[RESOLVED] messenger dynamic buttons

[bambo]

Hi,

I have an asp.net website with sql server db.

I have a table of customers, and a grid showing all the customers. I'd like to add an msn messenger button for each customer, so that clicking on this button will open up msn messenger and call this customer according to the field "messengerID" on my customers table.

in addition, if possible I'd like that a certain message (based on the user details) will be automatically sent to the customer inside messenger when it opens up.

I'd appreciate your help on this, also if it is not possible to do in msn messenger please advise what other communication service I can use to allow chat + voice talk between the user and the customer.

thanks,

[mendhak]

You'll need to generate dynamic hyperlinks that call a javascript method onclick. A commonly available code snippet for this is:

<object classid="clsid:B69003B3-C55E-4B48-836C-BC5946FC3B28" codeType="application/x-oleobject" id="IMessenger">
</object>
<a href='javascript:IMessenger.InstantMessage("[email protected]");window.location.replace(window.location)'><b>Send MSN Message</b></a>

I don't think you can actually get the message sent though unless there's some undocumented API in there. This code snippet requires MSN to be installed.

[bambo]

thanks for that, I'll give it a try.

do you have any idea how to use skype instead of msn messenger in the same way?

thanks,

[mendhak]

Never seen any code for launching skype. If you've seen it on any websites, you should be able to get the relevant code from there.

[bambo]

there's a detailed info in skype website on how to create buttons for specific users ("static" buttons). but nothing about making bounded to db records.

thanks,

[mendhak]

Show me. It may be possible to modify it to work with information coming from a database.

[bambo]

here's the link: http://www.skype.com/share/buttons/

thanks,

[mendhak]

<!--
Skype 'Skype Me™!' button
http://www.skype.com/go/skypebuttons
-->
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://download.skype.com/share/skypebuttons/js/skypeCheck.js"></script>
<a href="skype:abcdefg?call"><img src="http://download.skype.com/share/skypebuttons/buttons/call_green_white_92x82.png" style="border: none;" width="92" height="82" alt="Skype Me™!" /></a>

Very simple. All you need is a hyperlink, and you set its NavigateUrl property from the codebehind. Since it's from the codebehind, you get the value from a database.

The rest of the code there is rather static and you can simply stick it on the page. Just replace the <a> element with a server side hyperlink control.

[bambo]

great!

any ideas how to send an initial message when clicking the skype button?

[mendhak]

I think it's pretty limited, this is as far as they've exposed.

[bambo]

thanks again, I wonder if its possible at all on skype, or on any other messenger...

I can't add to your rating (I must spread some before)

thanks,

[mendhak]

Most probably not. While getting a chat window open may be alright, impersonating a user may breach some privacy laws.

[bambo]

I see, thanks.

[mendhak]

So... all questions answered? If so, add resolved. I think this could be useful for future searchers.

[bambo]

I was hoping someone could find a fix for sending an initial message, but I guess its not possible.

thanks,

[mendhak]

There is another route you can investigate. Though it's not exactly the best solution.

You may have seen certain web based messengers.

Using certain web based APIs, you could actually get the user to login by giving his credentials, and then it may be possible for you to send a 'system' or even an impersonated message. I don't know how far you can go with that API, but it's an avenue you could explore.

[bambo]

yes, but that would require the other side to stay listening on this messenger, which doesn't fit to this project requirments.

[mendhak]

Those are all the options you have then.

If you ever find a solution to go beyond this, do post it.