BACKGROUND
Before the implementation of Local Area Network (LAN) infrastructure at the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC), communication between staff was limited to using the internal phone extensions. At that time, a staff or officer may need to try several extension numbers before he or she could speak to his or her colleague in another building/area. This is because SBC’s staff, particularly its research officers, moved daily between its research laboratories and their general workstations.
In year 2004, SBC extended its R&D facilities and the LAN was implemented. After the construction was completed in 2005, the need to enhance communication between staff became even more crucial.
At that time, SBC had yet to implement a server-client network infrastructure. To implement a fully integrated communication solution required investment in server hardware and propriety software. In addition, staff who are skilled in Information Technology (IT) are required to administer and manage the solution. It was apparent that a network messaging client was the most viable solution to enable communication between the staffs of SBC who are located in different buildings.
SOLUTION
LAN Messaging Client
A LAN messaging client is an instant messaging program designed for use within a single LAN.
The LAN messaging client runs inside a company’s private LAN. Therefore, Internet connection or a central messaging server is not required. Only users within the LAN firewall will have access to the system/chat. As messages and data do not leave the LAN, there is no need to worry about spamming from outside (e.g. the Internet).
BORGChat
BORGChat is a LAN messaging client freeware developed by a developer nicknamed Lonut Cioflan. Essentially, BORGChat enables users to carry out main and private chats and post messages. It supports graphic and animated emoticons as well. It also has a message board feature that allows users to post notices.
Besides that, this multilingual software also allows users to beep and ping one another and view computers and files that are shared over the network.
One particular function that users of BORGChat at SBC find especially useful is BORGChat’s facility that enables file transfers between users at a simple click of a button. It also enables users to transfer graphics or pictures that have been copied to the computer’s clipboard.
Similar to web based messaging clients, BORGChat also allows users to set their status to inform other users should they be away from the computer or busy.
Renowned software review and download side, SoftSea (www.softsea.com) had also run tests on BORGChat and found it especially user friendly as it does not contain any adware or spyware.
It generally encourages time saving as files can be easily transferred and retrieved between users and messages can be easily relayed between the users.
OUTCOME
The use of BORGChat encourages a decrease in the use of paper as notices and announcements can be posted for all users to view. Should there be a need to retrieve these messages and notices or announcements, BORGChat has the feature to log these messages and postings.
Implementation of BORGChat has also encouraged staff to be more ICT-literate and to be more proactive in delivery of information. In addition, it has also relieved the use of telephone lines.
SBC finds that the use of BORGChat has provided for a more efficient mode of communication between the staff, particularly those who are stationed in different buildings.
Unfortunately, BORGChat is no longer in development. Despite this, BORGChat is still considered as one of the most complete LAN messaging utility that has a freeware license.
The software was last updated in year 2007. The latest version is 1.0.0.438 and is available for download online.
Due its comprehensive, yet easy to use features, practicality and simple interface, BORGChat is still installed for every SBC staff to use. It is becoming a point of reference for activities.
BORGChat can be downloaded at http://borgchat. softnews.ro/download.php or http://www.softpedia.com.
