Rocket Chat
‍FAQs

Rocket.Chat offers specialized support options for government and public-sector deployments. This includes multiple support tiers with priority response times, 24×7 coverage options, and access to senior technical engineers for critical issues. Enterprise customers can also work with a dedicated Customer Success Manager, and Rocket.Chat provides professional services for deployment planning, integrations, security hardening, and optimization.

While direct migration from MS Teams is more complex than from Slack, organizations can transition to Rocket.Chat through various approaches. You can run both platforms in parallel during transition, use Rocket.Chat's Matrix bridges to maintain interoperability during migration, gradually move teams and departments, and leverage Rocket.Chat's integration capabilities to maintain connections with remaining MS Teams users during the transition period. Some organizations choose to operate Rocket.Chat and MS Teams permanently side-by-side. This allows them to keep MS Teams while relying on Rocket.Chat for secure, self-hosted internal communication, giving them long-term flexibility without forcing a full migration.

Yes. Rocket.Chat provides built-in import tools to migrate data from Slack, including users, channels, messages, and any files or attachments provided in your Slack export. You simply export your workspace data from Slack and then use Rocket.Chat’s import feature to bring it into your new environment. The process typically requires some planning and may involve light manual cleanup for best results, but it allows organizations to transition smoothly away from cloud-dependent platforms.

Commercial messaging tools typically store data on vendor-controlled servers often in foreign jurisdictions, may be subject to third-party data requests or legal obligations, lack proper audit capabilities for government use, don't provide adequate data sovereignty or residency controls, may have Terms of Service unsuitable for government data, and often can't meet classification or security clearance requirements.

Prioritize data sovereignty and security over convenience, ensure the platform can meet your compliance requirements, verify it can integrate with existing government systems, consider long-term costs including licensing, infrastructure, and staff, evaluate vendor stability and government sector experience, ensure the solution can scale with your needs, and involve security, IT, and end-user teams in the evaluation process.

Choose platforms designed for government use with proven security track records, implement on-premises or private cloud deployments for sensitive data, ensure comprehensive audit logging and monitoring, use strong authentication including MFA and certificate-based access, regularly audit user access and permissions, provide security training for users, and maintain proper data classification and handling procedures.

Rocket.Chat offers unique advantages including complete data sovereignty through self-hosting, open-source transparency for security auditing, no vendor lock-in, proven use in classified environments up to IL6, flexible deployment across on-prem, cloud, and air-gapped environments, and native federation for secure interoperability. Unlike many competitors, it doesn't require cloud dependency or vendor-controlled infrastructure.

An effective RFP should address deployment options (on-prem, cloud, air-gapped), security requirements and certifications needed, compliance with specific regulations or frameworks, data sovereignty and residency requirements, scalability for your user base, integration requirements with existing systems, support and service level requirements, and total cost of ownership over the contract period.

Begin by assessing your security and compliance requirements against Rocket.Chat's capabilities. Request demonstrations of deployment options, test the platform in your environment, review security documentation and certifications, evaluate integration capabilities with your existing systems, and consider total cost of ownership including deployment, operation, and support.

Yes, European ministries and government departments use Rocket.Chat for secure internal communication, inter-ministerial collaboration, and citizen services. The platform's data sovereignty features, EU data residency options, and compliance with European regulations make it suitable for government use across EU member states.

Yes, Rocket.Chat is suitable for EU government institutions and public sector organizations. It supports GDPR compliance, enables data to remain within EU jurisdiction, aligns with digital sovereignty principles important to EU governments, and provides the security and compliance features necessary for public sector use in Europe.

Yes, Rocket.Chat is specifically designed as a secure alternative to consumer messaging apps for government use. Unlike WhatsApp and similar services, Rocket.Chat provides data sovereignty, meets government security requirements, offers proper audit capabilities, keeps communications within government-controlled infrastructure, and provides the compliance features necessary for official government communications.

