Messaging and Directory Server software used around the world in the Government, Military, Aviation and Commercial sectors.
M-Link is Isode's Instant Messaging and Presence server based on the XMPP (eXtensible Messaging and Presence Protocol) Internet Standards. M-Link can be evaluated here.
See below for introductions to:
- The M-Link Server.
- Use of Directory for Authentication and Configuration.
- M-Link Security capabilities.
- Support for both Wide and Local Area Clustering.
- Boundary controls using M-Link Edge.
- GUI & Web-based Management Tools.
M-Link XMPP Server
M-Link is Isode's high-performance XMPP server, that can be used to support 1:1 chat, multi-user chat (MUC), Personal Eventing (PEP) and other XMPP services. M-Link features include Wide and Local Area clustering. Archiving, Security Labels and other security features. M-Link is available on Linux, Solaris and Windows.
Information on M-Link's core capabilities can be found on the M-Link Server page.
Directory for Configuration & Authentication
M-Link uses Directory to hold authentication and configuration information and can be set up to use independent directories for these functions. The configuration directory holds information on configuration and permanent MUC rooms, which will usually use Isode’s M-Vault directory (included with M-Link). The authentication directory holds information on users, which will often use an existing enterprise directory, such as Active Directory.
To read more about this, please see the page on Directory for configuration and authentication.
Gateways to non-XMPP IM Services
Connections to non-XMPP instant messaging services (such as AIM, ICQ, Windows Live/MSN and Yahoo Instant Messenger) via support for XEP-0114 (Jabber Component Protocol) can be enabled by use of a compatible XMPP Gateway, such as the JBuddy XMPP Gateway from Zion Software.
M-Link Security
Although used in a wide range of industries, Isode has incorporated into M-Link features that make it the natural choice for instant messaging and presence in military, intelligence and government deployments. These features include support for security labels according to XEP-0258 (Security Labels in XMPP), data confidentiality using TLS and support for SASL authentication, Kerberos authentication and Strong Authentication (based on X.509 Public Key Infrastructure), for client/server and for server/server connections.
For more information, please see the page on M-Link Security.
Clustering
M-Link's scalability and support for both Wide and Local Area Clustering make it the natural choice for deployments supporting large and growing user numbers and concerned about service interruptions due to server or network failure, support for Disaster Recovery and for military orgniazatons needing a survivable deployment
You can read more about this on the M-Link Clustering page.
Boundary Controls using M-Link Edge
M-Link Edge is an Isode product based on M-Link that can be configured in a number of ways to provide an XMPP Boundary Guard service. Whilst peering decisions are the simplest way to apply boundary controls, use of an XMPP Boundary Guard enables controls to be applied and checks made separate to the XMPP server(s). M-Link Edge can be used in conjunction with a High Assurance Boundary Guard.
The page on M-Link Edge gives more details.
Management Tools
M-Link uses a directory to hold account information and profile information as well as configuration of Security Policy and permanent Multi User Chat (MUC) rooms. Isode provides both GUI and web-based management tools for M-Link and for its LDAP/X.500 Directory Server, M-Vault. M-Link can be managed as part of a complete messaging system (including POP/IMAP/SMTP mail capabilities) or as a standalone instant messaging deployment.
For more information, please see the page on M-Link Management which also includes information on SNMP monitoring.
