Develop a Instance Messaging Client + Server for Android

Question

Hi I need to develop a fully functional IM solution (like viber or whatsapp) for android. It will have the basic chat features plus many more. Can any one direct me on this. I don't want to re invent the wheel so my target is to use the existing thing as much as possible for the chat server etc (some thing like jabber). If one can direct me for this, or give me some good advice for this it will be a great help.

Edit - I will extend the application future to allow other platform clients like Windows Mobile or iOS clients. In that sense what would be the best technology to implement the server? It must handle real time traffic well. Will I be able to wrap or extend some sort of a XAMPP server to get my work done?

Answer 1

This is what you need. http://developer.android.com/google/gcm/index.html

It has everything you need for developing applications like viber, gtalk, instant messaging sistems, global user notifications etc...and its pretty easy to implement.

Answer 2

What you could look into, is something like Firebase. They have an incredible api for such applications firebase link to android docs

Plus it gives you a backend at the same time for free.

Answer 3

A good solution if you don't want to reinvent the wheel is to create a Jabber / XMPP client on Android and all other platforms.

Server-side, you can use an OpenFire server for managing the roster and conversations with the Smack Library

Google Cloud Messaging as mentioned Janbo is the best way for sending push notifications to your mobile app.