For remote teams, connectivity and productivity might be two faces of the same coin. Working from the office isn't a prerequisite anymore, as the global workforce has shifted to a remote workplace. Reliance on internal communication has increased more than ever, with a wide range of communication tools such as email, phone calls, and social networking used daily.
Long email threads and social media chats are no longer appropriate for business teams. Hence, organizations rely on messaging platforms to work remotely and stay up to date to boost productivity. In contrast to email and other options, teams now need intuitive and user-friendly tools such as instant messaging platforms.
Such platforms provide fast, real-time communications for teams across the globe. Some teams are looking for higher levels of flexibility and security in their communication tools: thus, they opt for open source messaging platforms.
In this blog, we’re going to outline some of the best features of top open source messaging platforms for secure and effective communication.
Why go for an open source messaging platform?
Yes, you need a communication platform: but why should you choose an open source one?
In general, open source software does not adhere to the standards of off-the-shelf software and provides an additional set of benefits.
Business-oriented open source messaging caters to organizations requiring customizations based on various admin controls, compliance to industry or region-specific regulations, and more.
Some of the reasons to adopt an open source platform include:
1. Transparency
Open source equals transparency: since everybody can see the code running in the back of the tool, there isn’t hidden misuse of certain features or inappropriate handling of your data.
You know everything that goes on under the hood!
2. Flexibility
Open source messaging platforms provide the feature to customize the code and adapt it to the business's own needs. The digital environment across organizations differs, with some needing higher regulations and security.
For example, organizations in highly regulated industries such as healthcare, education, and government often need to tweak the software they use to fit their exact needs. With open source, this is simple.
3. Security
The security compliance requirements of different organizations may vary. With open source projects, organizations can rely on code improvements from numerous contributors in the community. One of the advantages of open source messaging platforms is the Increased security of the source code. This is due to a larger audience noticing and fixing the vulnerabilities faster.
4. Cost efficiency
There are paid and free open source chat platforms available, and the organization can even try the free plans before implementing them daily. Compared to market leaders such as Slack, open source platforms allow organizations to customize the features they require while optimizing them cost-efficiently.
5. Avoiding vendor lock-in
Opting for a particular provider or vendor can make organizations feel trapped and comply with their terms, leading to a lock-in of budget, labor, and time. With open source messaging platforms, there's no boundary of a vendor's ecosystem, and the organization can scale up, down, or customize the features per their requirements.
Comparing the top 6 open source messaging solutions
1. Rocket.Chat
Rocket.Chat is a diverse open source platform that helps you interact with colleagues, customers, and other companies. It’s used by over 12 million people across 50 countries, and is loved due to its high flexibility and security.
Rocket.Chat provides audio and video calling options, screen sharing, and file sharing through real-time chat. It also hosts unique features such as real-time and automatic message translation of over 50 languages during communication. Importing data from previously used software is also possible on RocketChat for a seamless transition.
Features
Self-hosted chat system and can be installed on virtual servers or on-premise servers (think extra layers of security!)
Open source and unlimited code customizations
Available on mobile
Wide range of features from chat, video calling, file sharing, chat widgets and so on
Diverse range of communication channels
Unlimited user addition and removal, messages, searches, document uploads and guests
Security features
Security compliance of the highest level with administrator transparency and username restriction
Zulip is an open source chat platform that follows the topic-based threading model. Tracking conversations is made easier through a stream that opens every time a new topic or subject of the chat is introduced. Like other platforms, it supports real-time chat, emojis, video previews, chat history, search, analytics tools and so on.
A unique feature of Zulip is LaTeX, used to share math formulas or equations. Markdown and syntax are also present for highlighting and sharing code. Its integration with other platforms such as Jira, Zoom, Jitsi Meet, Zendesk, and so on contributes to its presence as an open source alternative for Slack.
Features
Drag and drop file uploads
Inline image, video previews
Ability to tag a message with topics and filter them accordingly
Cross-platform and provides APIs for integrations
Security features
Strict compliance with policies such as HIPAA standards
TLS encryption and authentication for all data transmission between clients and server
With Wire, teams can expect a wide range of features and communicative channels with end-to-end encryption. Project management, document management, video conferencing, discussion threads, and push notifications are some main features of the application. However, some features such as Google apps integration and external integrations are not available on the application yet.
Features
Text, voice and video chats
Free and paid options
Complete encryption for all content
Cross-platform availability
Security features
The application is protected by strict data laws and uses Proteus encryption protocol.
