Challenge

TeleVU Innovations, a leading Canadian health tech startup, required a robust communication solution for their users, specifically a real-time chat microservice that could be integrated across both their web and mobile apps. Initially, TeleVU explored a serverless approach using tools like Serverless Framework and RabbitMQ for managing messages between microservices. However, after careful research, Bloorsoft recommended simplifying the implementation with a server-full approach to ensure more control, reliability, and scalability for their communication needs.

The challenge was to build a real-time chat feature that allowed users to communicate seamlessly, store chat history, send email reminders, and ensure smooth performance across all platforms.

Solution

Bloorsoft implemented a custom chat microservice that prioritized real-time communication, reliability, and ease of integration into TeleVU’s existing tech stack. By opting for a server-full solution, we were able to create a system that was simple yet effective in meeting TeleVU’s requirements.

Real-Time Communication with Express and Socket.io:To handle real-time messaging, we developed a custom Express backend and used Socket.io to manage bi-directional communication between users. This setup ensured that messages were delivered instantly, creating a responsive chat experience for TeleVU’s users. The decision to go with a server-full approach provided more control over the architecture, allowed for better resource management, and simplified message routing.

Chat Features for Improved User Engagement:The chat component was built with features designed to enhance the communication experience for TeleVU’s users. We integrated:

• Chat History: Users could access past conversations, ensuring that no critical information was lost. This feature was especially important for medical and health-related discussions where past messages may need to be referenced.
• Email Reminders: To ensure that users didn’t miss important messages, we integrated email notifications using Resend. Users would receive email alerts for unread messages or missed conversations, improving communication continuity.

Front-End Integration with React and MUI:On the front end, we used React for the chat interface, integrating it smoothly into TeleVU’s existing web app. To maintain a consistent design language, we used MUI for UI components and SCSS for custom styling. This ensured that the chat feature was responsive, user-friendly, and visually aligned with the rest of TeleVU’s platform.

Optimized for Web and Mobile:Although the initial integration was focused on TeleVU’s web app, the architecture of the chat microservice was built to be extendable to mobile platforms as well. This flexibility allowed TeleVU to offer the chat feature across devices, improving communication access for users regardless of their platform.

Results

Bloorsoft’s custom chat microservice significantly improved communication for TeleVU’s users, providing them with a more reliable and user-friendly messaging experience.

Improved Communication Efficiency: The real-time chat feature allowed healthcare providers and users to communicate directly within the app, reducing reliance on external communication tools and creating a more integrated user experience.

Enhanced User Engagement: With features like chat history and email reminders, users were able to stay on top of important conversations, leading to better engagement and improved communication flow. The ability to access past conversations was particularly beneficial in the healthcare context, where detailed information is crucial.

Simplified Architecture with Full Control: By opting for a server-full approach, we provided TeleVU with a simplified architecture that offered full control over the messaging system. This also allowed for future scalability as TeleVU’s user base grows.

Seamless Integration and Consistent UI: The use of React, MUI, and SCSS allowed the chat component to integrate seamlessly into the existing platform, providing users with a consistent and polished experience across devices.

Why Choose Bloorsoft?

Bloorsoft’s ability to simplify complex challenges and deliver scalable, reliable solutions is showcased in this project. Our decision to go with a server-full approach for TeleVU’s chat microservice ensured the system was robust, easy to manage, and well-suited for the company’s needs. By combining real-time messaging with a smooth, intuitive UI, we provided a solution that enhanced communication for both healthcare providers and users.

For startups and companies seeking reliable, scalable microservices, Bloorsoft brings the technical expertise to deliver solutions that improve user engagement and streamline operations. Whether it’s developing real-time communication systems or integrating powerful features into existing platforms, we tailor our solutions to meet the specific needs of each client.

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