Dynamic Shared Groups Within XMPP: an Investigation of the XMPP Group Model

Group communication offers a means for resource sharing and collaboration, often delivered through diverse technologies. One of the technologies, Instant Messaging, traditionally took the role of a facilitating service within such communities. Driven by a flexible XML based protocol, XMPP, instant messaging has developed functionality to a point where it can be considered a standalone group communication medium. Harnessing the extensible nature of the protocol continues to be a challenge. Alternative usage scenarios not envisioned by its core group management models have since emerged. This paper examines the current XMPP group models and how they can fulfill the requirements of a modern scenario centered on dynamic shared groups.