If you use iChat, you probably already know that it has built-in support for Jabber-based messaging. That's the same messaging scheme used by Google Talk and many other similar services. Jabber uses an open source protocol called XMPP to initiate and talk with messaging clients. The upshot of an open source framework is that it makes it very easy to run your own Jabber server on your Mac.
There are many reasons to use your own Jabber server to allow iChat messaging:
There are actually many other reasons, especially for larger companies that use messaging systems, but for the majority of users, creating a Jabber server comes down to the security of knowing that your home or small business iChat messages aren't accessible to outside eyes.
That doesn't mean you're creating a closed environment. The Jabber server you create in this guide can be configured for in-house use only, open to the Internet, or just about anything in-between. But even if you choose to open your Jabber server to Internet connections, you can still use various security measures to encrypt and keep your messaging private.
With the background out of the way, let's get started.
There are various Jabber server applications available. Many require you to download source code, and then compile and make the server application yourself.
Others are ready to go, with very simple installation instructions.
We're going to use Openfire, an open source, real-time collaboration server. It uses XMPP (Jabber) for its instant messaging system, and it works out of the box with the native iChat client, as well as many other Jabber-based messaging clients.
Best of all, it's a simple installation that isn't much different than installing any other Mac application. It also uses a web-based interface for configuring the server, so there are no text files to be edited or managed.
Why Use Your Own Jabber-Based iChat Server?
There are many reasons to use your own Jabber server to allow iChat messaging:
- You control who can connect to the service.
- You can create a secure messaging system.
- Keep all messaging communications in-house.
- Easy cross-platform messaging.
- You like to fiddle with your Mac and having a Jabber Server sounds cool.
There are actually many other reasons, especially for larger companies that use messaging systems, but for the majority of users, creating a Jabber server comes down to the security of knowing that your home or small business iChat messages aren't accessible to outside eyes.
That doesn't mean you're creating a closed environment. The Jabber server you create in this guide can be configured for in-house use only, open to the Internet, or just about anything in-between. But even if you choose to open your Jabber server to Internet connections, you can still use various security measures to encrypt and keep your messaging private.
With the background out of the way, let's get started.
There are various Jabber server applications available. Many require you to download source code, and then compile and make the server application yourself.
Others are ready to go, with very simple installation instructions.
We're going to use Openfire, an open source, real-time collaboration server. It uses XMPP (Jabber) for its instant messaging system, and it works out of the box with the native iChat client, as well as many other Jabber-based messaging clients.
Best of all, it's a simple installation that isn't much different than installing any other Mac application. It also uses a web-based interface for configuring the server, so there are no text files to be edited or managed.
What You Need to Create a Jabber Server
- Openfire real-time collaborative server.
- An Intel-based Mac.
- About a half hour of your time.
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