drop.io adds real-time chat

drop.io promises simple, secure, real-time file sharing and collaboration. It’s easy to setup a drop.io “box” — you don’t even need to register. Once you’ve setup a drop.io space, you can send files, share and retrieve files from that space using almost any method imaginable. Web uploads/downloads, mobile devices, fax, email, Twitter and now, IM.

drop.io announced this week the integration of real-time chat. Their solution is based on Jabber XMPP protocol, meaning that you should be able to configure third-party Jabber clients to work with the new system. But even without a client, the chat is enabled right on the website for access via your computer or support mobile device .

drop.io’s web-based chat is space-specific — there is a unique chat “room” for each space. Messages are stored so you can view a history of the chat, even though the participants may have gone offline. 

drop.io’s placeholder with directions for third-party Jabber client configuration promises they will publish something on March 11th, but so far, nothing has lit up. 

All-in-all, drop.io offers much more functionality and flexiblity than FTP, and gives you 100 MB per “drop” at no cost (though premium subscriptions are available). It’s worth a look if you have any need to collaborate and share with colleagues, friends or family over the Internet.