senn-techSecure Communication: Matrix/Element vs. Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is everywhere — not because it has the best chat protocol, but because it's included in the M365 license. Matrix takes the other path: an open, federated protocol with end-to-end encryption and the ability to operate completely independently.
The Matrix Principle
Matrix is not a product, but a protocol — like email for chats. You run a Synapse server (or one of the leaner alternatives like Dendrite), and your users communicate with users on other servers. Federation, not isolation.
Element is the most well-known client. Besides that, there are SchildiChat, FluffyChat, even terminal clients. The client is interchangeable — your data and contacts do not depend on it.
Why We Use Matrix
- Data Sovereignty: Messages reside on your own hardware. No foreign server reads along.
- End-to-End Encryption: Olm/Megolm, enabled by default, audited.
- Bridges: IRC, Slack, Telegram, Signal — Matrix can integrate existing channels. No "cold switch", but gradual migration.
Teams: What It Can Do, What It Costs
Teams is deeply integrated into M365 — SharePoint, OneDrive, Planner. That is its strength and its cage at the same time. You don't pay for Teams, but for the whole package. You give up communications sovereignty.
Without M365 integration, Teams remains an average messenger with good video conferencing. End-to-end encryption only comes in special 1:1 calls or as an optional setting that must be enabled by the administrator.
Direct Comparison
| Criterion | Matrix / Element | Microsoft Teams |
|---|---|---|
| Hosting | Self-hosted, federated | SaaS (Microsoft) |
| Data Sovereignty | Complete | With the provider |
| End-to-End Encryption | Standard, audited | Limited / optional |
| Integration | Bridges to IRC, Slack, Signal … | Deep in M365 |
| Introduction | More effort | Very easy (if M365 is present) |
| Cost | Own hardware / operation | Included in the M365 license |
| Vendor Lock-in | None | High |
The Honest Trade-off
Matrix/Element is technically cleaner, more self-determined, and safer for confidential communication. Teams is more comfortable and easier to introduce if M365 is already running. The price for this comfort is dependency.
Our choice falls on Matrix — not out of principle, but because we do not want to let our communication data be managed externally.
Why is Matrix not a product like Microsoft Teams?+
Matrix is a protocol, not a product – like email for chats. You run a Synapse server or a leaner alternative like Dendrite, and your users communicate federated with users on other servers. The client is interchangeable: Element, SchildiChat, FluffyChat, or terminal clients. Data and contacts don't depend on the client. Teams, by contrast, is a SaaS platform deeply integrated into M365.
How does Matrix secure confidential communication?+
With end-to-end encryption via Olm and Megolm, enabled by default and audited. Messages reside on your own hardware – no foreign server reads along. In Teams, E2E encryption only comes in special 1:1 calls or as an optional setting that must be enabled by the administrator. For confidential communication, Matrix is technically cleaner and more secure.
Can we migrate from Teams to Matrix gradually?+
Yes. Matrix can integrate existing channels like IRC, Slack, Telegram, or Signal via bridges – enabling a gradual transition rather than a cold switch. The price for Teams' convenience is dependency and vendor lock-in; Matrix is more self-determined but requires more setup effort. Our choice falls on Matrix because of data sovereignty.