Previously, Jabber could easily be set up on your domain using XMPP servers from Google and other providers. However, this has changed as Google has been covertly disabling XMPP for some time now. Last year, GTalk was almost completely disabled in favor of Hangouts, causing my Jabber to stop working. Although the connection to talk.google.com:5222 is still present, all contacts appear to be offline and messages are not sent or received. Despite attempting various clients, server settings, and options for SRV records for the domain, nothing has worked.
As of the beginning of this year, it seems that no viable solutions can be found on Google. I am reaching out to the community to ask if anyone knows of a free Jabber hosting provider that is still functioning for domain use? Additionally, it is concerning to see major corporations like Google discontinuing services without any alternative solutions for users.
Unfortunately, there aren't any reliable implementations of the gill protocol anymore, which led to its eventual disappearance. In fact, I only have access to one of the five servers that still contains accounts.
It's unlikely that a new jabber service will be launched anytime soon, as the market is currently dominated by mobile messengers and slack, which has taken over the role of IRC. Moreover, it's unlikely that any new services will be available for free. It's unfortunate to witness the decline of communication protocols like Jabber, but it's also natural for technology to evolve and change over time. However, it's important that new technologies do not leave behind users that rely on discontinued services.
At one point, I maintained a VPS for my Jabber server and gateways to other IMS, but I eventually abandoned my other IMS accounts and consequently my Jabber server. This allowed me to sleep better at night.
Unfortunately, there aren't any reliable implementations of Jabber anymore, leading to the eventual discontinuation of the protocol. In fact, I only have access to one of the five servers where accounts were still active. It's unlikely that a new jabber service will be launched anytime soon, as the market is currently dominated by mobile messengers and slack, which has taken over the role of IRC. It's important to embrace new technologies, but it's equally essential to ensure that users aren't left behind in the process.
Historically, relying on XMPP servers provided by major organizations like Google was a straightforward approach. However, recent shifts have necessitated a thorough exploration of alternative solutions to ensure consistent and reliable communication services for website domains.
In response to the current situation, several potential approaches come to mind. Firstly, investigating independent XMPP hosting providers that offer domain support could yield viable options. While many mainstream providers may be phasing out XMPP services, there are niche and independent hosting companies that continue to champion the protocol. Identifying and collaborating with such providers can ensure the continuity of Jabber services for domain use.
Additionally, the concept of self-hosting XMPP servers emerges as an intriguing avenue. By taking on the responsibility of setting up and maintaining our own XMPP server, we can exert a high degree of control over the service, ensuring its tailored alignment with the domain's needs. However, it's important to acknowledge that self-hosting demands technical proficiency and robust resources, making it a less accessible option for the broader community.
An alternative worth exploring involves engaging with community-driven XMPP hosting initiatives. These endeavors are often fueled by a commitment to sustaining Jabber services and maintaining open communication infrastructures. By tapping into the resources and experiences of the XMPP community, we can gain insights into hosting providers that embrace the domain use of Jabber and actively work towards safeguarding its availability for users.
The discontinuation of XMPP services by major corporations like Google underscores the importance of diversifying communication channels and developing a resilient ecosystem of digital tools. It highlights the fragility of relying solely on services provided by dominant players and emphasizes the need for adaptability and flexibility in addressing such disruptions.
I am committed to leveraging my expertise to identify reliable and future-proof options. Collaboration and knowledge-sharing within the hosting community will be instrumental in navigating these evolving dynamics and ensuring the continuous availability of essential communication services for website domains.
For those seeking alternative Jabber hosting solutions, consider platforms like Jabber.org or Mxit, which still offer free XMPP hosting. These providers allow you to maintain your domain while ensuring reliable messaging capabilities. However, the reality is that the industry is shifting towards proprietary protocols, leaving open-source enthusiasts in the lurch.
It's essential to advocate for decentralized communication, but the trend is troubling, especially when corporations prioritize profit over user autonomy.