In lieu of a re-packaged version of the big boys, dotSyntax developers created a complete lifestyle application so incredible, their users (whose devoting could be seen as obsessive based on emails About.com has received regarding the client) helped Digsby capture four of six 2008 IM Best Awards, including Developers of the Year.
Brandon De Hoyos, About’s Guide to IM, talked with Digsby’s development team to discuss their 2008 success and how inspired developers can get involved in the process:
Brandon: Thank you for this opportunity to talk. How did you all become involved with developing the Digsby client?
Digsby:: We felt that online communication had become cumbersome. We found ourselves spending more time checking up on all our online accounts than actually using them. So we wanted to make an application to make digital communication simpler and bring back the efficiency it was suppose to deliver.
Brandon: This year, your users helped Digsby win four out of six 2008 IM Best Awards. Since then, the accolades and acclaim have continued to grow. What role do you see the users playing in the future of your client?
Digsby: As a young product our biggest focus is on growing our userbase. If you enjoy using Digsby, then take a few minutes to IM or email your friends to tell them about it. We greatly appreciate any help in spreading the word.
Brandon: What has been the most rewarding part of developing Digsby?
Digsby: All the user feedback we get telling us how much people have been enjoying our product. Knowing that we are really helping people use these services with more efficiency is a really rewarding feeling.
Brandon: And the most challenging part?
Digsby: Keeping up with all the user requests is tough. There is so much we want to do with Digsby and there are never enough hours in the day to get it all done.
Brandon: After your successful debut, there are probably quite a few envious folks dreaming of stepping into the shoes of a developer. What advice do you have for beginners?
Digsby: If you want to make a multiprotocol IM client then the first thing you need to do is get familiar with all the protocols. You should plan out as much as you can about the architecture and GUI before you start developing. However, making a client from scratch is probably too big for one person to tackle. If you want to get involved you should write a plugin for one of the existing IM clients or contribute to an open source project.
Brandon: What resources should a beginning developer have to start building their own IM?
Digsby: A lot of free time (laughs).
