Openfire

Openfire is an open-source XMPP (Jabber) server written in Java. Developed by Ignite Realtime, it is designed to be simple to install and manage, making it a common choice for small to medium-sized deployments—as well as testing and development environments. Openfire implements the core XMPP server functions and can serve as the backbone for real-time messaging, presence, and contact sharing.

The server supports user accounts and rosters, offline messaging, message routing, and presence information. It includes built-in support for multi-user chat and file transfer, and it exposes server features via a plugin architecture that allows administrators to extend functionality with additional modules. Openfire can integrate with external user stores and authentication mechanisms, including LDAP directories and JDBC-based databases. It ships with a web-based admin console used to configure the server, manage users and rooms, set up authentication, and monitor activity.

Openfire is cross-platform and runs on the Java platform, enabling deployment on Windows, Linux, and macOS. It can operate as a standalone server or be integrated into Java applications through its plugin system. The project emphasizes ease of setup, a lightweight footprint, and a straightforward administration experience, making it a popular choice for organizations that require an XMPP server without extensive customization.

Openfire is maintained by the Ignite Realtime community and has a range of community and official plugins to extend capabilities such as monitoring, presence, and integrations with external services.