On-premises corporate chat platform for secure communication

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.

Security: With an on-premises solution, the chat servers and data are located within the organization’s infrastructure, giving you more control over security measures. This is essential for businesses that handle sensitive information or operate in heavily regulated sectors.

Tailor-Made Solution: On-premise chat servers allow businesses to customize their systems more deeply. Business specifications, brand guidelines, and seamless integration with other enterprise software like CRM, helpdesk, or collaboration tools can be applied to it to bring about one communication experience.

Flexibility and Performance: When you host a chat server on your infrastructure, you have more control over resource allocation, thus allowing the system to scale with the growing needs of your business.

Long-term savings: Although deployment expenses for an on-premises chat server might be higher compared to other options, it can be cheaper in the long run, especially when dealing with large corporations or those with high-level security requirements. In addition, you are free from subscription fees that come periodically where operational costs are under check.

Yes, there are several ways this integration can be achieved:

API Integration:

RESTful APIs: Many on-premises chat servers offer RESTful APIs that allow integration with existing business applications. This enables functionalities such as sending and receiving messages, notifications, and user management.

Webhooks: Webhooks can be used to trigger actions in other business apps when certain events occur in the chat server (e.g., new message, user login).

2. Custom Plugins and Extensions:

Plugins: Some chat servers support custom plugins or extensions, which can be developed to interact with business applications. This might include CRM systems, project management tools, or other enterprise software.

SDKs: Software Development Kits (SDKs) provided by the chat server can help developers build custom integrations with other business applications.

3. Database Integration:

Direct Database Access: If the business apps and the chat server use the same database platform, integration can be achieved at the database level by accessing and sharing data between the two systems.

4. Single Sign-On (SSO):

Authentication Integration: Implementing SSO can allow users to access the chat server and other business applications with a single set of credentials, enhancing security.

5. Enterprise Service Bus (ESB):

Middleware Integration: Using an ESB can facilitate communication and data exchange between the chat server and various business applications, ensuring seamless integration and interoperability.

6. Custom Middleware:

Integration Layer: Developing custom middleware can act as an intermediary to handle communication between the chat server and other business applications, translating and routing data as needed.

7. Web Services:

SOAP/REST Services: Business applications that expose web services (SOAP or REST) can be integrated with the chat server to enable specific functionalities like user information synchronization or triggering workflows based on chat activities.

8. Automation Tools:

Workflow Automation: Tools like Zapier or Microsoft Power Automate can be used to create automated workflows that connect on-premises chat servers with various business applications, even if direct integration options are limited.

On-premises messaging is a communication system hosted and managed within an organization's own data center or physical premises. This setup offers businesses full control over their messaging infrastructure, ensuring enhanced security and compliance with regulatory requirements. It allows for extensive customization to meet specific organizational needs and seamless integration with existing in-house systems.

Can integration with existing corporate applications be implemented for On-Premises Chat?

Yes. This integration enables organizations to enhance their communication capabilities by connecting the chat server with other business tools like CRM, project management, and help desk software. Using APIs, custom plugins, and middleware solutions, businesses can create seamless interactions between the chat system and their existing applications.