Matrix on the Rise – Why More and More Organisations Use It

More and more large organisations in Europe use Matrix for their communication – an open standard for chat and video calls. That's a lovely confirmation: open source has long been ready for everyday use, even where confidentiality matters. And the best part: what works for big organisations works just as well in a small office.

What is Matrix?

Matrix is an open communication protocol – a shared "language" that chat apps use to talk to each other. Just like email, anyone can run their own server, and everyone can still message each other. The best-known app for it is called Element.

What makes Matrix special

• End-to-end encryption: Only the people in the conversation can read messages.
• Decentralised: There's no single provider in control.
• Federated: Servers can talk to each other – just like email.
• Open source: The code is open for anyone to inspect.
• Bridges: Other services can be connected if you want.

Who already uses Matrix?

A few well-known examples:

Matrix is also used and tested for communication at European level.

What does this mean for you?

When so many organisations rely on Matrix, the standard becomes more interesting for everyone else too:

1. Compatible: You can message other Matrix users, no matter which server they're on.
2. Confidential: Encryption is a big plus, especially for law firms and medical practices.
3. Affordable: No per-person licence.
4. Future-proof: An open standard doesn't just disappear because one provider changes something.

What does Element feel like day to day?

If you know WhatsApp, Signal or Teams, you'll quickly feel at home in Element:

• Rooms are like groups or channels – for example one for the whole team and one per project.
• Direct messages work as usual between two people.
• Threads keep discussions tidy so nothing gets lost.
• Voice and video calls start with one click, including with several people.
• Files and pictures can simply be dragged into the chat.
• Spaces group several rooms together, such as all the rooms of a club or department.

What is a homeserver?

In Matrix, the server that holds your accounts and messages is called a homeserver. You can use a public homeserver or have your own run for you. Your own has a few nice advantages:

• Your address looks something like this: @anna:your-company.com.
• You decide who gets an account.
• The data lives on a server you know.
• You can still message every other Matrix user worldwide.

Frequently asked questions

Does Element cost anything? The apps are free. Costs only arise for running the server, if you want your own.

Is Matrix hard to set up? Not for users: install the app, log in, done. Setting up the server is best left to someone who does it regularly.

What happens if I lose my phone? With a security phrase or recovery key, you can get back to your encrypted messages on a new device. Keep it somewhere safe – ideally in your password manager.

Matrix and other messengers

Matrix doesn't have to replace everything. Many people keep using their usual apps privately and use Element specifically where confidentiality and their own server matter – for example in a team, on a club committee or in a practice. That keeps things tidy, and work conversations get their own protected place.

How to get started

You need your own Matrix server (for example in a German data centre) and the Element app on your phone and computer. I offer exactly that as Chat – I set up the server, take care of updates and backups, and show you how everything works. More under Pricing.

If you'd like to give it a try, I'm happy to help – just drop me a line.