Rocket.Chat vs Mattermost: Which Open-Source Chat Tool Is Right for Your Team?
Rocket.Chat and Mattermost are two leading open-source chat tools designed for secure team communication. Both platforms offer robust features like data control, flexible deployment options, and integrations. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:
- Rocket.Chat: Known for its high-security standards, including Department of Defense (DoD) certifications, it supports end-to-end encryption, air-gapped deployments, and advanced customization options. Ideal for government, defense, and high-security organizations.
- Mattermost: Focused on developer collaboration, it offers strong integrations with DevOps tools and extensive workflow automation, making it a great fit for software teams.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Rocket.Chat | Mattermost |
|---|---|---|
| Security | End-to-end encryption, DoD IL6 certification | End-to-end encryption, DevOps security focus |
| Deployment | On-premise, air-gapped, cloud-based | On-premise, cloud-based |
| Customization | Pre-built apps, custom API solutions | Workflow automation, integrations |
| Best For | High-security, government, emergency teams | Developer teams, DevOps workflows |
| Cost | Free (Community) to custom pricing (Enterprise) | Free (Open Source) to $10/user/month (Enterprise) |
Both tools are excellent depending on your team’s needs. If security and compliance are your top concerns, Rocket.Chat is a strong choice. For teams prioritizing DevOps and workflow integrations, Mattermost is a better fit.
Main Features
Chat and Channel Management
Rocket.Chat offers robust tools for managing conversations, making it ideal for critical operations. It supports real-time communication and handles both public and private channels with ease. Its federated communication system ensures smooth coordination across departments, which is especially useful for larger organizations.
For example, the City of Cologne successfully adopted Rocket.Chat, showcasing its ability to improve workflows. The platform’s AI-driven tools help automate routine tasks and provide insights, making it a strong choice for teams managing intricate processes.
Let’s take a closer look at how Rocket.Chat handles file sharing and video communication.
File Sharing and Video Features
Rocket.Chat combines chat, VoIP calls, and video conferencing into a single platform. IT Strategist Jenny Nilsson highlights that the platform meets high standards for both communication and security, ensuring reliability for professional use.
Feature Comparison Table
| Feature Category | Rocket.Chat Capabilities |
|---|---|
| Communication | Real-time chat, VoIP calls, video conferencing, Federated communications |
| Automation | AI-driven conversations, Task automation, Insight generation |
| Customization | Pre-built apps, Custom app development, Workflow customization |
| File Management | Secure document sharing |
Rocket.Chat can be tailored to meet specific operational needs, whether through ready-made solutions or custom-built tools. This flexibility allows organizations to maintain both security and efficiency while addressing unique workflow requirements.
Interface and Customization
User Experience
Rocket.Chat is designed to address a wide range of organizational needs. Jenny Nilsson, an IT Strategist at the Swedish Electrical Safety Board, highlights its ability to handle secure messaging, audio and video calls, and document sharing effectively.
Design and Workflow Options
Rocket.Chat offers extensive options for tailoring the platform to fit specific operational needs. Organizations can enhance its functionality by using pre-built apps or developing custom solutions through its API.
This approach prioritizes aligning with an organization’s existing workflows instead of requiring teams to adjust their processes. This flexibility also supports the platform’s strong focus on security and technical performance.
Security Standards
Data Protection Methods
Rocket.Chat offers end-to-end encryption and advanced access controls, giving organizations full authority over their data storage. This setup ensures strict safeguards are in place to protect sensitive information.
Here’s what stands out:
- End-to-end encryption: Keeps messages and files secure.
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA): Adds an extra layer of login security.
- Role-based access control (RBAC): Limits data access based on user roles.
These features align Rocket.Chat with stringent U.S. regulatory requirements.
US Regulatory Standards
Rocket.Chat's security framework is trusted in high-security environments. It has earned the Department of Defense (DoD) Authority to Operate (ATO) certification at Impact Level 6 (IL6). This certification allows the platform to handle classified information within government systems.
Security Features Table
| Security Feature | Capability |
|---|---|
| Data Sovereignty | Full control over where data is stored |
| Deployment Options | Options for self-hosting or air-gapped setups |
| Network Security | Certified by DoD ATO up to IL6 |
| Access Control | Features like RBAC and MFA for secure identity management |
| Data Protection | End-to-end encryption for files and messages |
Rocket.Chat’s security design provides organizations with the tools to enforce their own security policies while maintaining smooth operations. It’s built for environments where safeguarding data and meeting compliance standards are non-negotiable.
Technical Setup and Growth
Installation Methods
Rocket.Chat offers a variety of deployment options to meet the needs of different organizations. These include on-premise setups, air-gapped configurations for secure environments, and cloud-based deployments. For organizations with strict data control requirements, the self-hosted option gives full authority over data storage and management. Air-gapped setups are ideal for teams working with highly sensitive information that must remain disconnected from external networks.
Third-Party Tools
Rocket.Chat integrates seamlessly with other tools to enhance its functionality while maintaining high security standards. Key integration options include:
- Pre-built apps for popular business tools
- Custom app development for unique requirements
- API access for tailored solutions
Team Growth Support
Rocket.Chat's architecture is designed to support growing teams. It allows for flexible scaling, workflow customization, and efficient resource management to adapt to changing needs.
