In this paper, we describe our approach to the design and implementation of the Chronobot/Virtual Classroom (CVC) system, which is a novel time/knowledge exchange platform. The system is based upon a flexible, component based architecture. The messages used by the distributed components are formulated in XML, and every component can be tested separately. The communication server is built on the basis of the Java Messaging Service (JMS) engine. Message archiving techniques are described to support unlimited message retrieving. Verified in practice, the system can provide an operational, robust platform for time/knowledge exchange in e-Learning and distance education.