etke.cc
Matrix can be your own chat server where you own the data and make the rules
NON-AI/LLM written content
The biggest consumer chat providers may each have billions of users on their platforms, but they lack one very important thing. They have stripped you from your freedom.
All of them - WhatsApp, WeChat, Messenger, Telegram, Microsoft Teams, Slack, Discord, etc. have one flaw that casts a shadow over all of their fancy features that we are used to. Put briefly - they own the platform, so they own the data. They decide where and when you will see an ad. You put your trust with your private communication - personal and company, in their hands. This is the price that you have to pay for using their services for free (for most of them).
This is not something new, but recently there have been a lot of conversations about if this is the only possible solution to the communication need that we all face every day.
On the one hand we have the EU, which is now exploring alternatives to the (mostly) US based communication platforms.
Then there is France as one of the first countries to openly invest in Matrix - the open protocol for secure decentralised communications. Germany has also introduced Matrix for some of their government systems.
And with the recently announced requirement of providing ID or face scan to use the full Discord service, now it seems like it’s the right time to explore chat alternatives. So that’s what we are going to do - we will try to explain what exactly is Matrix and how can one use it.
What is Matrix?¶
Matrix is an open source protocol for communication. While this might seem confusing, especially to non-tech savvy users, we will try to explain it more simply.
Matrix is like a set of rules, which describe how a chat/communication server should work. There are multiple implementations of this protocol. If you want, you can definitely build one yourself. One of the most famous and early implementations of this protocol is Synapse. Other popular implementations of the protocol are continuwuity, Conduit (beta), Dendrite (beta).
Put in simple terms - this is a Python program that uses a database to store messages. If you have a web server, you can run its stack and there you have it - your very own chat server. You can then invite your friends/family on it, you can also connect your server to other matrix servers. In order to connect to this server you would need a client app (the user interface). The most popular one is Element, but as with server - everyone can write an implementation of the rules and create their own (if they want). Other popular clients are Cinny, FluffyChat, SchildiChat - they all serve the purpose of being your app for connecting to a Matrix server.
The mentioned Element app exists as a desktop app, a mobile app and a web app. You have the freedom to choose which server and client apps suits your best.
If you don’t want to self-host a Matrix server, you can use one of the existing ones, like matrix.org and create an account there. This is fine, but as with previous providers - it is not your server.
You can think of the stack of Synapse (implementation of Matrix protocol) with a client app like Element (there are others) as of what you get with Slack. But with you as the owner of everything. Not only of the server, but also of the data.
How does it compare to others¶
If you are old enough to have used IRC (through mIRC or similar program), you might understand this a bit better. IRC is also a set of servers, connected (or not) together. It was the most widely used chat for quite some time, but the protocol and its features are limiting, especially for today’s needs. There wasn’t a possibility of audio/video calls, group chats (outside of channel) and so on.
XMPP is another chat protocol, it is XML based, but for different reasons it didn’t gain so much traction. And modern times require modern solutions, so here comes the Matrix.
We will not go here through a full comparison, but articles like this have compared modern chat solutions.
One of the biggest problems with the Matrix protocol and its implementations is that with the great power, comes great responsibilities frustrations. Especially if you are not a technical person (nerd?), who knows how and wants to maintain a server.
This is where etke.cc can help. We can set up your own chat server without bothering you with all of the details. We will rent and maintain a server for you, which will come with Matrix server and Client app installed for you. Or if you want, you can provide us with an existing server, and we will install everything you need to set you up.
Then it’s up to you - you can set up bridges that will connect you with other chat apps, you can invite friends/family, you can replace your current company chat.
FAQ¶
Can the Matrix chat server replace my current app that I use for family chat?
Yes, it can. If you are willing to invest a bit of time in onboarding your family members. We personally have been using it as our primary chat app with our families. To be honest this is the hardest part, mostly because “but everyone uses app X, why do I have to use app Y” arguments.
Can the Matrix chat server replace our corporate/company chat?
Yes, it supports file sharing, video/audio calling, group chats and what not. It also might be cheaper than what you are currently paying if you are using Slack or MS Teams. It is also safer due to the e2e encryption and on-premises hosting options, where all data is stored on your server only.
Can I connect external chat apps to Matrix?
Generally yes, but not all of the existing bridges are officially supported by bridged networks. Some are wonky, even if they are stable today, they might break tomorrow.
Do I have to maintain my server?
No, if you rent or use a provider like us, we will do the maintenance (updates, security, etc.) for you.
What about the not-so-good things in the Matrix ecosystem, give me the harsh truth?
Well, the well established servers like Synapse have been around for quite some time and they are stable enough. The client apps, that you use to connect to those servers have had different issues through the years and they still may lack features compared to what you currently use.
Some users might report notifications or syncing issues, while others will miss certain features that their previous app had. Personally we have used it for years without major issues, but your usage might be different - you can contact us if you have any questions that you didn’t find the answer to.
Am I tied to etke.cc forever? Is this another silo?
No. You can end your subscription whenever you feel like. Also - etke.cc is built on top of Free and Open-Source Software (see Made by etke.cc and Custom development services), the data is yours and you can reproduce the whole setup yourself or take it to another Matrix hosting provider.
We offer experience and convenience, but the core of etke.cc is open source.
If you’re ready to take control of your communication, we’d love to help you get started.