[thelist] Which Chat Server/Forum for Interaction on a Corporate Site

[Ron Dorman]

I have busted 5-6 hours reading features, requirements, etc. for chat 
servers and forums on google. Now I'm asking the community for their 
opinions on chat servers/forums.

Our client needs software to run on their server, allowing distributors, 
resellers and users to discuss the company products.

1. we need 1-20 rooms/topics (1 room/topic per product, growing)
2. Linux or Windows server (current site is on Windows)
3. price is not an issue, but needs to be reasonable
4. currently support for 300+ users, growing quickly to as many as 
8000-9000 within a year
5. stable and reasonably fast
6. no user side client needed (must be usable via http/html/xhtml)
7. would be nice if chats (if chat room is chosen) could be saved and 
presented in a forum style format/application for searching
8. arguments for using forum software vs. real time chat, or real time 
chat vs. forum, appreciated

I believe many of you have delivered, and supported, such applications 
for your clients (some of you may be the clients using such 
applications) and I am looking for the reality of your experiences to 
help me make a good choice for this client.

Thank You,
Ron D.