Mattermost - Detailed Review
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Mattermost - Detailed Review Contents
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Mattermost - Product Overview
Mattermost Overview
Mattermost is a secure collaboration platform that focuses on accelerating mission-critical work, particularly in complex and rigorous environments such as government, defense, and critical infrastructure.
Primary Function
Mattermost’s primary function is to provide a comprehensive collaboration solution that includes real-time 1:1 and group communications, voice calls, screen sharing, and workflow automation. It is designed to help teams stay connected, build and configure repeatable processes, and integrate with various tools and systems to achieve specific and predictable outcomes.
Target Audience
The target audience for Mattermost includes large enterprises, defense organizations, and governmental entities with 2,500 employees. These organizations typically have significant in-house DevOps, security, and operations talent and require a collaboration platform that meets strict security, compliance, and self-sovereignty requirements.
Key Features
Secure and Self-Hosted
Mattermost offers self-hosted and private deployment options, giving organizations full control over their data. It meets the strictest security and compliance requirements, including support for Active Directory, SAML, and OAuth.
Real-Time Communication
The platform provides persistent chat, voice calls, screen sharing, and file sharing, along with an unlimited and fully searchable message history.
Workflow Automation
Mattermost allows users to build and run sophisticated workflows with advanced automation and deep integrations with various tools and systems.
Extensibility
The platform is fully extensible by design, supporting a rich ecosystem of third-party applications and integrations through open APIs, developer frameworks, and community-driven enhancements.
Multilingual Support
Mattermost supports 20 languages to cater to global teams.
Customization
Users can adjust notification settings, change themes, and update profile settings to match their work preferences.
Overall, Mattermost is a versatile and secure collaboration platform that helps technical and operational teams streamline their workflows, enhance productivity, and ensure compliance with stringent security standards.
Mattermost - User Interface and Experience
User Interface Enhancements
Recent updates to the Mattermost web UI have introduced several significant enhancements. One notable improvement is the integration of Material UI (MUI) for the message More option, which provides a sleek and consistent look across the platform. This change enhances the visual and interactive aspects, ensuring compatibility with various assistive technologies for improved accessibility. The date picker component now supports screen readers and keyboard navigation, making it more accessible to users with disabilities. Similarly, the emoji picker has been improved for better keyboard navigation and skin tone selector accessibility.User Status and Member Management
Users can now set custom status messages and emojis, which are visible in the Members pane and the System Console’s Users section. This feature allows for better expression of availability or current focus and provides immediate insight into team members’ availability.Accessibility and Usability
Mattermost follows the design principles of being “Fast, Obvious, and Forgiving.” The interface is responsive, providing immediate feedback to user inputs, and quick, ensuring that vital actions like loading pages and sending messages are performed swiftly. The design is also obvious, meaning that users are never confused, with clear and intuitive interface layouts, labeling, and help text.Notifications and Mentions
The platform has improved notifications and mentions. For instance, mentions from muted channels are no longer displayed or counted, reducing unnecessary distractions. A new favicon state indicates new messages without mentions, helping users stay informed at a glance.System Console and Feedback
System admins benefit from clarified descriptions for developer settings and a prompt for feedback during workspace downgrades, ensuring continuous improvement. The System Console updates also include improved user management tools, such as the ability to search for users by name, filter by teams, and view inactive users.Additional Features
Mattermost also includes features like reminders, where users can set reminders to read messages at specific times. The platform supports bulk invitations, streamlining the onboarding process, and offers enhanced user management tools, including the ability to promote or demote users within their respective scopes.Overall User Experience
The overall user experience in Mattermost is designed to be intuitive and efficient. The platform ensures that core functionality is apparent, and advanced features are accessible via sub-menus and well-documented help text. The forgiving design principle means that the platform is designed to recover from user errors, with features like undo and rollback options. In summary, Mattermost’s user interface is optimized for ease of use, accessibility, and efficiency, making it a reliable and user-friendly platform for team collaboration and communication. Mattermost - Key Features and Functionality
Mattermost Overview
Mattermost, a collaborative communication platform, incorporates several key features and functionalities, particularly in its integration of AI and privacy tools, which are crucial for secure and efficient team collaboration.AI Integration
Mattermost’s AI integration is a significant aspect of its functionality, particularly in enhancing team collaboration and productivity.Customizable AI Bot Framework
Mattermost offers an open-source, customizable AI bot framework that allows organizations to deploy AI solutions such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT and private cloud Large Language Models (LLMs) like Azure AI or AWS AI. This framework ensures full control and data privacy, which is essential for security-sensitive environments.OpenAI Plugin
The platform supports the use of the OpenAI plugin to streamline communication and automate tasks. This plugin connects to the OpenAI API, enabling generative AI assistance within collaborative workflows.Private Cloud AI Solutions
Mattermost’s integration with private cloud AI solutions ensures that organizations can maintain control over AI data access and usage, adhering to strict security and compliance requirements.Advanced Board Views
Mattermost 7 introduces advanced board views that enhance task management and visualization.Kanban, Table, Calendar, and Gallery Views
