Olark Chat
Version
1.1.1 (last update on May 18, 2010)
Rating
Compatibility
Votes
Favoured
28
License
GPLv2 or later
Non-Commercial
Type
Views
66894
Date Added
9 October 2009
Editor's Note
- Requires a paid subscription.
This module uses the scalable chat box service from www.olark.com and only embed it.
Install
Don't register on the demo site. Register on www.olark.com to get an olark id for your site.
Download this module and install it on your joomla site. Click the link in the finish message of the install process to copy 3 necessary files or use "/modules/mod_olark_chat/install.php" after install to complete the install process.
Go to the module admin form in the joomla administration area and define your olark id there. (Make now no other changes to firstly see box is working for you.)
Now the chat box will be visible on your site but unavailable.
Now you need a jabber client. (I use www.pidgin.im) Connect it to the olark jabber server and a visitor of your site will be see you as online and he can chat with you directly.
Uninstall
Call "/modules/mod_olark_chat/uninstall.php" before you uninstall with the tools of joomla.
Customizing
You can customize your box direct on olark.com. In special cases you can later modify many additionally options for the olark chat box in the Joomla module administration (thats not the default way). You can translate and modify all messages.
Summary
Absolute easy and imposing solution to make web site support. It can be to extend from a private web site with one admin to a big web site with multi admin support.
Multi language support for english, german, italian and spainish. Easy to extend for other languages.
Have you questions go to the (german) demo site and simply chat with me (english or german).
Changes
Version 1.1.1 (2010-05-18)
multi language support (it, es)
Version 1.1.0 (2009-11-13)
multi language support (en, de)
module settings now have only parameters which are don't editable under olark.com
module settings now have default value support
for this 3 new elements are necessary (mgnote.php, mgspacer.php, mgtext.php)
install and uninstall per install.php and uninstall.php
Version 1.0.0 (2009-10-09)
Have a bug, if you change the position setting in the module settings. Don't change it. You can change it on www.olark.com.
Good application but extremely limited for the non-commercial users. 20 conversations per month is nothing for any communication based web sites. it would be better to say "free to install and buy it" instead of saying "non-commercial" Also for your information the cheapest option to buy is 15$/month for 1 operator...
There's not enough stars allowed for this extension!!! I give it 5 stars and bump it up 5 more stars.
If you need a simple help chat solution on your site then this IS the one to get.
Shalom,
Frank
If you need a simple help chat solution on your site then this IS the one to get.
Shalom,
Frank
Well I have to say I have been using extensions for some time and this is the first review I have been compelled to write.
The extension is excellent, the developers support must get a mention here as he is so helpful. Setting up the extension is as easy as pie. I did have some permission issues but that was resolved in 2 secs.
Full credit to this developer, he has offered a top solution which integrates well on any website. The olark box looks good too which always helps.
My only gripe is that you have to pay for the service once you have had 20 conversations each month. Otherwise keep registering new names which will become a pain in the backside.
Anyway once again I tip my hat to the developer based on his support alone, 10/10.
The extension is excellent, the developers support must get a mention here as he is so helpful. Setting up the extension is as easy as pie. I did have some permission issues but that was resolved in 2 secs.
Full credit to this developer, he has offered a top solution which integrates well on any website. The olark box looks good too which always helps.
My only gripe is that you have to pay for the service once you have had 20 conversations each month. Otherwise keep registering new names which will become a pain in the backside.
Anyway once again I tip my hat to the developer based on his support alone, 10/10.
I really enjoyed experimenting with this chat feature. Its exactly what we've been searching for. I was a little put off by the pricing and other reviews here, but I'm glad that I did some research because it really is FREE and the unlimited visitor package is only $9 a month (a small price for such convenience). The support is awesome. My only complaint is that the module itself was kind of buggy, so I ended up just using the code that you get at Olark and pasted it into my html. It works great.
Owner's reply
I hope the bugs are fixed with version 1.1.0
This looks like a good component. However, after getting very excited about it and signing up for the account at Olark, it became apparent that the free account with Olark is very limited, allowing only one administrator to chat with clients, a maximum of five clients at one time, and a maximum of 20 conversations per month. Because of these limited features, I can't use it on my site, unless I pay for a better account with Olark. That may be fine with other people, but I think it should be noted that it is not a "complete free" solution as mentioned in the blurb.
Its a good extension, 5 star for me BUT its not all free at all. Its more expensive than [removed] which is only $1/month. The only different the chat box is on the taskbar or so.
You need to sign-up and the plans are quite ridiculous I must say.
You need to sign-up and the plans are quite ridiculous I must say.
Very easy in use and to install, works immediately. Choice of 4 different lay outs, tutor available how to install in easy steps or online help chat, able to connect different websites on same chat extension, own choice where to put live chat etc. For me the easiest extension to install and let it work in Joomla.
Thanks for this perfect live chat extension!
Thanks for this perfect live chat extension!