---
type: concept
title: XMPP Contact Management
tags: [xmpp, pidgin, communication, directory-services]
related: [pidgin, xmpp, zentrales-adressbuch, instant-messaging]
created: 2026-06-30
updated: 2026-06-30
sources: ["output/rz_uni_greifswald_de_dienste_allgemein_instant_messaging_chat_kontakte_hinzufueg.md"]
---

# XMPP Contact Management

XMPP contact management at the Universität Greifswald involves the process of establishing connections between users on the university's instant messaging infrastructure. In the context of the [[pidgin]] client, contacts are frequently referred to as **Buddies**.

## Contact Identification
To establish a connection, a unique XMPP address is required. For internal university users, the standard address format is:
`benutzername@jabber.uni-greifswald.de`

## Methods of Adding Contacts
There are two primary workflows for adding users to a contact list:

### 1. Manual Addition
This method is used when the user already knows the exact XMPP address of the contact. It is the only method available for adding external contacts (users outside the university's XMPP server).

### 2. Directory Search
This method leverages the [[zentrales-adressbuch]] (central user directory) to find internal university users without needing to know their exact username.
*   **Process**: Accessed via the account settings in the client.
*   **Constraint**: The directory search is limited to **30 results**. Users must refine their search criteria if the target contact does not appear in the initial list.

## Security and Authorization
To prevent unsolicited additions and ensure privacy, the XMPP service implements an **Authorization Request** system. 

When User A adds User B to their list, User B receives a notification requesting authorization. User B must explicitly grant permission (click "Authorize") before User A can see their presence status or initiate a chat.
