Rocket.Chat

Pros

The possibility of having a self-managed version of it, running on our own servers, for free. This ensured our data stayed ours. We also implemented a chatbot connected to our MySQL and automatized the work distribution.

Cons

There are over 1200 permission settings. Around 50% of the software is "okay" documented, the rest indicates it is "under development". Very complex to know exactly what impact will have each setting.

Alternatives Considered

Reasons for Switching to Rocket.Chat

Pros

The core software is open-source, so the cost is low to get started. You have the option, but not forced to, to purchase business/enterprise support and upgrade for additional features, and Rocket.Chat company also provides hosting services. In case you want to modify the code (likely you won't need it), but you can, so it's a big plus for feeling in control.

Rocket.Chat supports OpenID Connect for SSO authentication out-of-the-box, which we integrate with FusionAuth and it works as expected. So really happy about this.

We also did submit some patches and enhancements to Rocket.Chat GitHub, and while response time varies, we were welcomed, some of our contributions were accepted, some were not accepted but with clear explanation. So we're very happy that we can collaborate directly with Rocket.Chat developers and hopefully having good relationship in the long term.

Cons

I still see stability issues, sometimes chats not refreshing, and random minor issues. It's quite hard to debug/diagnose the issue, and on GitHub some issues have been waiting for weeks or months. I understand this is complex code without various platforms connected together, and to be fair Rocket.Chat tried to provide several debugging options inside it, so they do put effort in this.

Configuring to use own Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) push notification is tricky, and requires deploying customized Android and iOS app... but this is to be expected and I'm not sure how it can be made easier.

It still feels that they're pushing for new features more than to fix bugs. Which can be both a good thing or bad thing, depending on which side you're getting.

Alternatives Considered

Reasons for Choosing Rocket.Chat

Switched From

Reasons for Switching to Rocket.Chat

Pros

I liked being able to have group conversations.

Cons

trying to keep up with the conversations while typing my response.

Pros

1. I like the notification system. It's highly unlikely that you will miss a crucial notification. When the status is set to busy, the notifications will stay in the background
2. It is definitely cheaper compared to its competitors
3. It's good for team collaboration and communication with the ability to create changes
4. The emojis spice up the communication
5. It also offers SSO functionality where users can log in with their GSUITE credentials

Cons

1. The major con has to be the User Interface. It could definitely use a lot of improvements to make it smooth
2. When starting it for the first time, the servers actually take forever to load
3. It hangs quite a lot even with a very strong internet connection and high spec laptop
4. The file sharing option could be made smoother.
5. The video call option is still missing
6. It's very easy to miss notifications while using the mobile app

Pros

quick easy to the point. Not alot excess questions

Cons

All chats are annoying we want to talk to a person