By IPW Staff Members, Internet
Product Watch
The Jabber Server, now in version 1.0, is an open source
instant messaging server targeted to businesses, ISPs, or any
entity wishing to offer branded instant messaging capabilities to
their customers. The source code is written in C and is being
made available under the GNU Public License (GPL).
The server infrastructure is based entirely on XML, including
both data storage and the transport layer for the server’s
communication. XML data stores are managed via an included file
based XDB API; with MySQL and LDAP APIs being developed.
Key to the server’s functionality is the incorporation – and
enforcement at the server level – of individual user choices and
preferences through their clients. For example, Jabber supports
multiple connections to the server by a single user (using a single
account); and individual users control who may see their online
status through a subscription-based permission mechanism. Other
features include support for the storage of user vCards (some of
which is searchable via the User Directory), offline messaging, and
adminisrative options such as the ability to see all currently
connected users and broadcast messaging to all users.
The code itself is available for download at Jabber.org;
additional resources can be found at JabberCentral
(JabberCentral.com), and the commercial development arm of the
project at Jabber.com.