Element is an open source messaging platform that comes packed with features. It enables users to connect with others that aren’t necessarily using Element, but other apps that enable connection via Matrix. It can be deployed on-premise or on the cloud using a public server.
Features
Integration with Jitsi
File sharing, emojis, private and public chat rooms
Anti-spam options
Moderation tools for managing communities
File sharing and the ability to bridge other services such as Slack and Discord
Suited for small teams, the self-hosted chat application delivers a seamless messaging experience. Image embeds, local file uploads from Microsoft Azure, chat history transcripts, and search features are all part of its features.
Twake is a promising collaborative, open source chat that offers a single workspace with a free plan. Self-hosting on one's server can be done with Twake. It also provides unlimited messages and message history with a free account.
Features
Asynchronous messages
Deleted messages
Chats, video conferencing
To-do lists and creating Kanvan project boards
Discussion boards
Collaborative document editing
Task creation and management
Cross-platform support and application integration
Real MQ is an easy-to-use real-time messaging platform that ensures the delivery of all messages to connected clients. It is easy to deploy on-premise or in the cloud and runs on all major operating systems.
Features
Message and chat history
Open source with customizations
Multi-tenancy to run projects in parallel
Integration with different application stacks
RESTful API
Security features
SSL for secure traffic encryption
Client authentication
How to choose your team chat?
Before you choose a platform that's been the talk of the town, it's best to make an informed decision. Choosing the right messaging tool for your organization can pay off in the long run. Before making a decision, here are some key features to evaluate:
1. Look for an intuitive user interface
2. Check the support quality- do they cater to queries and provide support to users?
3. The ease of deployment and management of the solution
4. Look for integrations- does it fit or support your current tech stack? Is it feasible for your team in the long run?
5. Security orientation - if your organization requires specific compliances, ensure that the solution has strong security features to be deployed on-premise
Before acquiring an open source messaging platform for your organization, ensure that your requirements align with their priorities. Data protection, security, support, and seamless usage should be important aspects to consider before making a purchase.
So.. what are you waiting for?
Open source messaging platforms bring their own set of advantages to organizations in different industries. We would say that they don’t lack in features compared to market leaders - but they do bring on an extra layer of security and flexibility that’s needed in some cases.
It doesn’t hurt that most open source solutions are cheaper than their proprietary counterparts - and that they can be deployed on-premise so your organization can maintain full control over exchanged data.
At Rocket.Chat, we’re proud to be open source and to stand by the principles of transparent communication. Get in touch with our team to learn more benefits of open source or test the platform yourself!
Signal is the overall winner for both iOS and Android users. Signal created an encryption protocol that is now recognized as the most secure messaging app protocol out there. It offers everything most users need – SMS, video and voice calls, group chats, file sharing, disappearing messages, etc.
Secure messaging works as an online messaging service. Firstly, users enroll in a secure messaging platform. Then, the user logs into their account by typing in their username and password (or strong authentication) similar to a web-based email account.
A messaging platform is a type of customer experience software that equips developers or admins with tools to build interactive messaging experiences. Learn how to pick the right one for your business. Messaging has the highest customer satisfaction score of any support channel, with a CSAT of 98 percent.
According to the latest data, WhatsApp Messenger is the most popular messaging app downloaded on the Google Play Store in the USA. This is no surprise, considering it's the most used messaging app globally, with two billion users. After WhatsApp, the second-most used chat app in the USA is Snapchat.
Google Messages Gets End-to-End Encryption for Group Chats on Android. The security upgrade arrives as text messaging turns 30—a milestone Google marks with yet another call for Apple to add RCS to iMessage.
Everything you send over SMS is visible easily to anyone, including phone carriers, governments, and hackers. So, if you're dealing with valuable or sensitive information, the only acceptable way to send it via message is by using encryption software for your mobile phone.
There are two main categories: transactional messages and marketing messages. Marketing messages refer to messages you send for promotional purposes, such as announcing a product or sale. These are also called promotional or commercial messages. Notably, the recipients need to opt in to receive this type of message.
Zoom Meetings is a video conferencing platform used to host meetings. With the premium version, your Zoom meetings can cater to up to 1,000 participants, call recording, unlimited phone calls and more. One of the reasons why Zoom exploded in popularity was that it also offers webinar hosting services.
Discord is a VoIP and instant messaging platform where you can enjoy voice calls, video calls, text messages, and sending media and files in private chats as well as part of communities. You're able to do all of this without the need for a phone number.
