goneo with turnkey Messenger server based on the Matrix protocol

The German web hosting provider goneo has expanded its portfolio with the goneo Messenger Server. It is a fully managed communication solution based on the open Matrix protocol. This offering is particularly aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises, freelancers, and private individuals who wish to independently control their digital communication and break free from dependence on non-European technology companies.

Background: Data sovereignty

In an era where messaging services are ubiquitous in professional daily life, concerns about data protection and digital dependency are growing. Many established platforms are criticised due to extensive data collection and opaque business models. For companies, using such services can pose significant legal risks, as data processing often does not comply with the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Technical implementation and architecture

The goneo Messenger Server is based on the server software Synapse, the reference implementation of the Matrix protocol. As a managed service, goneo provides a fully functional, private “homeserver” within the decentralised Matrix network. All technical complexity of installation, maintenance, and security is handled by goneo, allowing customers to get started immediately without technical specialised knowledge.

A key feature is the professional and trust-building user identity: instead of a private phone number, addressing is done via the user's own domain, in the format @username:your-own-domain.de. This enables clear attribution and enhances trust in communication.

Matrix protocol: Open standard for secure communication

The Matrix protocol is an open standard for secure, decentralised real-time communication, promoted by the non-profit organisation Matrix.org Foundation. It enables federated communication between different servers, similar to the principle of email. The architecture of Matrix allows various, equal servers to communicate seamlessly without needing a central server. This feature makes it resilient to failures and offers high flexibility and scalability.

The robustness and security of the Matrix protocol have led to its deployment in highly sensitive environments. For example, the German Bundeswehr uses BwMessenger, and gematik, the national agency for digitalisation of healthcare, employs Matrix as the standard for their secure communication.

Recommended client: Element

To make optimal use of the goneo Messenger Server, goneo recommends using the Element client. Element is free and open-source software for chat, VoIP, and video calls that implements the Matrix protocol. The client is available for a variety of operating systems and platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Additionally, Element can be used as a web app directly in the browser, enabling flexible and platform-independent communication. Element supports end-to-end encryption, group communication, and file sharing between users.

Advantages of the goneo Messenger Server

The goneo Messenger Server stands out by combining the benefits of Matrix with the strengths of an established German hosting provider:

• True data sovereignty: All data and metadata are stored on your own server in the goneo data centre in Frankfurt am Main. There is no data sharing with third parties.
• GDPR compliance: Due to the server location in Germany and operation by a German company, the service is fully subject to German law and the strict requirements of the GDPR.
• Security through end-to-end encryption: Communication is standardly end-to-end encrypted. Even goneo as the server operator cannot access the content of the messages.
• Openness and interoperability: Customers can choose to use their server exclusively for their organisation or connect it to the global, federated Matrix network to communicate with users on other Matrix servers – similar to the principle of email.

Availability and prices

The goneo Messenger Server can be booked at any time through the customer centre for all goneo customers. The entry-level package for 5 users with 20 GB of shared file storage and an included .de domain is available for €4.00 per month. The minimum contract period is just one month.

Further information

For more information, please visit: https://www.goneo.de/messenger.html