Context Aware Instant Messenger with Integrated Scheduling Planner

The purpose of this paper is to do a research on context awareness concept in instant
messaging applications. The widely used instant messaging systems usually incorporate
the same context awareness function that displays the current status of other users. There
are many prototypes of context aware instant messenger program that already being
developed and being tested in order to ensure the applications are able to display the
users' status in a more reliable and accurate manner. However, the availability indicators
provided by instant messenger only useful for users who are planning to have
communication with other users. This kind of context aware does not help users to use
the instant messaging systems for another purpose such as to schedule an appointment
with one of their contact list.
By realizing this issue, the design of a Context-Aware Instant Messenger with Integrated
Scheduling Planner system is proposed to cater the problems. The solution application is
designed for all computer users especially for the staffs in organizations and universities
students which will enable them to do any appointment through instant messaging
system. Throughout this document, the existing prototype of instant messaging systems
is discussed regarding their context awareness concept and at the same time is compared
to identifY their strong and weaknesses.
From the finding of the research, new project plan is discussed in order to develop a new
brand prototype of instant messaging application starting from planning, analysis,
design, prototype development until prototype system testing. Prototyping methodology
is chosen for the development of this application because of the time constraint. There
are three prototypes with different level of functionality has been produced by this
project to exhibit the scheduling planner function.
Based on the research done, the Context-Aware Instant Messenger with Integrated
Scheduling Planner system was found to transcend current instant messaging products
by having new feature which enable the users to schedule any event with their contact
list.