Rocket.Chat's federation capabilities enable secure communication between different agencies while each maintains control over their own data and infrastructure. Agencies can establish trusted communication channels, share information securely across organizational boundaries, collaborate on joint initiatives, and maintain sovereignty over their own systems while enabling interoperability.

Yes, through federation and access controls, different departments can communicate securely while maintaining appropriate separation. You can create isolated spaces for classified or sensitive work, enable cross-department channels for collaboration, control which departments can communicate with each other, and maintain audit trails of inter-departmental communications for compliance.

Rocket.Chat supports digital government transformation by providing secure internal collaboration tools that replace inefficient email, enabling authenticated digital services for citizens through omnichannel capabilities, supporting remote and hybrid government work, facilitating cross-agency collaboration and information sharing, and providing modern communication infrastructure that's secure, compliant, and cost-effective.

Yes, Rocket.Chat is used by emergency management agencies and first responders. The platform supports real-time coordination during disasters and emergencies, provides reliable communication when primary networks are compromised, includes message auditing capabilities for FEMA reimbursement documentation, and enables secure communication across multiple responding agencies and jurisdictions.

Rocket.Chat has DoD ATO (Authority to Operate) up to IL6 and is used in highly classified networks including NIPRNet, SIPRNet, and JWICS. It's vetted and awardable in DoD marketplaces and can be procured through government contracting vehicles. Individual agencies should consult with Rocket.Chat's government team for specific authorization and approval documentation relevant to their requirements.

Yes, state and local governments successfully use Rocket.Chat for internal communication, emergency management, public safety operations, and citizen services. The platform's flexible deployment options and scalability make it suitable for governments of any size, from small municipalities to large state agencies. It helps modernize communication while maintaining data control.

Yes, Rocket.Chat is used by U.S. federal government agencies and is awardable through USAF Platform One and Tradewinds Marketplaces. It can be procured via GSA, SEWP, GWACs, and other government-wide acquisition vehicles. The platform supports alignment with federal security frameworks including NIST 800-53, 800-171, and Zero Trust architecture principles.

Yes. Rocket.Chat is widely adopted across the public sector, supporting organizations from local municipalities and public administration offices to national ministries and critical infrastructure operators. It is also trusted by federal agencies and defense organizations around the world. The platform is designed to meet the strict security, compliance, and operational requirements of government and public-sector institutions, whether deployed on-premises, in secure private clouds, or in air-gapped environments.

Yes, Rocket.Chat has comprehensive LDAP and Active Directory support for centralized user management and authentication. It can synchronize users, groups, and organizational units from your directory service, support single sign-on workflows, automatically provision and deprovision user accounts, and maintain user data consistency between your directory and Rocket.Chat.

Rocket.Chat integrates with hundreds of tools, including project management systems (Jira, Confluence), development tools (GitHub, GitLab, Jenkins), productivity suites (Google Workspace, Microsoft 365), and custom applications through REST APIs, webhooks, and real-time APIs. You can install public apps directly from the Rocket.Chat Marketplace or create your own integrations using the Apps Engine. Custom apps can be kept private for internal workflows or published as public apps in the Marketplace. This gives organizations full flexibility to use existing integrations or build their own without modifying the core platform.

Yes, Rocket.Chat is designed to integrate with existing government infrastructure. It supports integration with identity management systems, directory services, ticketing systems, case management platforms, GIS systems, and legacy government applications. The open API architecture allows custom integrations with specialized government systems and classified networks.

Rocket.Chat uses a Matrix-compatible federation protocol to enable cross-platform messaging, allowing users on different Rocket.Chat instances or Matrix-compatible platforms to communicate securely. Organizations can set up federated rooms for cross-agency collaboration, work with partners using different systems, and maintain interoperability while preserving data sovereignty within each organization. In addition to Matrix-based federation, Rocket.Chat also supports Microsoft Teams interoperability and XMPP-based integrations, giving organizations multiple pathways to connect across platforms.

Yes, through Matrix bridges and other integration methods, Rocket.Chat can connect with other communication platforms including Slack and Microsoft Teams, and other XMPP-based messaging services. This enables interoperability and allows organizations to communicate with external parties even when they use different platforms, while keeping your data within your controlled environment.

