New version of Parlano's MindAlign product announced. MindAlign was originally developed on contract with UBS, and relies on the venerable IRC model. But with this release Parlano has adopted a new openness, with a Microsoft Live Communications Server integration, and a suite of APIs for integration with third-party IM management tools.

[from Parlano Introduces MindAlign Version 6.0 press release]

MindAlign version 6.0 includes:

-- Increased Infrastructure Integration: MindAlign version 6.0 extends the integration capabilities of previous releases by introducing support for presence and one-to-one instant messaging capabilities from third-party solutions including Microsoft Office Live Communications Server.

-- MindAlign Web Client: The MindAlign Web Client, a Java applet running either in a web browser, as a stand-alone application or as a portlet within a third-party portal, allows for the complete integration of real-time group discussion forums and private, one-to-one instant messaging sessions within other thin-client applications and/or portals, including Microsoft Office SharePoint Portal Server. The MindAlign Web Client provides the advanced intelligent message management, real-time notification and alerts capabilities of the existing Microsoft Windows 32-bit client for thin-client environments, enabling easy connectivity to key external customers and business partners.

-- Increased Administration Integration: Version 6.0 introduces complete end-user provisioning and administration through Microsoft Active Directory. This simplifies the process of configuring and administering the application. For users of Active Director, enterprise-wide login, authorization and authentication occur 'out of the box,' minimizing administration costs and significantly reducing implementation and system configuration times for large, global enterprises.

-- Enhanced Management & Control: Version 6.0 provides enhanced system management, administration and control by delivering secure, tiered administration rights and permissions enabling discussion forum management control at the most appropriate and efficient level in the organization. Distributed management of day-to-day system configuration requests minimizes help desk support resources and lowers total cost of ownership and increasing system flexibility.

-- Third Party Support for Chinese Walls: Utilizing new server-side APIs, MindAlign can be integrated with third-party systems responsible for enforcing communications controls across Chinese Walls. A key requirement for meeting compliance regulations within the Financial Services industry, MindAlign version 6.0 integrates with permission, enforcement and control applications rather than duplicating existing processes, procedures and applications.