Step 1: Initiating a chat
To start a chat with another user, you must first know the user’s short name and the domain name that iChat is configured to use.
Step 2: Verifying identity
iChat verifies the identity of users by using Open Directory authentication. Users are authenticated only if they’re defined in a directory domain in the server’s Open Directory search path.
Step 3: Authorizing the user
iChat makes sure that users are authorized to use the service. The server administrator can optionally deny access to specific users.
Step 4: Processing URLs
Users can send files and URLs back and forth, making it easy to jointly review information. Because URLs are text, they are passed as normal messages by themselves, or in the body of larger text messages. URLs are unique in that they are recognized and handled differently when displayed in the chat window. Conversely, files are not text and are handled through a different exchange that requires the receiving user to approve the file transfer before it can occur.
Step 5: Recording a chat
A transcript of chats can be recorded and saved for later use.
Using iChat in Small to Medium Organizations
For instant messaging in small to medium organizations, you can choose the standard configuration of Mac OS X Server during the installation process. When using a standard configuration, you should use Server Preferences to administer iChat which permits quick and easy configuration.
When using the standard configuration, iChat supports an
For more information about setting up iChat in a standard configuration, see Getting Started.
Using iChat in Large Organizations
You can configure and manage iChat service using Server Admin in the advanced configuration of Mac OS X Server v10.5. For more information, see Chapter 2, “Setting Up and Managing iChat Service.”
Chapter 1 Understanding iChat Service
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