Yes. Rocket.Chat supports the Matrix protocol for federation, enabling decentralized communication across different servers and platforms. This allows organizations to collaborate securely with external partners, customers, and other institutions while maintaining interoperability and data sovereignty. For organizations that want Matrix interoperability without running their own Matrix homeserver or managing a separate frontend, Rocket.Chat provides an enterprise-ready, built-in federation capability. This avoids the complexity of forking Matrix or maintaining a full white-label stack, reducing operational overhead while still enabling secure cross-platform communication.

Open-source provides transparency—you can audit the code for security vulnerabilities and compliance. It enables customization for specific government requirements and mission-critical workflows. You avoid dependency on a single vendor and reduce long-term costs. The open-source model also allows for community contributions, peer review of security features, and alignment with digital sovereignty principles many governments require.

Yes. As an open-source platform under the MIT license, you can modify Rocket.Chat’s source code to meet your specific requirements. For organizations that prefer to avoid modifying the core codebase, Rocket.Chat also provides a modular Apps Engine, which allows you to build private apps and custom functionality without forking the platform. This makes it easier to maintain compliance, add custom logic, and stay up to date with the latest Rocket.Chat releases without breaking customizations.

If you discontinue paid cloud or support services, you can continue using Rocket.Chat by moving to a self-hosted Community Edition deployment. Your data can be exported, and you retain access to the platform’s core open-source functionality. However, features available only in paid plans—such as enterprise security controls, compliance tools, advanced apps, SLAs, and managed cloud services—will no longer be available after the subscription ends. You’re not locked in, but functionality will depend on the edition you choose to run.

Yes. With a self-hosted deployment, you maintain full control over your Rocket.Chat data. You choose where your data is stored, how it is encrypted, who can access it, and how long it is retained. All security controls—such as backups, access policies, and disaster recovery—are managed by your organization. Since the environment is fully under your administration, no external vendor has access to your data.

No, Rocket.Chat is designed to avoid vendor lock-in. As an open-source platform, you have access to the source code and can modify it as needed. Your data remains in standard formats that can be exported, and the platform uses open protocols and standards. You can move between self-hosted and cloud deployments, or even fork the codebase if necessary.

Yes, Rocket.Chat can operate completely independently without any cloud services. On-premises and air-gapped deployments don't rely on external cloud infrastructure or services. All functionality, including messaging, calls, file storage, and user management, operates entirely within your own infrastructure without external dependencies.

Yes, with self-hosted or private cloud deployment options, you can host Rocket.Chat entirely within EU data centers or on EU-based infrastructure. This ensures all data remains within EU jurisdiction and complies with data residency requirements. Organizations can choose specific countries or regions within the EU for their deployments.

For small deployments (under 50 users), minimum requirements are modest: 1-2 CPU cores, 2-4GB RAM, and sufficient storage for messages and files. Production deployments with hundreds or thousands of users require more substantial infrastructure: multiple CPU cores, 8-16GB RAM or more, and appropriate storage capacity. Enterprise deployments benefit from clustered architecture with load balancing and redundancy.

Yes, Rocket.Chat supports hybrid and multi-cloud deployments. You can run instances across multiple cloud providers, combine on-premises and cloud deployments, or create hybrid architectures that suit your operational needs. The platform's flexible architecture allows organizations to distribute workloads across different environments while maintaining secure communication between them.

You have three main deployment options: self-hosted on your own infrastructure for maximum control and security, Rocket.Chat's managed cloud service for convenience with professional hosting, or deployment through cloud marketplaces like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud. Each option has different trade-offs for control, convenience, and operational requirements.

You have three main deployment options: self-hosted on your own infrastructure for maximum control and security, Rocket.Chat's managed cloud service for convenience with professional hosting, or deployment through cloud marketplaces like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud. Each option has different trade-offs for control, convenience, and operational requirements.