Emails offer a more secure and private solution, but lack the functionality and features of instant messaging apps that so many of us love. And even some email providers are guilty of handing over data they hold about you to the government.
Some examples of popular IM services today include Signal, Telegram, WhatsApp Messenger, WeChat, QQ Messenger, Viber, Line, and Snapchat. The popularity of certain apps greatly differ between different countries.
What are the 6 types of security infrastructure systems?
Access Controls. The act of restricting access to sensitive data or systems enables your enterprise to mitigate the potential risks associated with data exposure. ...
AES. The Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) is the trusted standard algorithm used by the United States government, as well as other organizations. ...
Say “Hey Google, turn on auto read.” When you get a new message, Google Assistant reads it. When Google Assistant reads your messages, any other media pauses then resumes.
Yes, it's definitely possible for someone to spy on your text messages and it's certainly something you should be aware of – this is a potential way for a hacker to gain a lot of private information about you – including accessing PIN codes sent by websites used to verify your identity (such as online banking).
WhatsApp has long touted its use of end-to-end encryption, which means only the sender and recipient of a message can see its contents. While several other competitors including iMessage and Signal also offer end-to-end encryption, WhatsApp is by far the biggest in terms of user base.
You can easily form groups, share files or even receive files from your customers. WhatsApp is much safer as it has end-to-end encryption, making it more secure.
Computer malware, spyware and other malicious systems are far more prevalent on computers. Attacks are also more successful on laptops and computers than they are on mobile phones. For that reason, SMS is probably more secure than email.
Secretive is an app for storing and managing SSH keys in the Secure Enclave. It is inspired by the sekey project, but rewritten in Swift with no external dependencies and with a handy native management app.
A decoy app is a sneaky on-device tool that lets anybody hide secret photos, videos and messages, under the cover of an innocent-looking icon. Hide It Pro is one of the most popular - and easiest for parents to spot. Let's drill down and have a look at one of the most popular decoy apps: Hide It Pro.
Fake apps or apps designed for malicious purposes often have bad descriptions and content. Many hackers come from third world countries and don't have a good understanding of the English language. Others just don't want to put too much effort into the fake app.
Using the 7 C's of communication, that is when you're clear, concise, concrete, correct, consider the speaker, complete and courteous, with your message, you will become an effective communicator and find more success in your interactions with people.
SMS text messaging is a cellular phone service that has a limit of 160 characters per message. Instant Messaging, on the contrary, is a computer session that requires the internet to send and receive messages. Examples of instant messaging apps include Skype, WhatsApp, Slack and more.
“WhatsApp is far more private and secure than iMessage, with end-to-end encryption that works across both iPhones and Android, including group chats. With WhatsApp you can also set all new chats to disappear with the tap of a button. And last year we introduced end-to-end encrypted backups too.
SMS messages are short and sweet. Because of the 160 character limit, they don't require a lot of time or energy. SMS messages are cheaper to send than MMS messages. Most carriers in the U.S. offer plans with unlimited texting, so there is likely no cost to your subscribers.
The two platforms operate different security: Apple's iMessage is end-to-end encrypted, and while there's less public information on this than with WhatsApp or Signal, it is secure. Google does not—it only encrypts between the device and its server, not end-to-end, although it's reportedly working to address this.
Criminals, hackers, and scammers have all taken advantage of this. There have been instances of attackers passing off malicious software as WhatsApp desktop applications. If you are unfortunate enough to have downloaded one of these, the installation can distribute malware or otherwise compromise your computer.
We designed iMessage to use end-to-end encryption, so there's no way for Apple to decrypt the content of your conversations when they are in transit between devices. Attachments you send over iMessage (such as photos or videos) are encrypted so that no one but the sender and receiver(s) can access them.
iMessage is tailor-made for iPhone: texts between two Apple devices with iMessage enabled are always end-to-end encrypted. However, there will be no encryption if an iMessage user sends a text to an Android device.
While authorities must at some point notify individuals when they are targeted by wiretaps or subpoenas for bank information, there is no such mandate for electronic data such as emails, texts or location information.
Emails offer a more secure and private solution, but lack the functionality and features of instant messaging apps that so many of us love. And even some email providers are guilty of handing over data they hold about you to the government.
Sign in to the Apple ID website (https://appleid.apple.com) and review all the personal and security information in your account to see if there is any information that someone else has added. If you have two-factor authentication turned on, review trusted devices for any devices that you don't recognize.
Introduction: My name is Margart Wisoky, I am a gorgeous, shiny, successful, beautiful, adventurous, excited, pleasant person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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