fairchat [matrix] as chat solution
for decentralised communication in real time
[matrix] is an open communication protocol for decentralised real-time communication. Messages are exchanged via matrix servers with an @ address, similar to emails. The matrix provider is freely selectable. It is also possible to set up your own home server.
fairkom offers a powerful matrix server, optionally with Element or Fluffy Client. As with all fairapps, you can get started with a fairlogin account as single sign-on authentication. Bridges to WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal are planned.
open network of servers
communication in real time
independent from one provider
connection with standard web services via WebRTC
fairchat.net, currently based on Rocket.Chat, is to be replaced by [matrix].
The name fairchat will be retained. The Android and iOS app will be replaced in the long term.
After some consideration, we have decided not to migrate groups and messages.
The fairkom [matrix] home server matrix.fairchat.eu can already be tested with fairlogin.
A FluffyChat client is available at fairchat.eu and an Element client at pro.fairchat.eu.
The Element Client is integrated into the faircloud.
As with all fairapps, [matrix] is hosted in a climate-neutral and data protection-compliant manner.
Home server: matrix.fairchat.eu
With the implementation of the Schulchat RLP for half a million pupils in full expansion, we were able to gain extensive experience in the development and operation of [matrix].
More about the messenger service in the school sector for Rhineland-Palatinate in the
Hosting and Customization
Hosting of (large) home servers
Consulting for matrix-based messenger solutions
Customization of clients and apps
Integration of voice and video calls
Standard and customised bridges
Scalable deployments on kubernetes
On premise deployment and operational support
fairkom has developed and hosted chat solutions with various open source frameworks. We are now focusing on matrix-based solutions as interoperability is a key requirement from customers and users.
LDAP / IDM proxy
Mapping of teams, classes or organisations to Matrix
Integration with identity management systems
Many organisations have mapped teams, groups and entire departments in LDAP or an Active Directory.
We have developed solutions for our customers to map these structures in [matrix] and keep them synchronised.
The integration of an address book in FluffyChat, for example, enables a teacher to create a new room with members from three classes.
For an analysis of the use cases and which mapping solution fits best, please contact us.
FluffyChat
Flutter as a common code base
for web, Android, iOS, desktop apps
supports multi-accounts
color appearance customizable
Element
different programming languages for different devices
TypeScript for web, Swift for iOS, Kotlin for Android
customisation possbile
as an app in the faircloud
Matrix
as an open protocol
maintained by the Matrix.org Foundation
for decentralized, secure communication
Rocket.Chat
venture capital funded project
features like custom roles within the enterprise version
requires purchase of licenses
The two products, RocketChat and Matrix, differ in their governance structure and licenses. The Matrix Foundation "watches over" the standard and guarantees its openness. The Synapse server is licensed under the Apache License and contributors only need to certify that they are the author of the code they contribute. Details can be found in the Contributor Guidelines, which also apply to the popular Element client. fairkom develops custom clients based on FluffyChat for web, desktop, iOS and Android - this is subject to the AGPL license.
Meanwhile, important parts of the code of RocketChat, especially for use in the enterprise environment, are under an Enterprise License. All co-developers are required to sign a Contributor License Agreement, which allows RocketChat to license contributed code differently.
If you are looking for professional matrix solutions, you will usually come across the company Element. This company offers Synapse and Element with support from a single source for a license fee. The same software is and remains open source and can be installed and operated independently. The company Element is venture capital funded and relies on selling product packages. This also includes a management console, but we have not yet seen any need for this in operation, as monitoring can also be realised with Prometheus. So Element is just one player in the market, which certainly provides important impetus for the further development of Matrix, but which does not make decisions about Matrix.
fairkom is a silver sponsor of the
foundation
