About Rocket.Chat
Rocket.Chat is a powerful open-source communication platform. It's been around for a while, and it serves as a great tool, especially when you're talking about building a business on open source or building an MSP on open source. If you combine something like Rocket.Chat with something like Jitsi Meet, you get a really incredible complete communication platform. This can be used not only internally with your users and personnel but also with your clients, providing a nice easy way to communicate.
You could even set this up and host a system for your clients so that they can have internal communication at their business, helping them keep it running smoothly with good practices installed. Rocket.Chat offers a ton out of the box in its open-source version, which is a major reason for its appeal. They've really kept it within that open-source concept. However, they are also building a business on the Rocket.Chat platform, offering paid services, versions, and upgrades. These are optional, but if the platform works well for you or your customers, consider supporting the business to help keep the open-source version going.
Setting up Rocket.Chat typically involves using Docker and Docker Compose. Official instructions are available and generally straightforward, guiding users through installing Docker, managing user permissions, and configuring the necessary environment variables and compose files. While the setup process requires some technical understanding, particularly around Docker and server management, the end result is a robust, self-hosted communication hub.
Key Features
Open Source & Self-Hosted
Gain complete control over your communication data by hosting Rocket.Chat on your own servers. The open-source nature allows for transparency and customization.
Team Collaboration
Organize conversations using public or private channels, direct messages, and dedicated teams. Powerful search functionality helps find past conversations and files easily. Discussions allow for focused conversations within broader channels.
Real-time Communication
Engage in real-time text chat, audio calls, and video conferencing, often integrated with tools like Jitsi Meet. Share files, use emojis, and format messages with markdown, including code blocks for technical discussions.
Omnichannel Communication
Consolidate customer communications from various channels like website live chat, email, and social media messengers (features may vary by plan) into a single platform for your support or sales teams.
Integrations & Extensibility
Connect Rocket.Chat with other tools using incoming and outgoing webhooks, Zapier, and custom bots. It supports OAuth for single sign-on with various providers like Google, GitHub, GitLab, and even custom OAuth configurations.
Customization & Granular Permissions
Tailor the platform's look and feel. Manage users, roles, and permissions with incredible detail through an extensive permissions grid, ensuring precise control over who can do what within the workspace.
Cross-Platform Access
Access your workspace via web browsers, dedicated desktop applications for Windows, macOS, and Linux, as well as mobile apps for iOS and Android.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- ✅ Free, open-source Community Edition available.
- ✅ Self-hosting provides full data control and privacy.
- ✅ Highly customizable interface and features.
- ✅ Extensive integration capabilities (Webhooks, OAuth, Bots).
- ✅ Supports real-time chat, audio/video calls, file sharing.
- ✅ Cross-platform applications (Web, Desktop, Mobile).
- ✅ Scalable for small teams to large organizations.
- ✅ Offers Omnichannel features for customer service.
Cons
- ❌ Self-hosting requires server management and technical skills.
- ❌ Some advanced features (e.g., certain integrations, scalability options) are tied to paid plans.
- ❌ Initial setup using Docker can be challenging for non-technical users.
- ❌ The extensive settings and permissions can feel overwhelming initially.
- ❌ Performance can be dependent on the underlying server hardware.
Availability and Pricing
Rocket.Chat is fundamentally open-source software. You can download and install the Community Edition on your own server completely free of charge. This provides a vast array of core communication and collaboration features suitable for many teams and organizations. For businesses requiring advanced features, enhanced scalability, premium support, or cloud hosting options, Rocket.Chat offers several paid subscription plans. Desktop applications for major operating systems and mobile apps for iOS and Android are available, allowing access from virtually anywhere. You can find the source code, installation guides, and information on paid plans on their official website.
