XMPP (Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol)

XMPP, originally known as Jabber, is an open-standard communication protocol based on XML (Extensible Markup Language). It was created in 1999 by Jeremie Miller as an open-source alternative to the siloed instant messaging services of the era. The protocol is designed to be decentralized, meaning anyone can run their own server and communicate with other servers on the network, similar to how email functions.

While developed by a global community of contributors, the protocol's standards are maintained by the XMPP Standards Foundation (XSF). Unlike a retail product, XMPP is not 'manufactured' but rather implemented by various software developers and service providers worldwide. It serves as the underlying technology for numerous messaging applications and Internet of Things (IoT) systems, maintaining a commitment to transparency and security without being owned by a single commercial entity.