🔒 SummitTalk: Secure Corporate Messaging

SummitTalk is an enterprise-level instant messaging platform, specifically designed for organizations that require maximum privacy and security in their communications. Unlike conventional chat applications, SummitTalk guarantees a fortified environment for sharing sensitive information, strategies, and corporate documents.

🚀 Key Features

• 🛡️ Encryption and Security: Architecture designed for private communications (encryption in transit and at rest).
• 🏢 Corporate Focus: Dedicated landing page for enterprise client acquisition.
• ⚡ Real-Time: Instant messaging powered by Socket.io.
• 🟢 Connection Status: Real-time online user indicators.
• 🔐 Robust Authentication: Secure login system with JWT (JSON Web Tokens) and HttpOnly cookies.
• 🖼️ File Sharing: Support for optimized image sending with Cloudinary.
• 🎨 Modern UI: Elegant and responsive interface built with TailwindCSS and DaisyUI.

🛠️ Tech Stack (MERN)

• Frontend: React (Vite), Zustand (Global State), TailwindCSS, DaisyUI.
• Backend: Node.js, Express.js.
• Database: MongoDB (Mongoose ODM).
• Real-time: Socket.io.
• Infrastructure: Continuous deployment on Render.

⚙️ Environment Setup

Create a .env file in the backend/ folder with the following variables:

MONGODB_URI=mongodb+srv://<user>:<password>@cluster0.xxxxx.mongodb.net/SummitTalk
PORT=5001
JWT_SECRET=your_super_secure_secret

# Cloudinary configuration for images
CLOUDINARY_CLOUD_NAME=your_cloud_name
CLOUDINARY_API_KEY=your_api_key
CLOUDINARY_API_SECRET=your_api_secret

NODE_ENV=development

📦 Installation and Deployment

1. Clone the repository

git clone https://github.com/eduardbar/summitTalk.git
cd summitTalk

2. Install dependencies

Install dependencies for both backend and frontend from the root:

npm run build
# This command will install dependencies in both folders and build the frontend

Or manually:

cd backend && npm install
cd ../frontend && npm install

3. Local Development

To run both servers (backend and frontend) simultaneously:

1. Open a terminal and run the backend:

   cd backend
   npm run dev

2. Open another terminal and run the frontend:

   cd frontend
   npm run dev

The frontend will be available at http://localhost:5173.

4. Production

To simulate the production environment locally:

# From the project root
npm run build
npm start

📂 Project Structure

summitTalk/
├── backend/                # REST API Server + Socket.io
│   ├── src/
│   │   ├── controllers/    # Business logic
│   │   ├── models/         # Mongoose schemas
│   │   ├── routes/         # Endpoint definitions
│   │   └── lib/            # Utilities (db, socket, cloudinary)
│   └── ...
├── frontend/               # SPA React + Vite
│   ├── src/
│   │   ├── pages/          # Pages (Landing, Home, Login, etc.)
│   │   ├── components/     # Reusable UI components
│   │   ├── store/          # Global state (Zustand)
│   │   └── ...
│   └── ...
└── ...

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© 2026 SummitTalk Industries Ltd.