These views allow teams to organize tasks in columns, view them in a spreadsheet-like format, plan deadlines on a calendar, or visualize tasks with image attachments. This flexibility helps in managing work more effectively.Custom Fields, Filtering, and Sorting
Teams can add custom fields to cards, filter and sort tasks quickly, and perform bulk actions on multiple cards. These features streamline task management and improve productivity.Compliance Export and Data Retention
Mattermost provides robust features for compliance export and data retention, ensuring organizations meet their legal and regulatory requirements.Compliance Reports
Generate compliance reports from the System Console, including messages, file uploads, and bot activities. These reports can be exported in various formats such as CSV, Actiance, and Global Relay.Data Retention Policies
Set custom data retention policies to automatically delete old messages and file uploads. Mattermost also integrates with third-party archiving systems for extended data retention beyond the set policies.Security Features
Mattermost is committed to security, offering several features to protect communication and data.On-Premises Deployment
Mattermost can be hosted on-premises, ensuring sensitive data remains within the company’s controlled environment. It also supports multi-factor authentication, TLS encryption, and encryption-at-rest.Audit Controls
The platform maintains a comprehensive history of messages and file uploads, even if they are edited or deleted, supporting compliance and monitoring requirements.Mobile App Enhancements
The latest version of the Mattermost mobile app introduces several enhancements.Multiple Workspaces
The app now supports seamless navigation across multiple workspaces, improving collaboration in different teams and channels. It also features enhanced performance, stability, and better handling of unstable internet connections.Extensibility and Integrations
Mattermost is highly extensible and integrates with a wide range of developer tools.Developer Tool Ecosystem
Mattermost integrates with tools like Jira, GitHub, and GitLab, streamlining workflows and reducing context switching. It also supports custom workflows, code sharing, and collaboration directly within channels.Custom Apps and Bots
The platform allows for the development of custom apps and bots, which can be hosted on any HTTP-compatible service. The Marketplace provides a central location to find and install these custom integrations.Privacy and Control
Mattermost ensures data privacy and control through its open-source platform.Granular Permissions
The platform offers granular permissions, allowing organizations to control access to data and AI solutions. This ensures that data privacy is maintained, especially when integrating with private cloud AI solutions. By integrating these features, Mattermost provides a secure, collaborative, and highly customizable platform that meets the stringent security and compliance requirements of various organizations while also leveraging AI to enhance team productivity and efficiency. Mattermost - Performance and Accuracy
Performance
Mattermost has made significant strides in improving its performance, especially through load testing and optimization techniques. Here are some notable aspects:Load Testing
Mattermost uses load testing to simulate user behavior, which helps in identifying and mitigating performance issues. By modeling user actions based on real-world data, they can ensure that the system handles typical usage scenarios efficiently.Client Performance
Common issues such as slow typing, especially in channels with a large number of channels, are addressed through strategies like channel organization, hardware acceleration, and regular client updates. Network optimization and server performance monitoring are also crucial for maintaining a smooth user experience.Optimization Techniques
Mattermost employs various optimization techniques, including lazy loading, caching, data compression, and WebSocket optimizations to reduce load times and enhance responsiveness. These methods help in minimizing resource usage and improving overall client performance.Accuracy and AI-Driven Features
Mattermost has recently introduced AI-enhanced features to its platform, focusing on security and data control:AI-Enhanced Collaboration
The platform now integrates Generative AI and ChatGPT to provide AI-augmented communication and workflow experiences. This is particularly beneficial for strict security environments, such as government and defense organizations, where verifiable privacy assurances and granular permissions are essential.Data-Driven Insights
Mattermost leverages real-time event data to gain insights into customer journeys, segment audiences, and run A/B tests. This data-driven approach helps in improving product features and overall business health, including financial forecasting and tracking key performance indicators (KPIs).Limitations and Areas for Improvement
While Mattermost has made significant improvements, there are still some areas that require attention:Client Slowness
Despite optimization efforts, issues like slow typing can still occur, particularly if the channel sidebar contains a large number of channels. Users need to regularly update the client, optimize network connections, and consider server-side improvements like Elasticsearch integration.Mobile App Issues
The mobile app can experience performance issues such as slow client performance, notification problems, and synchronization challenges. Keeping the app updated and ensuring server configuration is optimized for mobile use can help mitigate these issues.Server-Side Performance
High server load can impact client performance. Administrators need to monitor server performance, consider scaling server resources, and implement solutions like Elasticsearch for improved search performance.Privacy and Security
Mattermost is built with a strong focus on privacy and security, which is crucial for its AI-driven features:Open Source and Self-Hosted
Being an open-source and self-hosted platform, Mattermost allows organizations to maintain full control over their data, aligning with strict data privacy and security requirements.Granular Permissions
The integration of AI technologies is done with a focus on maintaining verifiable privacy assurances and granular permissions, which is essential for high-trust environments. In summary, Mattermost’s performance and accuracy are enhanced through rigorous load testing, optimization techniques, and the integration of AI-driven features. However, there are still areas such as client slowness, mobile app performance, and server-side optimization that require ongoing attention to ensure a seamless user experience. Mattermost - Pricing and Plans
Plans Overview
Mattermost offers a variety of plans to cater to different team sizes and needs, each with distinct features and limitations.
