Element is an end-to-end encrypted instant messaging and secure collaboration app based on the open Matrix standard, led by the creators of Matrix. It uses a decentralized architecture, supports digital sovereignty and self-hosting, and can also be used through hosting services such as Element Matrix Services. Element runs on the open Matrix network, providing interoperability and convenient connectivity.
Main capabilities and features:
- End-to-end encryption: Provides encrypted messages and calls to protect sensitive information.
- Decentralization and digital sovereignty: Does not rely on proprietary, vendor-locked platforms; organizations can run and control their own communication solutions.
- Open standard interoperability: Based on the open Matrix standard, it supports solutions from different vendors working together, enabling communication between organizations and between countries.
- Secure by design: Uses the decentralized Matrix network to build a resilient, zero-trust communication network, with no single point of failure and high availability ensured through redundant servers.
- Air-gapped network support: Can provide installation and support for air-gapped, isolated, and high-security-side instances without an internet connection.
- Low bandwidth and special connectivity: Supports low-bandwidth communication methods such as Mesh and satellite connections.
- Professional Matrix server: Organizations can use it to host any Matrix-based solution, deploying sovereign, interoperable, and secure real-time communication at scale.
How to use: Element provides desktop and mobile workplace collaboration apps and can serve as a self-hosted alternative to Microsoft Teams; it also provides a consumer messaging app as an alternative to WhatsApp and Signal, making adoption easier. Organizations can self-host or use the Element Matrix Services hosting service.
Use cases:
- Government and public institutions: Faster decision-making and more efficient work across departments, governments, and public institutions.
- Defense and coalition operations: Provides interoperable, sovereign, and secure cross-domain communication for joint and coalition operations, supporting the Federated Mission Networking (FMN) and mission partner environments.
- Air-gapped and isolated environments: Collaboration in high-security environments without an internet connection.
- European digital sovereignty and open-source office productivity suite: As part of a digital sovereignty and open-source office productivity suite.
- Cross-organization collaboration: Securely federate with partner organizations while maintaining full control of each party's own infrastructure.
Limitations and information not currently provided: The materials do not provide specific fees, pricing, platform support details, performance data, or detailed usage steps.