Sun Java System Communications Services 6 2005Q4 Deployment Planning Guide

Components Related to Instant Messaging

The software components discussed in this section work with Instant Messaging server, but are installed separately. Chapter 23, Developing an Instant Messaging Architecture provides more detailed information that illustrates how these servers interact with Instant Messaging.

Web Server

(Required) For any deployment, you need to install a web server, such as Sun Java System Web Server or Sun Java System Application Server. You can also use any open standard web server (for example, Apache). In all cases, the Instant Messenger resources must reside on the web server host.

Instant Messaging requires a web server to serve the Instant Messenger resources. The Instant Messenger resource files include:

You must install Instant Messenger resources on the same host where the web server is installed. In an Access Manager deployment, you can install these resources on the Access Manager server’s host or on a different web server host. In most cases, the resources will be installed on the same host where you installed the Instant Messaging server software. It is possible to locate the Instant Messenger resources on a host other than the Instant Messaging server or multiplexor.


Note –

Install the web server before configuring Instant Messaging.


LDAP Server

(Required) Instant Messaging uses an LDAP server, such as Directory Server, for end user authentication and search. In a deployment with Portal Server, Instant Messaging uses the same LDAP server used by Portal Server. If you do not have an LDAP directory already installed, you must install one.

The Instant Messaging server does not store the Instant Messenger end-user authentication information. This information is stored in the LDAP server.

By default, the Instant Messaging server relies on the common end-user attributes cn and uid to search for end-user and group information. If you want, you can configure the server to use another attribute for search. In addition, Instant Messaging properties (such as contact lists and subscriptions) can be stored in files on the Instant Messaging server or in the LDAP server.

For instructions on configuring the server to use a non-default attribute for user search, see the Sun Java System Instant Messaging 7 2005Q1 Administration Guide.


Note –

Because a proper Directory Server implementation is instrumental to a successful Instant Messaging deployment, read the Sun Java System Directory Server 5 2005Q1 Deployment Plannning Guide in addition to this guide.


SMTP Server

(Optional) An SMTP messaging server, such as Messaging Server, is used to forward instant messages, in the form of email, to end users who are offline. The SMTP server does not have to reside on the same host as the Instant Messaging server.

Calendar Server

(Optional) Calendar Server is used to notify users of calendar-based events.

Access Manager and Access Manager SDK

(Optional) Access Manager and Access Manager SDK provide end user and service management, authentication and single sign-on services. In addition, Access Manager and Access Manager SDK are required in deployments that include Portal Server. In both deployments, the SDK must be installed on the Instant Messaging server’s host.

Portal Server

(Optional) Portal Server supports message archiving, and enables you to run Instant Messaging in secure mode. In addition, the Instant Messenger client is made available to end users through the Portal Server desktop. The following two Portal Server components provide additional functionality:

Portal Server Desktop

Instant Messenger installed in the Portal Server environment can be launched from the Instant Messaging channel available to end users on Portal Server Desktop.

Secure Remote Access

Secure Remote Access enables remote end users to securely access their organization’s network and its services over the Internet. The end user can access Secure Remote Access by logging into the web-based Portal Server Desktop through the portal gateway. The authentication module configured for Portal Server authenticates the end user. The end-user session is established with Portal Server and the access is enabled to the end user’s Portal Server Desktop.

In the Portal Server environment, you can configure Instant Messenger in either secure or non-secure mode. In secure mode, communication is encrypted through the Portal Server Netlet. When access Instant Messenger in secure mode, a lock icon appears in the Status area of the Instant Messenger application. In non-secure mode, the Instant Messenger session is not encrypted. For more information on Netlet, see the Sun Java System Portal Server 6 Secure Remote Access Administration Guide 2004Q2.