You can resolve one part of the second issue you mentioned, regarding the
gray background with a smiley face. 

If you add the parameter   -Title&smiley=false   to the end of the iframe
src of the code snippet, then the smiley face thankfully disappears. The
grayed-out box/name entry field still appear, but at least the face is gone.

Found this info here: https://forums.zoho.com/topic/chat-gadget-image

If you hear back from the Zoho folks, I'd be interested in what they say.

Jane Littlefield
Reference/Instruction Librarian
Saint Mary's University of MN

============================

To unsubscribe: http://bit.ly/web4lib

Web4Lib Web Site: http://web4lib.org/

2012-06-28

headers

Ronnie Fields | 2 Jul 2012 10:33

Re: Meebo Me Alternatives

Jane,

Thanks for this information. 

I contacted Zoho and asked if their widget will be able to automatically
update its status.  Here's their response:

Sorry, Currently we don't have such option in Zoho Chat. We have added your request in our task list. We will
check the feasibility to implement the same and inform you once it is done. 

Thanks,
Ronnie

On 6/28/2012 12:58 PM, Jane Littlefield wrote:
> Hi Ronnie (and Jess),
>
> We're leaning toward ZohoChat too.
>
> You can resolve one part of the second issue you mentioned, regarding the
> gray background with a smiley face. 
>
> If you add the parameter   -Title&smiley=false   to the end of the iframe
> src of the code snippet, then the smiley face thankfully disappears. The
> grayed-out box/name entry field still appear, but at least the face is gone.
>
> Found this info here: https://forums.zoho.com/topic/chat-gadget-image
>
> If you hear back from the Zoho folks, I'd be interested in what they say.
>
> Jane Littlefield

(Continue reading)