---
type: concept
title: Instant Messaging
tags: [communication, real-time, chat, collaboration, security]
related: [matrix, xmpp, universitatsrechenzentrum-urz, pidgin]
created: 2026-06-30
updated: 2026-06-30
sources: ["output/rz_uni_greifswald_de_dienste_allgemein_instant_messaging_chat.md", "output/rz_uni_greifswald_de_dienste_allgemein_instant_messaging_chat_chatten.md", "output/rz_uni_greifswald_de_dienste_allgemein_instant_messaging_chat_jabber_xmpp.md"]
---

# Instant Messaging

**Instant Messaging** (also known as chatting or IM) is a communication method that allows two or more participants to converse in real-time via text messages. At the Universität Greifswald, these real-time, text-based communication services are provided to the university community by the [[universitatsrechenzentrum-urz]].

## Provided Platforms

The [[universitatsrechenzentrum-urz]] provides this service through two different technical implementations:

- **[[matrix]]**: A modern, decentralized communication platform.
- **[[xmpp]]**: A protocol-based service (Jabber) used for individual chats and [[xmpp-chatrooms]]. One source notes that IM is primarily implemented via the [[xmpp]] protocol.

## Core Capabilities

The provided IM infrastructure supports:
- **One-to-One Chatting**: Direct communication between users.
- **Group Communication**: Through the use of chatrooms.
- **Data Exchange**: Through integrated file transfer mechanisms.
- **Privacy**: Through client-server encryption and optional end-to-end encryption.

## Institutional Security Standards

A key aspect of the university's IM strategy is the distinction between institutional and external services:

- **Institutional Services (XMPP)**: Recommended for the exchange of sensitive data due to the control maintained by the URZ and the availability of encryption.
- **External Services (e.g., Skype)**: Strongly discouraged for the transmission of sensitive university-related information.

## General Usage (XMPP)

For users employing XMPP clients such as [[pidgin]], the standard operation involves:

1. Selecting a contact from a Buddy-List via double-click.
2. Entering text in the input field of the chat window.
3. Sending messages using the **Enter** key.