Ever since I can remember, we’ve been relying on a Java applet to provide visitors an interface to IRC – without requiring them to install a separate client, sign up for an account, or fire up a proprietary program. We didn’t choose Java because it’s an amazing technology, however. Java in the browser is slow as molasses, and I’d just as soon shove icepicks under my toenails than use it.

But, until today, we had no choice but to use Java for Web-accessible IRC.

TFlash has finally been designed and released by ThunderIT Consulting Inc. – and we’re already using it on our live site. The script can be embedded anywhere, which means that the community can start building desktop widgets which include not only our live feed, but the accompanying chat room as well.