# mk6i/open-oscar-server

Self-hostable instant messaging server compatible with classic AIM and ICQ clients written in golang. (Independently developed, not affiliated with or endorsed by AOL)

Repository: https://github.com/mk6i/open-oscar-server
Canonical: https://ross.abutalabs.com/products/open-oscar-server
Homepage: https://discord.gg/zjFGGTa8mu
Language: Go
License: MIT
License Family: permissive
Topics: retrocomputing, chat, golang, instant-messaging
Last push: 2026-08-25T01:59:46+00:00

## Health v2 (maintenance only)
Score: 87/100 (v2, computed 2026-09-03T02:20:16.233290+00:00)
- activity 99, release rhythm 75, longevity 83
- inputs: {"age_days": 1173, "days_push": 9, "days_rel": 88, "gap_med": 44.0, "n_releases_24m": 17}
- flags: none
- formula: round(0.45*activity + 0.35*rhythm + 0.20*longevity); archived -> min(score, 10)

## Adoption (not part of the score)
Stars 1507, forks 112 (observed 2026-08-28T04:04:55.211820+00:00)

## What it is
Open OSCAR Server is a self-hostable instant messaging server written in Go that implements the OSCAR, TOC1, and TOC2 protocols, making it compatible with classic AIM and ICQ clients. It supports features like buddy lists, chat rooms, away messages, file sharing, and offline messaging for retrocomputing enthusiasts.

## Use cases
- self-host an AIM server for classic AIM clients
- run an ICQ-compatible messaging server
- revive retro instant messaging with Pidgin or old AIM clients
- host private chat rooms with vintage IM software
- set up a nostalgic AIM/ICQ server on Linux, macOS, or Windows

## When to choose
- you want to relive classic AIM or ICQ with original clients
- you need a self-hosted, protocol-compatible IM server in Go
- you're doing retrocomputing or vintage software preservation

## When to avoid
- you need a modern, secure messaging platform for production use
- you want end-to-end encryption or modern chat features
- you're not interested in legacy AIM/ICQ protocols

## Facets
- artifact type: service
- maturity: active
- function: http-server, chatbot, networking
- domain: self-hosted, messaging-platforms, developer-tools
- platform: windows, cross-platform, self-hosted
- tags: aim, icq, oscar-protocol, instant-messaging, retro, golang, toc1, toc2, retrocomputing, linux, macos

## Member repositories
- mk6i/open-oscar-server (main) score 87

## Provenance
- Observed fields: from GitHub, fetched 2026-08-28T04:04:55.211820+00:00.
- Health v2: computed from the inputs above; adoption is never an input.
- Inferred fields (summary, facets, guidance): AI-extracted, prompt v1, taxonomy v1, on 2026-08-30T04:32:37.577460+00:00, confidence not recorded.
  - readme: https://github.com/mk6i/open-oscar-server (fetched 2026-08-28T04:04:55.211820+00:00, sha f8397960d6a8)
  - homepage: https://discord.gg/zjFGGTa8mu (fetched 2026-08-29T11:36:58.001654+00:00, sha 769cbab4e914)
- Data as of 2026-08-30T08:39:29.467469+00:00.