XMPP: The Renaissance of Federated Messaging#

In an era where WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal dominate the messaging market, it’s worth looking back at a protocol that has existed since 1999 and had already implemented many of today’s “innovations”: XMPP (Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol).

The History: When Skype Was Still Federated#

What many don’t know: Skype used XMPP as the foundation for its communication in its early years. The Jabber protocol (as XMPP was originally called) already enabled what is now praised as “decentralized communication”: servers can communicate with each other without a central provider controlling all data.

The irony: While we discuss the “future of federated communication” today, this was already reality over 20 years ago. Microsoft bought Skype and turned it into a centralized service – a pattern we can observe with many tech corporations.

Current Development: Movim vs. Element#

The XMPP landscape has evolved significantly:

Movim: The Modern Web Application#

Movim is an elegant, modern web application that uses XMPP while looking like a social network. Particularly interesting:

  • Fully responsive for mobile devices
  • Integrated group and channel functions
  • Modern user interface
  • Runs in any browser

Element vs. XMPP#

While Element (Matrix) is marketed as a “modern alternative,” XMPP has offered similar features for years:

  • End-to-end encryption (OMEMO)
  • Federation between servers
  • Group chats and channels
  • File transfer

OMEMO: Encryption That Works#

OMEMO (OMEMO Multi-End Message and Object Encryption) is XMPP’s answer to modern encryption requirements:

  • Perfect Forward Secrecy: Old messages remain secure even if keys are compromised
  • Multi-Device Support: Synchronization across all devices
  • Asynchronous Encryption: Messages can be encrypted even when the recipient is offline

Account Creation: Federation in Practice#

The beauty of XMPP lies in its federation. You can create an account with various providers:

  • conversations.im: Operated by the Conversations developers
  • jabber.de: German provider with high data protection standards
  • dismail.de: Focus on privacy and security
  • uuxo.net: Professional clustered setup for high availability
  • xmpp.jp: International alternative

Account Creation:#

  1. Choose a provider
  2. Register (usually via website or directly in the client)
  3. Your XMPP ID looks like an email: username@provider.tld
  4. You can communicate with users from all other XMPP servers

Clients: Something for Everyone#

iOS: Monal#

Monal is the leading XMPP client for iOS:

  • Native iOS integration
  • OMEMO support
  • Push notifications
  • Free in the App Store

Android: Conversations and Monocles Chat#

Conversations: The gold standard for Android

  • Developed by Daniel Gultsch (OMEMO inventor)
  • Perfect OMEMO integration
  • Modern Material Design interface
  • Paid, but worth every cent

Monocles Chat: The free alternative

  • Based on Conversations
  • Same features, free
  • Ideal for getting started

Web/Mobile: Movim as Progressive Web App#

Movim works excellently as a Progressive Web App (PWA):

  • Installation directly from the browser
  • Native app experience
  • Offline functionality
  • Push notifications

XMPP vs. Matrix vs. Signal: The Comparison#

XMPP Advantages:#

✅ Resource-efficient: Runs on weak hardware
✅ Battle-tested: 25+ years of development and testing
✅ True Federation: Thousands of servers worldwide
✅ Simple Implementation: Easy to develop new clients and servers
✅ Modular Design: Only activate desired features

Matrix Disadvantages:#

❌ Resource-hungry: Requires powerful servers
❌ Complex: Difficult implementation
❌ De-facto Centralization: Most use matrix.org

Signal Disadvantages:#

❌ Completely centralized: Only Signal servers
❌ No federation possible: Closed ecosystem
❌ Dependency: One company controls everything

Why This Niche Should Be Filled Again#

In times of increasing digital surveillance and centralization, XMPP offers real alternatives:

1. True Decentralization#

Not just theoretically possible, but practically lived. Thousands of servers worldwide that communicate with each other.

2. No Vendor Lock-ins#

Your account with one provider works with all others. Want to switch providers? No problem.

3. Resource Efficiency#

An XMPP server can run on a Raspberry Pi and serve hundreds of users.

4. Proven Technology#

25 years of development have made XMPP stable and secure. No “beta features” or constant breaking changes.

5. Real Privacy#

You decide which server sees your data. Self-hosting is easily possible.

Conclusion: The Future Is Already Here#

XMPP is not “old-fashioned” – it is timeless. While other protocols try to reinvent the wheel, XMPP has worked reliably for decades.

The renaissance of XMPP is overdue. With modern clients like Movim, Conversations, and Monal, plus robust OMEMO encryption, XMPP offers everything modern communication needs – without the disadvantages of centralization.

Time to regain control over our communication.

Interested in XMPP? Start with a free account at one of the mentioned providers and discover how simple federated communication can be.