What it does
Spark is a cross-platform instant messaging client optimized for businesses and organizations. The project page lists group chat, telephony integration, group-room bookmarks, and tabbed conversations. Spark connects to an XMPP server such as Openfire; it is a client, not a hosted messaging service.
An organization using an XMPP server can deploy Spark as a client for direct messages and group chat. Bookmarked chat rooms and tabbed conversations help users keep several discussions available in the desktop application, while telephony integration extends the client beyond text messaging. The official page lists version 3.0.2 as the latest release, dated March 31, 2023; check compatibility and maintenance status before relying on it for a new deployment. No client or server was installed or tested.
Strengths
- Designed for businesses and organizations, with group chat and telephony integration.
- Provides bookmarked chat rooms and tabbed conversations in a cross-platform client.
- Open-source and compatible with XMPP server deployments such as Openfire.
Watch out for
- Requires an XMPP service and is not a hosted team chat platform.
- The official project page lists March 31, 2023 as the latest release date.
Best for
- Organizations that want a desktop chat client for an existing XMPP or Openfire deployment
- Teams that value open-source clients and need group chat with telephony integration
Sources
- Ignite Realtime: Spark IM Client (Oct 25, 2026)
- Ignite Realtime: Downloads (Oct 25, 2026)