The applet allows for users to connect to irc even behind a firewall or router. Unlike Java, not to be confused with JavaScript, you don't need extra plugins or programs to use it. You also don't directly connect to the irc server. If you are behind a firewall or router it's just like viewing a regular site.

The applet can be intergrated into existing communitys like YaBB and phpBB. You can also require logins to access the applet provided you comply with PHP:IRC's LICENCE.

If you currently use CGI:IRC, your existing configuration file will be imported so you will have to do the least modifications. This includes the ipaccess file.