Yes, Rocket.Chat supports deployment in air-gapped environments, which are physically isolated from external networks like the internet. Air-gapped systems are commonly used by government agencies, defense sectors, and critical infrastructure operators with heightened security needs. The platform can function completely offline without any external dependencies once deployed.

Yes, Rocket.Chat is designed to work entirely behind firewalls without requiring external connections. It can operate in completely isolated networks with no internet access. The platform doesn't require external services for core functionality, making it suitable for high-security environments with strict network isolation requirements.

Yes, Rocket.Chat is specifically designed for on-premises deployment. Organizations can install and run Rocket.Chat entirely within their own data centers or facilities. On-premises deployment provides maximum control over infrastructure, data, and security, and is the preferred option for government agencies with strict data sovereignty or classification requirements.

Yes, self-hosting is a core Rocket.Chat feature. You can deploy it on your own servers, private cloud, or infrastructure of choice. Self-hosted deployments maintain full ownership with secure installations tailored to your security and compliance needs. This gives you complete data control, helps meet compliance requirements, and allows unlimited customization.

Rocket.Chat supports multiple authentication methods including LDAP and Active Directory for centralized user management, SAML 2.0 for single sign-on across applications, OAuth providers like Google and GitHub, two-factor authentication (2FA) for additional security, and certificate-based authentication. Organizations can implement multiple authentication methods simultaneously to support different user groups and security requirements.

Yes. Rocket.Chat offers robust audit logging that records administrative actions, configuration changes, and user events, including who performed each action and when. Authentication activity—such as successful logins, failed logins, and access attempts—is also logged to help detect suspicious behavior. Organizations maintain full control over their data, including message retention policies, file storage, and export capabilities. Audit logs, messages, and files can be exported in standardized formats to support regulatory audits, compliance reporting, and internal investigations, giving agencies and enterprises the oversight they need.

Unlike commercial SaaS tools, Rocket.Chat enables you to keep communications within your perimeter with no third-party clouds or uncontrolled data exposure. You can maintain complete control over encryption keys, server infrastructure, and data access. Commercial SaaS tools typically store data on vendor-controlled servers, often in multi-tenant environments, and may be subject to foreign jurisdiction or third-party data requests that government agencies cannot control.

Rocket.Chat provides end-to-end encryption for confidential communications, advanced access controls including SSO, LDAP, 2FA, ABAC and RBAC, comprehensive audit logging of all administrative actions and message activity, data retention policies and secure deletion capabilities, device management including remote session termination, and Zero Trust architecture support. The platform is built with security as a foundational principle.

Yes, Rocket.Chat is used in highly classified networks such as NIPRNet, SIPRNet, and JWICS. The platform supports air-gapped deployments that are completely isolated from external networks, making it suitable for environments handling classified information at various security levels. It can operate entirely offline without requiring internet connectivity.

Yes, Rocket.Chat is specifically designed for sensitive government data. It's used by defense agencies, intelligence organizations, and government institutions worldwide. The platform supports multiple security classification levels, provides granular access controls to segment data by classification or program, and enables secure collaboration across different security domains through its federation capabilities.

Rocket.Chat is used in highly classified networks such as NIPRNet, SIPRNet, and JWICS, with DoD ATO up to IL6. The platform is deployed at scale by governments and federal system integrators operating under the highest security standards. It provides end-to-end encryption, advanced access controls with SSO, LDAP, 2FA, ABAC and RBAC, comprehensive monitoring and auditing, and supports air-gapped deployments for maximum security.

Yes. Rocket.Chat provides optional end-to-end encryption (E2EE) to secure highly sensitive conversations. When enabled, messages are encrypted on the sender’s device and can only be decrypted by the intended recipients, ensuring confidentiality even from server administrators. E2EE can be enabled for direct messages and private group conversations, giving organizations strong client-side protection for their most sensitive communication. Rocket.Chat is also advancing its security posture with post-quantum end-to-end encryption on the roadmap, ensuring long-term protection against emerging cryptographic threats.

