Wire

Wire is an open-source web app and server that provides a platform for encrypted communication. It supports messaging, file sharing, and video conferencing for teams and individuals who require high levels of privacy. The software is deployed as a server component with corresponding clients for web, desktop, iOS, and Android, allowing for a synchronized communication experience across multiple devices.

The system uses a distributed architecture where clients communicate with a backend server using protocol buffers to ensure structured data exchange. Users can deploy the server components or build their own custom clients using the provided source code for different operating systems. The communication layer is designed to ensure privacy through specific encryption protocols and a modular codebase that separates signaling from the core cryptographic functions.

Key features

• End-to-end encrypted messaging
• Video and audio calling
• File sharing capabilities
• Cross-platform support for iOS, Android, and Desktop
• Implementation of the Axolotl protocol for encryption
• Use of Protocol Buffers for client-server communication
• Web-based client access
• Dedicated audio, video, and signaling library

The technical stack relies on several specialized components to maintain security and performance. The core cryptography layer is developed in Rust and cross-compiled for various platforms to provide a consistent security baseline. Audio and video signaling is handled by a library written in ANSI C/C++, which is compiled to WASM for web and desktop use. This architecture allows the software to maintain consistent functionality across different hardware environments while keeping the encryption logic isolated from the user interface.

Developers can contribute to the project by submitting bug fixes and code improvements, though the core UI and UX are managed by the primary development team. The project also utilizes crowdsourced translations via Crowdin to support a global user base. By providing the source code for both the server and the clients, the project allows for independent verification of the security claims and the encryption algorithms used in the whitepapers.

Wire is a secure collaboration tool for users who require encrypted communication and the ability to host their own server infrastructure.