Spark for Mac

Spark for Mac is an Open Source, cross-platform IM client for macOS 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.

Spark for macOS is a full-featured instant messaging (IM) and groupchat client that uses the XMPP protocol. The Spark for Mac 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 is specifically noted in the relevant source files.

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.

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

Also Available: Download Spark for Windows