Earlier today, I found this gem: a multi-messaging protocol supporting curses based messager CenterICQ. It works too, as you can see from the images. It really works, and you have to take my word for it. The good thing is that there is a Debian package for it in the unstable branch: if you run from Sarge/main or testing: just fire up a terminal and ‘apt-get -t unstable install centericq’ and you should be all set. While not really intuitive, CenterICQ is fast and sufficient for the quick messaging fix on your corporate intranet. That is if you’re not quick to be daunted by SSH and other 1337 stuff you do in your commandline environment. Currently CenterICQ supports ICQ, Yahoo, Jabber and MSN (no really).
Stay right there: there’s more. Via-via, I discovered the slickest MSN-compatible messenger around and it’s called ‘Regnessem’. From what I can see (it’s all Japanese) it’s only Windows based (C++/Delphi), but my Japanese isn’t as good. The sourcecode can be retrieved from the regular location (tarball) by going to the Browse CVS pages.
I wonder, why is there a separate Sourceforge in Japan? Wouldn’t it be smarter to tie these SF servers? Or are there more Japanese programmers than European, North and South American programmers together?
Update: I’m surprised to find out that Japan hearts instant-messaging (2001 article). But then, I’m not.