Hi

Before I start writing about my project I would like to thanks people@ Joomla! for providing me with this opportunity of working on my project as an unfunded GSoC Student, and Sam for trusting me!

In this very first post I would not go much Technical, rather I would like to share my thoughts that what make me take this project and why I am eager to make it happen. I was thinking of project for GSoC, taking a look at ideas list, and since firefox was in my mind, I wanted to make something that can be widely used, and find that a site specific toolbar, the custom toolbar really give a feel that your site is rich, of high quality I thought why not make it available for all Joomla! users, thus it give birth to this idea. I want to make one thing clear that its not about administrating toolbar, its for end users. I was googling about custom toolbars and here is what i find about how custom toolbars can be of great use for your site, here are the selling points of this extension:

1. Increase site appeal                                                                                                                                           Providing a professional, full-featured toolbar to your users enhances your brand image and your site appeal, making it more likely that users will visit your website.

2.Attract more users
Providing a feature-rich toolbar attracts users by providing them with a powerful tool for internet searching, popup-up blocking, navigation, and accessing cutting-edge Web 2.0 features.

3. Drive traffic to your website, application, or intranet
Directly reaching users with news, information and special offers reminds them of your presence and motivates them to visit your website, web application or intranet. One-click access from the toolbar makes it easy for them to visit.

• Live Events and Content Management
  Keep your users' interest and keep them informed with news, alerts, weather, and dynamic menu content
• Monetize your toolbar
  Incorporate 3rd party feeds to generate revenue with your toolbar
• Superb Visual and Branding Elements
  Create a custom look for your toolbar with advanced graphic elements and branding tools
• Protect the Security and Privacy of Your Users
  Filters and blockers give your users control over their web experience
• Helpful Navigation Aids
  Make it easier for your users to navigate the web with tools and information

*source=besttoolbars.net

My motive behind putting these stats here is that, to tell that this extension is worth making, there is a complete industry that is working on making custom toolbars, making this extension will really make a buzz every where! and competition as well,