MEng 3rd year project - Structured environment IM

[CrasHthe2nd]

Hello,

I'm currently studying a degree in electronic engineering. Having just started my 3rd year, I have chosen to take on the project of creating an instant message client where a person must be given permission to speak by a 3rd party moderator before they can send a message. The hope is that if it is used for a business meeting or some similar situation, each party will be given their chance to speak without interruption. Obviously this would be useful for negotiations.

However, the applications of the project are not why I'm posting. I would like to ask what kind of features people would expect from an IM client, whether they're something as simple as a buddy list or perhaps something a little more unexpected. I will also be looking at already existing programs for ideas.

Thank you, and any input would be appreciated.

CrasH