Lotus Instant Messaging/ Web Conferencing ... - IBM Redbooks

1.3 Sametime servicesSametime API functionality and accessibility is provided through Sametimeservices. Some of these services are isolated, while others are dependent uponeach other. By providing functionality and accessibility through services, theSametime API remains extendable, while also providing the following keybenefits:►►Future Sametime versions can add services and still work with olderapplications and toolkits.You can exchange the toolkit for a newer version without changing yourapplication, so long as the existing services have not changed the API.Note that not all services are supported by each of the Sametime Toolkits.Section 1.4, “Overview of the Sametime 3.1 Toolkits” on page 9 providesadditional detail on the services provided with each toolkit.Sametime services fall into three areas:► Community services: These services include awareness, instant messaging,instant meetings, and chat. A buddylist makes Sametime users aware of whois available (and who is online but unavailable) to receive an instant messageor participate in a chat with one or more people. All chat content is encrypted.► Online Meeting services: These services include a shared whiteboard and theability to share programs and documents online. Sametime also offers aserver-based Meeting Center where users can schedule online meetings inadvance and store agendas and other meeting materials. Additionally, audioand video can be directly integrated into online meetings.► Customization and Integration services: Sametime also provides acomprehensive API that enables customers to easily integrate real-timecollaborative capabilities into other applications, such as e-commerce sites,help desks, and training/information delivery applications like Sales ForceAutomation.1.3.1 Real-time collaboration: community servicesOnline, real-time collaboration is most effective when it occurs spontaneously,just like the hallway encounter. But like a face-to-face encounter, you need to beaware of the opportunity to interact. Sametime recognizes this fact andincorporates the ability to tell the server your availability. A user can tell theserver whether they are online, away from their computer, to please not disturb,or to let people know that they are on a mobile device. The awarenesscapabilities of Sametime help make spur-of-the-moment, online conversations asnatural, convenient, and worthwhile as a hallway chat. In certain situations wheretext chat may not be enough, Sametime’s audio and video support allows a6 Lotus Instant Messaging/Web Conferencing (Sametime): Building Sametime-Enabled Applications