An Alternative to Microsoft Teams – Introducing Element and Matrix

Microsoft Teams is the standard for chat and video calls in many offices. If you look around for an open-source alternative, sooner or later you'll come across Element – an app built on the open standard Matrix. Here's what Element can do and who it's a good fit for.

What are Matrix and Element?

Matrix is an open communication protocol. Think of it like email, but for chat: anyone can run their own server, and all servers can talk to each other. Element is the best-known app for it – available in the browser and for Windows, macOS, Linux, iPhone and Android.

The key points at a glance:

• End-to-end encryption is on by default, including for video calls
• Federation: You can chat with other organisations, even if they run their own server
• Your server, your choice: in a German data centre or on your own premises
• Open source: The code is open for anyone to inspect

Who already uses Matrix?

Matrix is used by large organisations, for example the German armed forces (BwMessenger), German healthcare (TI-Messenger) and the French public administration (Tchap). Many universities also run their own servers. That shows: the technology is mature.

Element and Teams compared

Teams is strong if you're deeply invested in the Microsoft world. Element shines if encryption, independence and your own server matter to you.

Switching in five steps

1. Take stock

Which Teams features do you actually use? Usually it's chat, calls and files.

2. Set up the server

Your own Matrix server is set up, including video calls.

3. Sort out logins

Everyone gets an account. If you like, logins can go through a single sign-on for all services.

4. A quick introduction

Element feels familiar. A short walkthrough is usually enough.

5. Run both in parallel

Use both for a few weeks, then decide. That way there's no hard cut.

Frequently asked questions

Can I chat with people who still use Teams? There are bridges to other services for the transition period. Often it's easier, though, to send external contacts a link to the video call – it works in the browser without installing anything.

How many people fit into a video call? For typical team meetings, Element Call works well. For very large events there are specialised open-source tools like BigBlueButton or Jitsi.

Do I need a server in my office? No. The server can also run in a data centre in Germany. Both are possible.

Tips for a good start

• Set up rooms sensibly: Better a few clearly named rooms than lots of small ones. For example "Team", "Projects" and "Coffee corner".
• Save your recovery key: Set it up right at the start and store it in your password manager. Then you can get back to old messages on new devices.
• Adjust notifications: All messages for important rooms, only mentions for the rest – it saves your nerves.
• Use the desktop app: In the office, the app for Windows, macOS or Linux is often more pleasant than the browser.

Conclusion

Element is a friendly, mature alternative to Teams – especially for small teams, law firms and practices that value confidentiality. I offer exactly that as Chat. More under Pricing, and you'll find an overview of other alternatives under Alternatives.

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