This begs a question - does anyone have good experience with SSL-enabled IRC servers? I'm testing UnrealIRCd right now, but I've run into some showstopper bugs when trying to link servers over SSL. Any other suggestions?
i've toyed around with nakenchat: < http://nakenchat.naken.cc > it's web based primarily, that way you don't need to explain to some people how to use any irc client, and i toyed around with some homemade hacks within it adding xor filters and the like. i had to setup a chat arena where psychiatrists could communicate with their patients, so you can imagine the security features that i evovled into it and how locked down you can make it. it serves it purpose properly, and has pretty much all the features you'll find in an irc server. when i found a couple problems (buffer overflows etc), the maintainer was quick to implement fixes and help out wherever needed. enjoy.
-Chris
cheers. -ken harris.