Spark (XMPP client)
| Company type | Open-source software |
|---|---|
| Industry | Instant messaging software |
| Predecessor | Jive Communicator |
| Founder | Jive Software |
Area served | Cross-platform (Windows, macOS, Linux) |
| Products | Real-time messaging application |
| Website | www |
Spark is a real-time messaging application that operates on the XMPP standard and is distributed as open-source software.
The program works in conjunction with the Openfire server to provide advanced functionalities, including centralized oversight of Spark features and integration with Fastpath, a proprietary customer support platform that enables communication through the Spark client.
As a cross-platform solution, Spark is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems, with installation packages accessible via its official website. While the server component requires JRE, the client itself does not. It is important to note that the Spark XMPP client does not support Jingle or Omemo encryption protocols.
History
Initially named Jive Communicator, Spark was created by Jive Software featuring a streamlined graphical interface and straightforward design aimed at business environments. Subsequently, it was open-sourced and contributed to the Ignite Realtime community, alongside Openfire, to facilitate continuous development and improvements.
Features
Spark utilizes the open-source Smack API library, also maintained by Ignite Realtime. Its tabbed conversation interface simplifies managing multiple chats, offering both quick access and comprehensive history retrieval, along with an efficient contact search tailored for large enterprises. Users benefit from shortcuts to frequently contacted and recent contacts.
The software supports both scheduled and spontaneous group chats, employs SSL/TLS encryption, and provides optional end-to-end security through Off-the-Record Messaging. Although primarily designed for use with XMPP servers, Spark can connect to various other instant messaging networks via the Kraken IM Gateway plugin for Openfire.
The user interface is designed for productivity with customizable skins, tabbed messaging windows, and support for plugins. Essential business-oriented features include single sign-on integration, file sharing capabilities, and enhanced privacy settings.