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Openfire

Open-source alternative to Microsoft Teams chat infrastructure

Openfire is an open-source alternative to Microsoft Teams chat infrastructure, built on the open XMPP standard. It is a self-hosted instant messaging server with a web-based admin panel for managing users and rooms. Plugins extend it with extra features like group chat and file sharing.

Best for: Organizations that want a private, self-hosted chat server.

Key features

  • Self-hosted XMPP instant messaging server
  • Web-based administration panel
  • Plugin system for extra features

Before you switch

Communication tools only work if the people you talk to can use them. Check whether guests or teammates need accounts, and whether the tool bridges to the networks you already use. Self-hosted chat and meeting tools give your team full control, but someone needs to keep the server updated — factor that in.

Like every project on OpenShelf, Openfire is developed in the open — you can read the code, follow development, and even contribute. Check the system requirements and the project’s own documentation linked on this page before installing.