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Hubzilla

Definition:

Hubzilla is a decentralized multifunctional platform that provides a wide range of online communication and collaboration services that is part of Fediverse. These include the ability to create and share content, discussion forums, calendar, and filing system, among others. Hubzilla stands out in the fediverso for its focus on privacy, security and identity portability.

History and evolution

Hubzilla was launched in 2015 by developer Mike Macgirvin, who is also one of the founders of Friendica. The intention was to create a platform that offered more than a social network, integrating various communication and collaboration functions in one place.

The path of Hubzilla has been marked by several stages of development:

2015: Launch of Hubzilla as a decentralized and federated platform with a focus on identity portability.
2016: Introduction of 'clones' functionality, allowing users to migrate their accounts between different servers without losing their connections.
2017: Incorporation of collaboration functions such as calendar, file system and wiki.
2019: Improvements in interoperability with other fediverso platforms, allowing Hubzilla users to interact with users from other networks.
2023: Hubzilla continues to grow and evolve, with an active community of users and developers.

Operation

Hubzilla works through 'hubs', which are independent servers that make up the Hubzilla network. Each hub has its own database and users, but all hubs can interact with each other to share content and messages.

A prominent feature of Hubzilla is identity portability. Hubzilla users can clone their accounts on different hubs, meaning that if one hub goes down or closes, users can continue to use their account from another hub without losing any information or connection.

Advantages and benefits of Hubzilla

The advantages of Hubzilla include:

Multifunctionality: Hubzilla offers a variety of communication and collaboration features on a single platform.
Identity portability: Users can move their accounts between different hubs without losing information or connections.
Interoperability: Hubzilla can interact with other platforms of the fediverso, allowing a wide range of interactions.

Challenges and criticisms

Hubzilla faces certain challenges and criticisms. Its wide range of features can be overwhelming for new users. The interface, while functional, has been criticized for its lack of visual appeal compared to more conventional platforms. In addition, like other fediverso platforms, it relies heavily on a community of volunteers for its development and maintenance.

Hubzilla Instances

Hubzilla instances, called hubs, are independent servers that house users and their content. Each hub has its own database and users, but all hubs can communicate with each other, allowing content and messages to be shared between different users.

The choice of the hub in which an account is created is the user's decision. Hubs can vary in size, policies and specific features. Below are some notable Hubzilla hubs:

start.hubzilla.org: This hub is a popular choice for new users due to its friendly user interface.
zotum.net: Zotum is one of the largest and most active hubs, and is often used to test new Hubzilla features.
hub.volse.no: This hub, based in Norway, is recognized for its commitment to user privacy and transparency in its operations.

As in other platforms of the fediverso, Hubzilla users have the option to clone their accounts in different hubs, which allows them to maintain their identity and connections even if they change hubs.