---
type: entity
title: XMPP
tags: ["protocol", "communication", "chat", "jabber", "instant-messaging"]
related: ["instant-messaging", "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_jabber_xmpp.md"]
---

# XMPP

**XMPP** (Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol), also commonly referred to as **Jabber** (and formerly known as Jabber), is one of the two instant messaging platforms provided by the [[universitatsrechenzentrum-urz]] for real-time communication. It is the decentralized protocol used by the Universitätsrechenzentrum (URZ) to provide instant messaging services at the Universität Greifswald.

## Technical Characteristics
XMPP is designed as a decentralized protocol, which allows the university's internal chat system to be integrated into a worldwide network, mirroring the architectural logic of the global email system.

## URZ Implementation
The URZ provides a platform based on XMPP with the following features:

- **Encryption**: Standard encrypted connections between the client and server are provided. End-to-end encryption between clients is also supported.
- **Functionality**: The service supports multi-user chatrooms and file transfers.
- **Security**: Because it is an institutional service, it is recommended for the exchange of sensitive data. 

### Comparisons and Recommendations
- **External Alternatives**: The URZ explicitly warns against using external alternatives like Skype for the exchange of sensitive data.
- **Client Software**: While any XMPP-compliant client is compatible, the URZ recommends the use of [[pidgin]].