Design of a Reference Implementation of a Standard Java API for Instant Messaging and Presence

A new standard for an instant messaging and presence (IMP) API has been developed in the Java Community. This specification defines a protocol neutral interface to such protocols as IETF SIP/SIMPLE, OMA IMPS, and IETF XMPP (Jabber). In this paper we describe the design and technical issues in developing a multi-protocol reference implementation. We compare this work with our previous implementation of a SIP/SIMPLE specific API and with the Gaim open source multiprotocol client architecture. This analysis is important for designers of consumer and mobile products that incorporate IMP functionality.