Configuring Instant Messaging

This chapter provides an overview of instant messaging and discusses how to:

Configure instant messaging in PeopleSoft MultiChannel Framework.
Use the instant messaging sample pages.

Understanding Instant Messaging

PeopleSoft has extended the HTML chat functionality delivered in PeopleTools 8.42 to popular instant messaging networks. Users can initiate an outbound chat with a customer using instant messaging networks such as AOL Instant Messenger, IBM/Lotus Sametime, or Yahoo! Messenger. This enables an external user to participate in a business transaction through instant messaging.

PeopleSoft MultiChannel Framework enables instant messaging through public networks (AOL Instant Messenger and Yahoo! Messenger) and through an enterprise Lotus Sametime Connect network.

You can enable a user to initiate an instant messaging session from any page using either a button or PeopleCode.

PeopleSoft does not supply the client for any supported instant messaging software. Each user must install the appropriate client software. However, presence detection for AOL Instant Messenger and Yahoo! Messenger users functions even without installed client software.

Note. The instant messaging presence detection integration in PeopleTools (the “IM Integration”) is subject to the respective IM vendor’s network availability. In addition, the IM Integration is based on protocols made available by the respective IM Network vendors. Such protocols are subject to change at any time by the vendor. Therefore, PeopleSoft is not responsible for the availability or performance of any of the IM Networks or for any change in an IM vendor’s protocol which may render the IM Integration inoperable.

Configuring Instant Messaging Servers

The supported public instant messaging networks, Yahoo! Messenger and AOL Instant Messenger, require installation of client software, but no server configuration. Installation and configuration of the client software is the responsibility of your administrators and customers, and is beyond the scope of this document.

Lotus Sametime Connect is an instant messaging network running on an enterprise Sametime/Domino server, which must be configured to support PeopleSoft MultiChannel Framework instant messaging. To administer instant messaging with Sametime Connect, install Sametime Links and configure the server to enable anonymous users to connect to the server and query for the presence of other known users. Refer to your Lotus/Domino server documentation for more information.

Configuring Instant Messaging

To configure instant messaging, use the Instant Messaging Configuration (MCF_IM_CFG_CMP) component.

This section discusses how to configure instant messaging.

Page Used to Configure Instant Messaging

Page Name	Object Name	Navigation	Usage
Configuration	MCF_IM_CFG_PG	PeopleTools, MultiChannel Framework, Instant Messaging, Configuration	Specify or edit server IP address for instant messaging domains.

Configuring Instant Messaging

Configure instant messaging by enabling domains.

IM Domain

The instant messaging service name.

Server IP Address

The host name and port (if applicable) of the instant messaging service.

Warning! Do not alter the server address for Yahoo! or AOL.

The server addresses for Yahoo and AOL are preconfigured. However, specify the address for your Sametime Connect server.

Enabled

Select Enabled to enable the configured instant messaging service.

If the enabled flag is unselected the network is still available, but the buttons will always show presence as offline.

Using the Instant Messaging Sample Pages

To demonstrate instant messaging, use the Instant Messaging Sample Pages (MCF_IM_DEMO_CMP) component.

This section discusses how to:

Use the PeopleCode Sample page.
Use the Button Sample page.

Pages Used to Test Instant Messaging

Page Name	Object Name	Navigation	Usage
PeopleCode Sample	MCF_IM_DEMO_PG	PeopleTools, MultiChannel Framework, Instant Messaging, Sample Pages, PeopleCode Sample	Set up buddy lists and view presence for configured instant messaging clients using PeopleCode.
Button Sample	MCF_IM_DEMO1_PG	PeopleTools, MultiChannel Framework, Instant Messaging, Sample Pages, Button Sample	View presence for configured instant messaging clients using the instant messaging button.

Using the PeopleCode Sample Page

Access the PeopleCode Sample page.

The PeopleCode Sample page demonstrates the use of instant messaging PeopleCode. The sample pages are intended for demonstration purposes, and should not be used in production.

See MCFIMInfo Class.

IM Buddy List	An identifier for the list.
Description	A description for the list.
User ID	The user ID must be that of a valid user of the instant messaging service specified in the IM Domain field.
IM Domain	Select the instant messaging service associated with the specified user ID from the drop-down list box.
Status	An icon displays the presence status of the specified user. The icons vary with the instant messaging service. Click the icon to initiate an instant messaging session with the selected user. The user must be online. Note. Yahoo! and AOL do not update presence automatically. Use the Refresh Presence button to check the current status of Yahoo! and AOL users.
Refresh Presence	Click the Refresh Presence button to check the status of AOL and Yahoo users. Note. PeopleCode does not support presence detection in Sametime, so the Sametime user status does not display on the PeopleCode Sample page. Use the instant messaging button if you intend to check presence of or connect to Sametime users.

Using the Button Sample Page

Access the Button Sample page.

The Button Sample page demonstrates the use of the instant messaging button implemented in PeopleSoft Application Designer. The sample pages are intended for demonstration purposes, and should not be used in production.

See Specifying Destination Types.

IM Buddy List	An identifier for this list.
Description	A description for this list.
User and Network	User ID and instant messaging service ID.
Status	Presence status of the specified user. Click the icon to initiate an instant messaging session with the selected user. You can send an instant message even if the user is not online. Note. If the AOL icon does not display correctly, be sure that “Use HTTP 1.1” is selected in Microsoft Internet Explorer advanced internet options. If you must select “Use HTTP 1.1,” be sure to close the current browser session and open another before continuing.