Technical Specifications Table
| Technical Aspect | Capabilities |
|---|---|
| Deployment Options | On-premise, Air-gapped, Cloud-based |
| Integration Types | Pre-built apps, Custom development, APIs |
| Scaling Features | Flexible scaling, Workflow customization, Resource management |
These features provide a strong starting point for evaluating deployment and cost strategies.
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Cost Analysis
Plan Options
Rocket.Chat caters to organizations of all sizes. It provides a Community Edition at no cost, ideal for teams starting out with self-hosted setups and core features. For businesses needing more advanced tools, paid plans include extras like stronger security measures and priority support.
Additional Expenses
When budgeting, keep in mind potential extra costs, such as:
Infrastructure Costs:
- Server hosting fees (for self-hosted setups)
- Database management tools
- Backup and storage services
Operational Costs:
- Administrative expenses
- Maintenance and updates
- Security patches
- Development for custom integrations
The table below breaks down how these costs align with different plans.
Price Comparison Table
| Feature/Service | Community Edition | Professional | Enterprise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Price | Free | $4/user/month | Custom pricing |
| Hosting Type | Self-hosted | Cloud or self-hosted | Cloud or self-hosted |
| Support Level | Community forums | Standard support | 24/7 priority support |
| Custom Apps | Limited | Full access | Full access + Custom development |
| Data Retention | Basic | Advanced | Unlimited |
| Compliance Features | Basic | Standard | Advanced |
"We wanted to make daily work for our workers as seamless as possible and equip them with the tools they need without compromising on data security and privacy."
Platform Selection Guide
Best Uses by Team Type
Let's break down how Rocket.Chat fits the needs of different teams based on their specific requirements.
High-Security Organizations
For organizations with strict security needs, Rocket.Chat offers advanced features designed to protect sensitive communications. For example, the Swedish Electrical Safety Board successfully implemented it for secure communication purposes.
Government and Public Sector
Government agencies and public institutions have used Rocket.Chat to improve workflows while maintaining strict data security protocols. This ensures that sensitive information remains protected during day-to-day operations.
Emergency Management Teams
Crisis response teams can rely on Rocket.Chat for its detailed message auditing features. These help improve transparency and ensure accurate record-keeping during high-pressure situations.
Summary and Recommendations
Here’s a quick guide to help you decide which features to prioritize based on your organization type:
| Organization Type | Primary Requirements | Recommended Features |
|---|---|---|
| Defense & Intelligence | Air-gapped deployment, IL6 compliance | On-premise deployment, DoD ATO certification |
| Public Sector | Data sovereignty, workflow customization | Custom app development, secure cloud options |
| Emergency Services | Audit trails, reliable communication | Message auditing, unified collaboration |
Key Implementation Considerations:
- Deployment Options: Rocket.Chat supports on-premise, air-gapped, and secure cloud setups, offering flexibility to meet different operational needs.
- Compliance Needs: Check if certifications like DoD ATO (up to IL6) are required for your organization.
- Customization: Assess whether your team needs custom apps to align with specific workflows.
For teams that demand high security and control, Rocket.Chat provides a reliable solution. Its ability to adapt to critical environments - whether in government, defense, or emergency services - makes it an excellent choice for organizations with stringent security and compliance requirements.
Mattermost - An Open Source, Self Hosted, Slack Chat ...
FAQs
What security features make Rocket.Chat a strong choice for organizations with high-security needs?
Rocket.Chat is designed with robust security features that cater to organizations requiring high levels of protection. It supports self-hosted deployments, including air-gapped environments, ensuring complete control over your data. Conversations are fully encrypted, and the platform follows a zero-trust security model, minimizing risks from unauthorized access.
Additional features include advanced access controls, granular data retention policies, and comprehensive audit logs, which help maintain strict information governance. These capabilities make Rocket.Chat suitable for even the most sensitive and classified networks.
How does Mattermost support developer collaboration, and which integrations add the most value?
Mattermost enhances collaboration for developer teams by offering customizable workflows, real-time messaging, and secure communication channels tailored to their needs. It supports code reviews, issue tracking, and project management through seamless integrations with popular tools like GitHub, GitLab, Jira, and Jenkins. These integrations help streamline development processes by centralizing notifications and updates within the platform.
Additionally, Mattermost's open-source nature allows teams to build custom plugins or modify the platform to meet unique requirements. This flexibility, combined with its ability to handle self-hosted deployments, makes it an excellent choice for development teams prioritizing security, scalability, and control.
What should teams consider when deciding between the Rocket.Chat Community Edition and Enterprise plans?
When choosing between the Community Edition and Enterprise plans for Rocket.Chat, it’s important to consider your team’s specific needs and budget. The Community Edition is free and open-source, making it a great option for smaller teams or organizations that don’t require advanced features or dedicated support. However, it may require more technical expertise for setup and maintenance.
The Enterprise plans, on the other hand, include additional features like advanced security, compliance tools, and priority support. These plans are ideal for larger organizations or teams that need robust scalability, enhanced integrations, and enterprise-grade functionality. Pricing for Enterprise plans varies based on the number of users and specific requirements, so it’s worth evaluating your team’s priorities before making a decision.
