| Acquired by | AOL |
| Date | 8/06 |
| Terms | Cash |
| Website | userplane.com |
| Blog | news.userplane.com |
| Category | Web |
| Phone | 310.979.4100 |
| Employees | 30 |
| Founded | 1/01 |
Userplane provides text, voice and video chat software to websites, companies and online communities. Their applications are Flash-based with APIs for easy site integration. Most of their applications can be used free after a one-time integrated install. Userplane apps allow for moderated open site chat, group chats and video chat that can be recorded for monitoring, searching or indexing.
Userplane also has a site search app and a desktop app that allows users to stay online and receive messages anytime. They might be releasing a new forum product for AOL in late 2007.
Their plug-in applications are available to developers looking for community features for online communities.
AOL bought Userplane in August 2006. Competitors include HeyCosmo, FlashComs and Meetro.
| Website | userplane.com/webchat |
| Stage | Live |
| Launch Date | July 1, 2007 |
| Tags | communication |
The Webchat 2 app is a really simple, minimalist window that lets users participate in text, audio and video chat. The window operates turnkey style like any other IM client with new text entering from the bottom and old text leaving the top. The app uses a Flash platform so it doesn’t need to be refreshed.
Webchat 2 is the only app that Userplane offers completely free, but users have to let Userplane run unobtrusive ads in the app window. They do have a premium “Integrated Install” version that has a monthly subscription and a one-time set-up fee. The premium version gives administrators greater control and features like integration with non-Userplane IM solutions.
The Mini-Chat feature is an innovative feature that comes standard on all the versions. It allows you to show chat room text output on your home page or any of your sites in a “lightweight, fully skinnable” pane. It seems like a great way to let users build buzz around your product or a great way to complain and scare future users.
| Website | userplane.com/webmessenger |
| Stage | Live |
| Launch Date | May 1, 2007 |
| Tags | communication |
Webmessenger 2 is very similar to Userplane’s Webchat 2 product. The Webmessenger 2 product puts heavy emphasis on its user presence and userlist features while still offering the same text, audio and video chat features.
The user presence feature lets online community users to see who else is online. The userlist feature allows people to manage their buddy lists. Another feature Userplane Games lets friends invite each other to play games while chatting.
| Website | userplane.com/apps/videoRecorder.c |
| Stage | Live |
| Launch Date | January 1, 2004 |
| Tags | video-recording |
The Webrecorder app lets you record your audio and video chats. You can also use it to record and upload video to your site or blog.
Webrecorder only requires a Flash plug-in to starting working. You can use any cheap webcam or professional DV camera for recording video because Webrecorder recognizes anything.
