Ask HN: What is a good free chat software solution for a website?

[guest666]

On my quick google search, I found several websites, including 1 YC alum, olark.

what i found is mylivechat, purechat, jivosite, olark, zopim, onlinechatcenters.

some offers free with unlimited chats (mylivechat, jivosite, zopim, which somewhat are non US company). Purechat and olark are US company which only offers limited monthly chat (30 for purechat, 20 for olark).

Is there things I should be aware of when comparing different chat solution?

any other chat solution that you would recommend?

Thanks.

[jamesleblanc]

Did you checkout eAssistance Pro live chat software ?

Actually I'm using this on my website and it's quite well tool to provide customer support service on website.

You may try its free trial offer to here https://www.eassistancepro.com/

[bennyp101]

If you can do hosted,http://www.igniterealtime.org/projects/openfire/index.jsp is not too bad, and can be customised

[guest666]

i can host a chat, but what is the advantage vs one that is hosted by the chat solution company?

The one that is hosted by the company is very simple to use, only copy and paste their java script to the html header file, create a username, and can be used within 5 minutes.

The hosted one takes a little longer to setup, but other than security factor, what other things should I consider? cause i provide chat just to improve conversion and customer service only.

since i m just starting up, i think hosted solution is too overkill?

Thanks for the suggestion.

[bennyp101]

I guess it depends on your needs, and how quickly you think you will grow. There's a chance a self hosted solution would save you money in the long run, but then you have to weigh that against the costs and support time.

I just thought I'd throw it out there :)

[lazylizard]

and then add this perhaps..https://mini.jappix.com/