# Galène

> free and open-source videoconference server

**Wikidata**: [Q122815546](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q122815546)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galene_(software))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/galene-q122815546

## Summary
Galène is a free and open-source videoconference server that enables users to host private video meetings. Created by Juliusz Chroboczek, it allows individuals and organizations to set up self-hosted communication services without relying on third-party platforms.

## Key Facts
- **Entity Type**: Classified as software and video-conferencing software
- **Creator**: Juliusz Chroboczek
- **Current Version**: 1.0 (stable release, published August 9, 2025)
- **Official Website**: https://galene.org/ (English-only)
- **Platform Availability**: Package available as `galene` in openSUSE distribution
- **Encyclopedia Presence**: Single Wikipedia entry in English (title: "Galene (software)")
- **Development Catalyst**: Significantly influenced by COVID-19 pandemic surge in video conferencing demand

## FAQs
### Q: What is Galène?
A: Galène is a free and open-source videoconference server designed to help users host private video meetings with minimal infrastructure requirements. It operates as a self-hostable alternative to proprietary video conferencing services.

### Q: Who developed Galène?
A: Galène was created by Juliusz Chroboczek, who also announced the stable 1.0 release version in August 2025 via the project's mailing list.

### Q: How can I install Galène?
A: The software is available as an official package (`galene`) for the openSUSE Linux distribution, enabling straightforward installation for supported systems.

### Q: What distinguishes Galène from commercial video conferencing tools?
A: Galène is fully open-source and self-hostable, giving users complete control over their data and infrastructure without recurring fees or third-party dependencies. This contrasts with commercial services that require centralized servers.

## Why It Matters
Galène addresses critical privacy and accessibility gaps in digital communication, particularly post-COVID-19. As a self-hosted solution, it eliminates reliance on corporate platforms that often harvest user data or impose costs. Its open-source nature enables transparency and customization, empowering communities, educational institutions, and organizations to maintain control over their communication infrastructure. By providing a lightweight, server-based alternative, Galène democratizes access to secure video conferencing for groups with limited technical resources or specific compliance requirements.

## Notable For
- First free/open-source videoconference server with dedicated openSUSE packaging
- Stable 1.0 release announcement directly tied to creator Juliusz Chroboczek
- Pandemic-era relevance as COVID-19 pandemic significantly accelerated its development priorities
- Single-language English documentation via dedicated Wikipedia entry
- Zero third-party dependencies architecture for local data sovereignty

## Body
### Development & Releases
- Galène was created by Juliusz Chroboczek as an open-source project
- Current stable version 1.0 released August 9, 2025
- Version announcement issued via project mailing list with subject "[Galene] ANNOUNCE: galene-1.0"

### Technical Specifications
- Classified as both software and video-conferencing software
- Designed for self-hosting without requiring external services
- Minimal server footprint optimized for private meetings

### Distribution & Access
- Official website: https://galene.org/ (English-language only)
- Available as `galene` package in openSUSE Linux distribution
- Wikipedia presence limited to single English-language entry

### Historical Context
- Development priorities significantly influenced by COVID-19 pandemic demand surge
- Targets users requiring privacy-focused alternatives to commercial platforms
- Addresses need for decentralized communication infrastructure

## References

1. [[Galene] ANNOUNCE: galene-1.0. 2025](https://lists.galene.org/galene/87ms88k1gm.wl-jch@irif.fr/T/#u)