January 4, 1999
Jabber (XMPP) first released
Jeremie Miller released the first jabberd server on January 4, 1999 — the open-source instant messaging system that became XMPP.
What it was for
Jabber used XMLExtensible Markup Language — a markup format for structured documents and data exchange. streams for federated chat — users on one server could message users on another, unlike closed AOL or MSN networks. The protocols were standardized as XMPP (RFC 6120/6121) and power WhatsApp-era ideas of open messaging. Google Talk, SlackA team messaging app — channels, integrations, and the default chat layer for many companies.'s federation experiments, and Matrix inherit its DNA.
Why it's here
Jabber was the first widely deployed open, federated instant messaging protocol.
Why it mattered
It proved real-time presence and chat could work across independent servers with open standardA specification anyone can implement without proprietary restrictions — encourages interoperability and competition.s.
What it solved
Proprietary IM networks trapped users in walled gardens with no interoperability.
Media
- ImageXMPP
Original Author: Raja SANDHU for XMPP Standards Foundation.Edited by Ludovic BOCQUET: A first time in September 2017, a second time in September 2019 and a third time in December 2025 (to add "Automatic text color in dark/light mode" feature)., MIT, via Wikimedia Commons
Related
- WebSocket protocol standardizedDecember 2011
- HTTP/1.1 standardizedJanuary 1997