Yes, with self-hosted deployments, organizations have complete control over data residency. You can deploy Rocket.Chat servers in specific countries, regions, or data centers to meet jurisdictional requirements. This is particularly important for government agencies that must comply with data localization laws or keep sensitive information within national borders.

Yes, Rocket.Chat supports U.S. federal agencies and critical infrastructure operators in aligning with NIST 800-53, 800-171, and Zero Trust guidance. The platform enables organizations to encrypt data and control access, enforce MFA and RBAC to restrict unauthorized access, and maintain mission-critical uptime through high-availability deployments. Rocket.Chat provides the security controls needed to meet NIST standards.

Yes, Rocket.Chat is specifically designed for government infrastructure deployment. It can be deployed on government-owned servers, within agency data centers, or in agency-controlled cloud environments. The platform supports completely isolated, on-premises deployments that never communicate with external services, making it suitable for classified and restricted networks.

Yes. Rocket.Chat’s Data Processing Agreement (DPA) includes the EU Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) for lawful data transfers under EU privacy laws. Rocket.Chat also provides compliance resources and holds certifications such as ISO 27001, helping organizations assess regulatory alignment. Organizations can choose secure cloud hosting within the EU or deploy Rocket.Chat in a self-managed environment to maintain full control over data location, access, and retention—key requirements for meeting EU data protection standards.

Rocket.Chat supports U.S. federal agencies in aligning with NIST 800-53, 800-171, and Zero Trust guidance for secure, resilient, and compliant communication environments. The platform is awardable through USAF Platform One and Tradewinds Marketplaces, and can be procured via GSA, SEWP, GWACs, and other government-wide vehicles. Organizations should consult with Rocket.Chat's government team for current FedRAMP authorization status and compliance documentation.

Rocket.Chat's Data Processing Agreement encapsulates Standard Contractual Clauses issued by the EU, ensuring data processing activities adhere to GDPR privacy standards. The DPA includes technical and organizational security measures designed to safeguard data and uphold principles of confidentiality, integrity, and availability as required by the EU. Self-hosted deployments provide additional control over GDPR compliance implementation. Visit Rocket.Chat’s Trust Center to learn more.

Yes, with self-hosted deployment options. Rocket.Chat can be deployed on-premises, in a secure cloud, or within air-gapped environments for complete control and security. The platform keeps all communications within your perimeter with no third-party clouds or uncontrolled data exposure. Organizations can choose exactly where their servers and data reside, ensuring compliance with national data residency requirements.

Rocket.Chat allows you to maintain full control by deciding where and how your data is stored—free from foreign jurisdiction, regulatory risks, or unauthorized access. Self-hosted deployments maintain full ownership with secure installations tailored to your security and compliance needs, allowing you to host on your preferred server. This ensures complete data sovereignty and control over where information resides.

Rocket.Chat is adaptable to your unique workflows and mission-critical needs, with no vendor lock-in and effortless adaptability. The platform features a marketplace of apps, Apps Engine to build and customize tailored integrations, and APIs and webhooks to connect with essential tools and legacy systems. As an open-source platform, organizations can extend and modify Rocket.Chat to meet needs beyond proprietary solutions.

Yes, Rocket.Chat is accessible securely on mobile devices, allowing teams to stay connected and collaborate safely from anywhere while maintaining enterprise-grade security. Mobile apps include encrypted messages and files stored on devices, biometric or PIN authentication for app access, and control over what information is displayed in push notifications. Native apps are available for both iOS and Android platforms.

Yes. Rocket.Chat is built to support large-scale deployments and is used by government agencies and federal system integrators around the world. Its enterprise architecture includes multi-instance and microservices-based scaling, allowing core functions to scale independently and maintain high performance under heavy load. The Enterprise plan is designed for large, compliance-driven environments, supporting clustered deployments, high availability, advanced security controls, and the ability to run in secure, self-managed, or sovereign cloud environments required by government and public-sector organizations.

