I am thinking of implementing an easy Instant Messaging server in Java, but I don't want to create yet another protocol, but instead use an already simple IM-protocol. But I don't know which protocol I should use.
The reason Why I want to use an already existing IM-protocol, is that I would like my 'users' to be able to use their own clients, for example pidgin - which already offers a wide spread of protocols, such as XMPP, Simple, Bonjour, etc - and I don't have to develop any clients.
I have looked a bit a XMPP but it since a lot of work embed that protocol into a new server. Maybe there are other protocols that are easier to use?
My questions is, do you guys have any suggestions of protocols that are real basic and easy to use in Java? Pidgin supports a whole bunch of protocols, but which protocols are relevant for me?