Hosted Chat for Business
Hosted and On Premise Chat Solutions
AstraChat utilizes an advanced two-tier clustering architecture consisting of a front-end application tier and a back-end data storage tier.
The front-end tier consists of “data-less” application servers that are typically virtualized Windows Servers running the AstraChat application services. The AstraChat clustering architecture enables any subscriber to connect to any application node to access their messaging services. Subscribers are not “tied” to any node or any group of nodes in the cluster. This architecture allows for virtually unlimited horizontal scale by adding application nodes as the load increases.
The back-end tier contains the data storage devices. a SQL Server cluster is used to store the subscriber database, the cluster configuration database, the chat database and the logging database.
Clustering Architecture
In this proposed clustering architecture for a hosted service three key components are used:
- Nodes running AstraChat services
- Database servers running a mirrored SQL Server Cluster
- Load balancing switches
In this configuration the load balancers distribute incoming connections to the servers based on the traffic type and current service load. Incoming Chat connections are distributed evenly between the application nodes hosting the requested service. Fail-over from one node to another is automatic: in the event of a system failure, the load balancer removes the failed server from the group of systems that receive traffic.
Active Directory Integration
In order to allow the users to use the same credentials they have for other services when accessing the chat service, and have their passwords updated globally across all services the chat system can integrate with Active Directory.
Active Directory Alternative
Hosted AstraChat can also authenticate via your email servers or maintain its own database of user accounts.
Chat Message Flow
Chat connections are routed by the load balancers to an application server which is currently part of the chat cluster. The connections are defined as ‘sticky’ so a single user will always connect to the same node for the duration of their chat session.
Messages are received from clients using secured (TLS or SSL) XMPP (jabber) protocol. If the recipient of the service is not a local user the message is relayed internally to the recipient’s server and relayed to them. If the recipient of the message is local but not online the message is stored for delivery in the SQL database. If the recipient is local and currently online the message is relayed directly to the client.
Features
Full Support For Desktop And Mobile Devices
You can sign on and run AstraChat from your Windows, Mac or LInux desktop and iPhone or Android device, all at the same time.
Mobile - Desktop Message Sync
AstraChat has built-in mobile and desktop message sync, whether it is a 1:1 chat or a group conversation, you won’t miss any messages
Integrated Picture And File Sharing
Share pictures, documents or other files to anyone on your contact list.
Sent - Delivered - Read Message Status
See at a glance if your message has been received and read.
End To End Encryption
To maintain your confidentiality and message integrity
High Availability Server Cluster
Scalable to a million users on a single server, backed up by fully redundant multiple server smart cluster architecture
Fully Encrypted Communication
AstraChat protects your information by encrypting your communication with SSL and TLS support.
Contact Subscriptions Based On Email Address
Your email address is your username, providing a single point of contact for chat and email communuication.
Single Sign-On Integration With Active Directory
AstraChat can integrate with your existing Active Directory forest for authentication and account management.
Support For Multiple IM Clients Per User
Sign on with AstraChat on your phone, tablet and desktop and receive messages from your contacts to all devices, allowing you to seamlessly continue conversations when leaving or returning to the office.
On Premise Managed Hosting Keeps Your Data Contained
With an on premise managed hosted AstraChat installation all the information remains in your own network, not on a third party server or in the cloud.
Custom Chat Bots
Automated bots can be created to solve your unique business needs allowing you to complete tasks and get information without leaving your chat client.