Yes, Rocket.Chat supports deep integrations with video solutions like Pexip, Google Meet, Jitsi, and others. These integrations allow users to start or join video meetings directly from Rocket.Chat, unifying real-time messaging, voice, and external video tools in a single interface. Depending on the chosen provider, organizations can enable features such as screen sharing, meeting recording, multi-participant calls, and secure collaboration—while still retaining control over where the video service is hosted (self-hosted, private cloud, or external provider).

Rocket.Chat unifies chat, voice, video, and file sharing for seamless collaboration, along with cross-platform messaging and AI-powered conversations. Features include group and direct messages with message actions, attachment options, integrations, conference calls, and various customizations. It includes end-to-end encryption, comprehensive monitoring and auditing, role-based access control, and message retention policies.

Open-source means the source code is publicly available, and Rocket.Chat is proud to have over 43,000 stars on GitHub. Organizations can inspect, modify, and audit the code for security vulnerabilities and compliance requirements. This unique open-source flexibility empowers organizations to extend the platform to meet their needs beyond proprietary solutions. Government agencies benefit from transparency, avoiding vendor lock-in, and the ability to customize the platform for specific missions.

Rocket.Chat is platform-agnostic and doesn’t require Microsoft 365 licensing. It supports deployment in on-premises, private cloud, or air-gapped environments—scenarios that Microsoft Teams does not fully cover. Rocket.Chat integrates with Microsoft apps such as Outlook, OneDrive, and supports interoperability with Microsoft Teams users, enabling organizations to extend and maximize their existing Microsoft investment rather than replacing it. Unlike MS Teams, which is tightly coupled to the Microsoft ecosystem, Rocket.Chat offers greater flexibility in deployment, customization, data sovereignty, and multi-domain collaboration—making it a strong option for organizations that operate outside standard commercial cloud environments or need secure, sovereign communications.

Rocket.Chat provides autonomy and flexibility for secure, mission-critical environments, with on-prem, air-gapped, and secure cloud deployments. Unlike Slack, it's open source and self-hosted, giving you complete data sovereignty. It offers end-to-end encryption, comprehensive auditing, and control over data storage. Rocket.Chat can also bridge with Slack for cross-organization communication. Slack is proprietary, cloud-only, and doesn't offer the same level of control over data and infrastructure.

Yes. Rocket.Chat offers a free Starter plan for up to 50 users, which is ideal for small teams getting started on the platform. We also provide a Community Edition, which is fully open-source and self-hosted. While it’s free to use, modify, and distribute, it’s intended for experimentation, or small internal teams. It does not include the security, compliance, scalability, or support features required by enterprise or government organizations — for those use cases, our commercial plans are strongly recommended. Paid plans deliver advanced capabilities such as enterprise-grade security, compliance and auditing tools, premium apps, high-availability cloud hosting, and full professional support. To compare all options, visit the Rocket.Chat pricing page.

Rocket.Chat serves millions of users globally, including government agencies like the City of Cologne, eu-LISA, Elsäkerhetsverket, and the Government of British Columbia. It's deployed at scale by governments and federal system integrators operating under the highest security standards, used in highly classified networks such as NIPRNet, SIPRNet, and JWICS, with DoD ATO up to IL6. Organizations across defense, intelligence, and critical infrastructure trust Rocket.Chat for mission-critical communications.

Rocket.Chat is a secure communications platform that unifies real-time messaging, voice, video, AI, and mission-critical applications into a single platform. It's built for organizations that need control over their communications. Rocket.Chat Secure CommsOS™ ensures full data privacy, compliance, and operational efficiency for defense operations, government agencies, and critical infrastructure sectors.

As an enterprise customer, you get access to our web support portal by default. You can also choose to purchase additional levels of 'support packages' based on your orgnization's needs.

We offer a 30-day free trial with every workspace. We will notify you in advance of when the trial is coming to an end.

Yes, we offer special rates to organizations that do good things around the world. If you'd like to apply for a concession, please get in touch with us and we'll be glad to get to know your work.

Yes, we do. Please contact us to learn more.

No, our customers have the option to choose between cloud or self-managed hosting without incurring additional costs.

Yes, you can self-host it and use your Community Edition workspace for free, forever.