An on-premises chat server is a messaging and collaboration system hosted and maintained within an organization's infrastructure, rather than being hosted in the cloud by a third-party service provider. This means that the application is installed on physical storage located either on the company's premises (on-site) or in a data center directly controlled by the company.
This platform is essential for companies that prioritize data and communication protection, as well as compliance with important security criteria, even when integrated with third-party solutions. On-premises applications are particularly important for businesses, telemedicine, legal organizations, and government agencies.
The advantages of self-hosted chats are extensive — we can only single out the most important ones for organizations with high security requirements.
1.As mentioned above, self-hosting a chat server ensures the confidentiality and security of information: this fact is crucial for industries that process personal data, as it helps reduce the risk of potential leaks and ensures compliance with regulations such as GDPR or HIPAA.
2.Large enterprises and organizations can save a significant amount of money by utilizing on-premises server solutions: in the long run, these platforms often prove to be more profitable compared to cloud models based on subscriptions.
3.Companies that manage their own servers can have confidence not only in stable operation but also in the reliability of the infrastructure, which remains unaffected by external factors.
Storing chats and their data on-premises ensures that all personal information is securely stored on a server. As a rule, physical data carriers are located in office buildings, which allows communication platforms to operate within a closed, secure circuit, limited to the company's premises.
There are also servers that enable remote interaction, but, in such circumstances, the messenger is equipped with additional layers of protection, including end-to-end encryption.
There aren't many applications available that offer internal communication capabilities. Some of the most popular ones include TrueConf, Element, Rocket.Chat, and Jitsi. These solutions not only allow for secure personal and group chats, but also enable online meetings, file sharing, and collaborative work.
Determining the most secure solution for offline chat is not an easy task, because the security of the platform depends on various factors, such as encryption and the protocols used.
Nevertheless, it is possible to highlight the frequently recommended:
1.Rocket.Chat is a widely-used open-source communication solution that offers easy customization and modification to meet individual needs. The platform is built on end-to-end encryption, ensuring secure communication in both personal and group chats. It is important to note that Rocket.Chat is fully compatible with GDPR, ensuring that data remains protected and inaccessible to unauthorized entities or special services.
2.Mattermost is an open source offline chat platform designed to ensure the security of interaction. The changeable solution not only guarantees the security of data transmission but also ensures secure data storage, thanks to its end-to-end encryption. The Mattermost configuration can be adjusted to meet the requirements of HIPAA and FINRA.
3.Zulip is an open-source software messenger that adheres to the highest modern security standards. Users' personal information is securely stored on servers, and our platform provides data export and deletion tools for added control and privacy. Compatibility with GDPR is also an important factor to consider.
4.TrueConf is a server solution that enables you to work within a closed corporate network without the need for an internet connection. The secure platform offers more than just personal and group chats: it also allows users to engage in video calls and organize conferences with up to 1500 participants. At the same time, the solution offers a wide range of collaboration tools, allowing users to easily exchange images, presentations, documents, and files.
