IceChat 2009/9 was started in late 2008 , in order for IceChat to get a fresh new start.

Upto this point, all the full releases of IceChat have been closed source. There was an attempt with version 6, to start off fresh with writing IceChat with C# (using .net framework v1.1) The project got fairly far, but because of the lack of commitment from other developers helping with the project, and other project set backs, and also just the lack of a good framework to work with, the project eventually died and IceChat 7 started.

There was an attempt with IceChat 8 to start off fresh, but the ideas that came to me just were not on track, and the project lacked direction. It was more of a “let’s try this” type of project, and nothing really came from it.

IceChat 7 needed an update. Yes, IceChat 7 is a great client, and works for the most of us, but it is written in a programming language that is outdated. IceChat needed to be re-written with a modern programming language, that allows greater flexibility. C# was again the language of choice, because of its great cross-platform compatable Mono Framework equilivant. Using the .net framework v3.5 makes it fully compatable with the latest version of Mono. This would make IceChat a cross-platform friendly, which is what so many users have been asking for in the past.

This brings us to today. IceChat 2009 is now in the works, and has made great progress. It is also open source, meaning anyone can download the Source Code, and compile it on their own PC. We are hoping that because of this we can find some developers who are willing to help with the project. Currently we are keeping the source code on http://icechat.codeplex.com as it is an easy site to work with and update.

Screenshot of Alpha 7 Build

If you wish to talk about the project, contribute to the project, feel free to signup in the IceChat Forums and discuss it, or visit us in the #icechat2009 channel on irc.quakenet.org.