Spark

Spark is an Open Source, cross-platform IM client for Windows PC optimized for businesses and organizations. It features built-in support for group chat, telephony integration, and strong security.

It also offers a great end-user experience with features like in-line spell checking, group chat room bookmarks, and tabbed conversations.

The app is a full-featured instant messaging (IM) and group chat client that uses the XMPP protocol. The app source code is governed by the GNU Lesser General Public License (LGPL), which can be found in the LICENSE.html file in this distribution.

The app also contains Open Source software from third-parties. Licensing terms for those components are specifically noted in the relevant source files.

The Internet has revolutionized the way we connect with acquaintances, and one of its benefits is the availability of instant messaging. Spark is a Java-based client that provides features similar to those of popular messengers, including file transfers, group chat, and voice calling.

Although Spark is primarily designed for businesses and organizations, it can also be used by individuals who want an alternative to the popular messaging apps. The setup process is straightforward, requiring only a username, password, and server.

Key Features

• Group Chat & Conference Rooms: Easily create group chats or join conference rooms, allowing for seamless collaboration.
• File Transfer: Share files directly in the chat, eliminating the need for third-party file-sharing services.
• Offline Messaging: Messages are stored and delivered once the recipient comes online, ensuring no important information is missed.
• Customizable Notifications: Tailor notifications by chat, status, or priority to avoid distractions.
• Chat Transcripts: Keep records of past chats for reference, helping with tracking project discussions or decisions.
• Encryption Support: Secure messages with encryption (with appropriate plugins) for added confidentiality.
• Spell Checking and Emoticons: Enhance user experience with built-in spell-check and support for emoticons.
• Customizable Interface: Modify themes and color schemes to fit your preferences.

User Interface

Spark's interface is customizable but not exceptional. It offers support for avatars, emoticons, and user-defined colors, but the settings menu can be overwhelming. The conversation window has standard options, including sending files and taking screenshots.

The app's interface is well-organized, and conversations can be grouped into tabs, making it easy to chat with multiple users simultaneously. The settings menu offers options for group chat, media, privacy, login, file transfers, sounds, appearance, notifications, and taskbar flashing.

It runs smoothly and doesn't consume many resources. It includes a spell checker and a "Buzz" tool that requests the user's attention.

Installation and Setup

Download: Visit the official website and download the version compatible with your operating system.

Install: Run the installer and follow the installation instructions. It supports both Windows and macOS.

Connect to an XMPP Server: After installation, open Spark and connect it to your XMPP server. If you are using Ignite Realtime’s Openfire, enter your server's address, username, and password.

Configure Settings: Adjust preferences such as notifications, themes, and language within the settings.

How to Use

Launch the app: Open the app and log in to your server.

Find Contacts: View and manage your contact list. Add colleagues by their usernames or organize contacts into groups.

Initiate Chat: Start a one-on-one or group chat by selecting a contact or creating a new chat room.

Send Files: Share files with a colleague by dragging them directly into the chat window or using the file transfer feature.

Manage Chat History: Access chat history for easy reference to past conversations.

Customize Notifications: Tailor notification settings for specific chats or groups as per your work needs.

FAQ

Is Spark secure for corporate use?
Yes, it offers secure messaging within internal networks, and it supports encryption to protect data in transit. However, you may need to configure plugins or servers for advanced security settings.

Can Spark be integrated with third-party tools?
While this program is primarily focused on XMPP-based communication, you can integrate it with Openfire plugins or third-party tools compatible with the XMPP protocol.

Does Spark support video or voice calls?
Out of the box, this software does not support video or voice calls. However, with Openfire plugins, it’s possible to enable additional communication features.

Is there mobile support for Spark?
The app itself is desktop-only, but you can use mobile-compatible XMPP clients that connect to the same Openfire server for cross-platform accessibility.

How do I enable offline messages?
Offline messages are automatically stored and delivered when the recipient reconnects. For added control, check your server’s settings (especially if using Openfire) to ensure this feature is enabled.

Alternatives

Slack: Known for its intuitive design, Slack is a popular team messaging tool that supports chat rooms, file sharing, and integrates with various third-party applications.

Microsoft Teams: Another robust alternative, Teams offers secure messaging, video conferencing, and integrations with the Microsoft 365 suite. It is widely adopted in enterprise environments.

Rocket.Chat: An open-source communication platform similar to this app, Rocket.Chat also supports XMPP but offers more modern features such as video calling and mobile support.

Trillian: Chat with other Trillian users or those on Facebook, Twitter, Google...

Pidgin: An open-source XMPP-based chat app that’s compatible with multiple protocols and offers a straightforward user experience.

Pricing

This program is free to download and use under the Apache 2.0 license, which permits modifications and customizations to the codebase.

This makes Spark an attractive option for budget-conscious teams and businesses, especially those who value flexibility and customization.

System Requirements

• Windows: Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11.
• macOS: OS X 10.9 and later.
• Linux: It can be run on Linux, though setup may require additional configurations.

Other requirements include a minimum of 1GB RAM, 100MB free disk space, and internet or local network access.

PROS

• Free and open-source
• Supports secure internal messaging with encryption options
• Works well with Openfire server for a customizable experience
• Lightweight with minimal resource demands
• Offers offline message storage and delivery

CONS

• Lacks native mobile support
• User interface is somewhat outdated
• Limited multimedia features (no native video/voice calls)
• Relies on XMPP server configuration for optimal use
• Basic compared to more modern team communication apps

Conclusion

Spark by Ignite Realtime is a solid choice for organizations prioritizing secure, internal text-based communication. As an open-source app, it’s flexible and customizable, and it integrates well with the Openfire server for streamlined deployment within corporate networks.

While it lacks the multimedia and advanced integrations of contemporary messaging apps like Slack or Teams, Spark’s focus on privacy, efficiency, and simplicity makes it a valuable tool for team communication.

Also Available: Download Spark for Mac