I'm currently working on a project called waim. It stands for Web AIM (AOL Instant Messenger). Right now, it is in an early alpha stage but is coming along nicely.
The goal of this software is to allow anyone to start and run their own "web instant messenger" Web site (like meebo.com or aim express) without any knowledge of programming or coding. All you'll need is an Internet connection, some firewall configuration, and you could start your own site.
Waim is an HTTP server in itself. This means you don't need to find a web host provider who supports sockets or custom software or any of that. It runs from your computer, and handles everything from serving the web pages to connecting to AIM. The pages are fully customizable, allowing you to create a unique service while still using the waim server as the core of your site.
Security is a big issue when it comes to running any type of server. There are internal checks on literally all data sent to waim, ensuring your computer stays safe. There is also administration options allowing you to block users, disable service, and even shut down the server completely. There are only a small number of web pages that are generated per page request, the rest are created when the server is started. This limits the possible entry points to files on the host computer.
Waim is not finished, it is barely even started. Right now the Web server functionality is up and running, but it does not have it's core functions (besides web server) even written yet. I will continue to post updates about waim, and hopefully I will get a demo running so you can see how it's coming along. Read more about Waim Server Project
