Friendica

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 * OSS software (MIT License)
 * [in PHP and Javascript] (server-oriented)
 * [used for inter-server communication] (HTTP)
 * interface to Facebook, Twitter, Status.net (identi.ca), Diaspora etc.
 * layout is wasting a lot of space
 * nice features
 * fast and active development
 * low requirements and easy to install (runs on commodity hosting platforms)

Privacy problems of Friendica

Being architected the same way as Diaspora, Friendica has the same privacy issues. See diaspora for details.

Discussion

 * Christopher had a short look at the code a while ago and thought it didn't look too bad, especially for making changes and extensions. Major point of criticism: Lack of separation between functionality and design (HTML code intermixed in controller aspects).
 * I tried to run my own Diaspora Pod and my own Friendica instance. There are some things I learned during this process (Björn):
   * Friendica was really easy to set up. Copy it to a folder of your web space, open your browser, answer some questions, done. I think "easy to set up" is an important factor to win new users and installations
   * The integration of other (mainstream) networks is great. I consider this a important factor if we want to convince users to switch (Like Jabber transports are an important factor to convince people to switch to a free IM system). With Friendica they can still be in contact with their Facebook, Twitter, etc. contacts 
   * The developers try hard to not only develop yet another social network but also work on open protocols and their specifications (Zot!)
 * I just made an account one a existing testing-server and was shocked that I had to add my real-name. But that's configurable, right?!
   * you can enter whatever name you want (Björn) 
   * You sad, you had already set up your own server, was that only local or can you give us a invitation? (mercuric)
     * Your comment probably belongs to me (Björn). The server is not local. I use it to connect and communicate with other people. But I don't want to be a service provider. Therefore I don't hand out invitations or allow random registrations on my server. If you want to test Friendica you can find a list of public servers [| here ].