Websites using Arrowchat

Okay, let s break down ArrowChat, covering its overview, revenue (estimated), alternatives, pricing, and customer care.

ArrowChat Overview

• What it is: ArrowChat is a self-hosted live chat software solution primarily designed for integrating into existing websites and web applications. It s not a cloud-based SaaS (Software as a Service) platform like many competitors. It focuses on giving website owners direct control over their chat data and infrastructure.
• Key Features:
  • Real-time chat: Enables instant messaging between website users and/or website admins.
  • Private and group chat: Supports one-on-one conversations and multi-user group chats.
  • User lists/friend lists: Allows users to connect with and find other users.
  • Notifications: Alerts users to new messages and events.
  • Customization: Offers options to tailor the look and feel of the chat interface to match the website s branding.
  • Integration: Aims to be easily integrated into existing websites with support for many platforms through plugins and APIs.
  • File sharing: Users can exchange files.
  • Mobile support: Aims to work well on mobile devices.
  • Moderation tools: Admin can manage chat rooms, ban or remove users, etc.
• Target Audience: Website owners, online communities, social networks, gaming platforms, and businesses that want to add a live chat feature to their existing sites without relying on third-party hosting.

Revenue (Estimated)

It s difficult to find precise revenue figures for ArrowChat, as they are a privately held company and don t publicly disclose this information. However, here s what we can estimate:

• Business Model: They primarily generate revenue through the sale of licenses for their software. They also provide paid support and custom development services.
• Estimation Based on Pricing and Market: Given their pricing structure (detailed below) and the niche market of self-hosted chat solutions, their annual revenue is likely to be in the range of hundreds of thousands of dollars annually (perhaps $200,000 - $800,000). This is a very rough estimate based on general market understanding and the assumption of a few hundred to a few thousand active customers. This is not an official number, and could vary significantly.
• Factors Influencing Revenue: The actual revenue will depend on the number of new licenses sold, the renewal rate of existing licenses, and the demand for their custom services.

Alternatives

There are many alternatives to ArrowChat, both self-hosted and cloud-based. Here s a breakdown:

• Self-Hosted Alternatives:
  • Rocket.Chat: A very popular open-source team collaboration platform that can also be used as a live chat solution. Highly customizable. (Often cited as a top alternative)
  • Mattermost: Another open-source team collaboration platform, similar to Rocket.Chat.
  • Jitsi Meet: An open-source video conferencing platform that can be adapted for chat. Useful if video is a key feature.
  • Self-built solution: If you have strong programming skills, you can build a chat feature from scratch using technologies like Node.js, WebSockets, and a database. This is the most complex, but provides ultimate flexibility.
• Cloud-Based (SaaS) Alternatives: These are generally easier to set up and manage, but you don t have direct control over the data.
  • LiveChat: A leading provider of live chat software with a wide range of features.
  • Intercom: A customer messaging platform that combines live chat, email marketing, and help desk features.
  • Zendesk Chat (formerly Zopim): A popular live chat solution integrated with Zendesk s customer service platform.
  • Tawk.to: A free (with paid upgrades) live chat solution.
  • Crisp: A customer messaging platform that combines live chat, email, and a knowledge base.
  • Tidio: A live chat platform with chatbot features.
  • Many others: There s a very crowded market with options for every need and budget.

Choosing an Alternative:

The best alternative depends on your specific requirements:

• Control and Customization: If you need complete control over your data and want deep customization, a self-hosted solution is generally the better choice. Rocket.Chat is a strong contender.
• Ease of Use and Speed of Deployment: If you want a quick and easy setup, a cloud-based solution is the way to go.
• Budget: Tawk.to is a good free option (but comes with limitations). Open-source solutions are free in terms of licensing costs, but require more technical expertise to set up and maintain.
• Specific Features: Consider the features that are most important to you (e.g., video chat, chatbot integration, CRM integration).

Pricing

ArrowChat uses a one-time license fee model. This is a significant differentiator from most SaaS providers that charge monthly subscription fees. As of late 2023/early 2024, their pricing is roughly (but always check their official website for the most up-to-date information):

• License Types:
  • Single Domain License: Usually the cheapest option, for use on one website.
  • Unlimited Domain License: Allows use on multiple websites owned by the same entity.
  • Developer License: For developers who want to integrate ArrowChat into their own products or offer it to their clients.
• Cost: Expect to pay somewhere in the range of $99 to $399+ depending on the license type and any add-ons or support packages you choose. It s a one-time purchase, but support and updates may have an additional cost after a certain period.

Key Considerations with ArrowChat s Pricing:

• One-Time Cost vs. Recurring Costs: The one-time fee can be attractive compared to the ongoing costs of SaaS solutions. However, factor in the cost of your own server infrastructure, maintenance, and any potential need for paid support or updates.
• Updates and Support: Be sure to understand the terms of their support and update policy. How long is support included? What is the cost of extending support and getting updates after the initial period?

Customer Care Details

• Support Channels:
  • Documentation: They should have documentation to guide users through installation, configuration, and troubleshooting.
  • Forums: Community forums can be a good place to find answers to common questions and get help from other users.
  • Email Support: Typically, they offer email support for paying customers.
  • Ticket System: They may use a ticket system to manage support requests.
• Support Quality: Customer reviews on the quality of ArrowChat s support are mixed. Some users report positive experiences, while others have complained about slow response times or difficulty getting issues resolved. Check recent reviews before making a purchase.
• Self-Help Resources: Since it s a self-hosted solution, you ll need some technical expertise to set up and maintain it. Strong self-help skills and the ability to troubleshoot technical issues are important.

Summary

ArrowChat offers a self-hosted live chat solution with a one-time license fee, which can be appealing for those who want control over their data and avoid recurring costs. However, it requires more technical expertise to set up and maintain compared to cloud-based alternatives. Consider your specific needs, budget, and technical capabilities when deciding if ArrowChat is the right choice for you. Always compare it to other self-hosted and SaaS options before making a decision. Thoroughly research customer reviews regarding their customer support before committing to a purchase.