MRC Chat platform

Intro

The MRC Chat platform is undergoing a major transformation. Thanks to Gryphon for the initial version.

This transformation will happen in multiple stages and feedback is always appreciated.

Stage 1

Many issues existed in the client portion of MRC. These issues have been resolved with the release of an updated client replacing the MPL script.

Backward compatibility with v1.1 is maintained allowing a mix of older and newer clients to interact while a transition is worked out.

Quick adoption of this release have seen many BBSes adopt the new client.

Stage 2

The server was moved to a DC hosted server to ensure better availability and allow for some minor performance improvement.

A new server codebase is being developed from scratch to address many of the issues identified previously while maintaining backward compatibility with the v1.1 implementation.

Stage 3

Cross-platform interoperability documentation is being developped to allow the platform to extend beyond the Mystic BBS base.

This will allow other platforms to interact easily with the platform, creating a uniform chat experience.

If you are a developer and wish to create a client for a platform not listed below, please reach out to StackFault and ask for access to the development team.

List of platforms currently interested

• Mystic
• CNet
• WildCat
• Synchronet

Stage 4

Deployment of the new server is planned for late Q1 2019.

The code is currently in the testing phase and will enter a feature freeze end of February 2019

This stage will result in the release of a new MRC package containing the Mystic UI and Mystic client.

Many new options will also be included in the release, including:

New Server code includes the following improvements

• Multi-threaded architecture
• Message queuing
• Improved validation of connections
• Improved keep-alive mechanisms
• Faster roundtrip of messages
• Increased connection capacity
• BBS information screens
• Better announcement of connecting users
• New server commands
• Many more smaller improvements

New Mystic UI improvements

• Handle auto-completion
• Better support for customization
• Many more smaller improvements

New Mystic client improvements

• Auto-reconnect within the client
• Support for the new server commands
• Improved keep-alive mechanism
• Support for server-side managed rooms
• Many more smaller improvements

Feedback

Feedback is appreciated, please report any issues found to StackFault, either in MRC directly, by logging in to The Bottomless Abyss or via netmail.