Definition
Jabber is a technology term referring to an instant messaging protocol. It was developed by the Jabber open source community in 1999 before it was handed over to the Internet Engineering Task Force. Now commonly known as XMPP (Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol), it allows the real-time exchange of messages and presence information between two parties on a network.
Key Takeaways
- Unified Communications Application: Jabber is a unified communications application developed by Cisco Systems. It provides features like voice and video calling, messaging, desktop sharing, conferencing, and presence.
- Multi-Platform Support: Jabber is designed to work seamlessly across different platforms including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, thus ensuring a consistent experience across different devices.
- Integration Capabilities: Jabber can integrate with other enterprise software solutions like Microsoft Office, enabling users to initiate communications directly within the application they are using.
Importance
Jabber is significant in technology due to its role in instant messaging and presence information. It is a widely-used open-source protocol, also known as Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol (XMPP), initially developed by the Jabber open-source community.
This technology provides a standard communication platform that can be used across applications, enabling real-time communication. Its importance lies in its open standards approach, which supports interoperability between various instant messaging systems and other communication forms like voice and video.
Furthermore, Jabber’s support of secure messaging enhances its relevance in the tech world, with its extensible design allowing developers to build and customize their applications according to specific needs. Ultimately, Jabber plays a significant role in helping organizations and individuals communicate efficiently, securely, and seamlessly on digital platforms.
DevX’s Explanation
Jabber, also known as Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol (XMPP), is a communications protocol used primarily for instant messaging services and online presence detection. It’s a software technology that facilitates real-time, interactive communications over the internet. Its primary function is to allow for the exchange of messages and information between two points on the internet, essentially serving as a middleware for online communication. Jabber’s capabilities aren’t limited to one-on-one instant messaging.
The technology is also used in multiparty gaming, group chats, voice & video conferencing, streaming events, and broadcasting network services. This flexibility makes Jabber applicable in various domains, from corporate communication systems to social networking platforms. Apart from messaging, it allows users to share files and conduct real-time interactions, making it a versatile tool for online communication.
Examples
1. Cisco Jabber: Cisco Jabber is a popular communication application businesses use worldwide. This tool offers a range of communication features, such as video conferencing, voice calling, instant messaging, and telepresence. Users can employ it on various platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.
2. Jabber.org: Jabber.org is an XMPP (Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol) instant messaging service, where individuals can create free accounts to connect with friends or colleagues online. This is based on the open-source Jabber technology which promotes interoperability between different platforms.
3. Ejabberd: Ejabberd is another real-world example of Jabber technology. It is an open-source Jabber (XMPP) server written in Erlang/OTP that allows users to connect and send messages to each other. It’s widely used around the world due to its robustness, scalability, and extensibility. Some applications of Ejabberd include private instant messaging within companies, real-time news updates, and multiplayer gaming communication.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)
Q: What is Jabber?
A: Jabber is an open standard communication protocol (XMPP) called Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol. It allows secure, instant messaging and online presence detection, enabling real-time user interaction.
Q: Who developed Jabber?
A: The protocol was originally developed by the Jabber open-source community in 1999. It was later formalized by the IETF (Internet Engineering Task Force) as an open standard protocol in 2004.
Q: What are the main uses of Jabber?
A: Jabber is primarily used for instant messaging, voice and video calls, multi-user chat, and presence. It is also used to create messaging applications for social networks, business collaborations, content syndication, and gaming.
Q: Which software applications use Jabber?
A: Several software applications use Jabber technology, including Cisco Jabber, Google Talk, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and many more.
Q: Is Jabber secure?
A: Yes, Jabber provides high security. It supports TLS and SSL encryption to ensure the secure transmission of data. However, the level of security may also depend on the individual application or service built on Jabber.
Q: How does Jabber compare to other instant messaging applications?
A: Unlike proprietary instant messaging services, Jabber is open source and operates on a decentralized network. This means it is not tied to any single server or company and provides more flexibility and privacy.
Q: Can I use Jabber on multiple devices?
A: Yes, you can use Jabber on multiple devices, including computers and smartphones. Messages can be synchronized across all devices using the same credentials, allowing for a seamless communication experience.
Q: Is Jabber free to use?
A: Jabber, being an open-source protocol, is free to use. However, specific applications or services built using this protocol may have associated costs.
Related Tech Terms
- XMPP (Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol)
- Instant Messaging
- Persistent Chat
- Cisco Unified Presence
- Softphone