Free Plans
Mattermost Free (Self-Hosted)
- This plan is suitable for small teams, particularly those with up to 50 members.
- It includes features such as teams and channels for messaging, file sharing, unlimited search history, threaded messaging, emoji, and custom emoji.
- Native apps are available for iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- This plan is available through the open source Mattermost Team Edition or as part of the Mattermost Enterprise Edition without an active subscription license key.
Mattermost Cloud Starter (Free Forever)
- This plan allows for an unlimited number of users and has no time restrictions.
- Features include unlimited channels, playbooks, and boards, as well as unlimited voice calls and screen sharing in direct messages.
- There are limits such as 10GB of file storage, a 100MB upload limit, up to 5 enabled apps or plugins, access to the 10,000 most recent messages, and up to 500 recently updated cards.
- Only one team is allowed per workspace, and there is a maximum of 5 saved views per board.
Paid Plans
Mattermost Professional
- This plan is ideal for managing multiple teams with advanced access controls and user management.
- It includes features such as sophisticated user management, compliance reporting, and enhanced security.
- Pricing starts at $10 per user per month, billed annually, and is suitable for teams of up to 500 users.
Mattermost Enterprise
- This plan is designed for large-scale deployments and includes enterprise-grade features.
- It offers advanced access control policies, Active Directory/LDAP Single Sign-on, OAuth 2.0 authentication, encrypted push notifications, and next business day support via an online ticketing system.
- Pricing is custom and tailored for organizations with over 500 users.
Trial Options
- Both the Professional and Enterprise plans offer a 30-day free trial, allowing teams to evaluate the full range of features before committing to a subscription.
Upgrading
- Teams can upgrade from the free plan to a paid plan seamlessly without data migration. This involves choosing the desired plan, starting a trial or purchasing a subscription, and applying the license key to the Mattermost server.
It’s important to note that Mattermost has discontinued the “Mattermost Cloud Free” plan as of July 26, 2023, but users can still opt for self-hosted solutions or the Cloud Starter plan.
Mattermost - Integration and Compatibility
Integrations with Other Tools
Mattermost supports a wide range of integrations with developer tools and services. For example, it can be integrated with project management tools like Jira, CI/CD tools like Jenkins, and version control systems like GitLab, GitHub, and Bitbucket. These integrations are facilitated through the Mattermost Marketplace, which showcases various open-source integrations that can be easily set up to enhance collaboration and workflow. Specifically, the integration with PagerDuty is a notable example. This integration allows teams to receive all incident updates from PagerDuty directly in their chosen Mattermost channels. This is achieved by setting up an incoming webhook in Mattermost and configuring a Mattermost extension in PagerDuty, ensuring that incident updates are automatically sent to the designated channels.Custom Apps and Plugins
Mattermost allows for the development of custom apps and plugins, which can be built in any programming language and hosted on any HTTP-compatible service. These custom apps can interact seamlessly across Mattermost’s web, desktop, and mobile applications. For instance, the Mattermost Wiki Integration enables teams to streamline documentation processes by integrating a wiki system directly into the Mattermost workspace.Compatibility Across Platforms and Devices
Mattermost is highly compatible across various platforms and devices. Here are some key points:Desktop Support
Mattermost offers native apps for MacOS, Windows, and Ubuntu Linux, as well as unofficial support for RHEL/CentOS 7 . It also supports web access through browsers like Firefox, Safari, Chrome, and Edge.Mobile Support
Native apps are available for Android and iOS, with push notification support and web support for Chrome and Safari browser apps. Email support is also available for iOS Mail and the Gmail app.Operating Systems
Mattermost can be installed on several operating systems, including Ubuntu, Debian, CentOS, RedHat Enterprise Linux, and Oracle Linux. It also has community support for Fedora, FreeBSD, and Arch Linux.Databases
Mattermost supports various databases such as MySQL 5.6, 5.7, 8, PostgreSQL 9.4 , and Amazon Aurora MySQL 5.6 . However, starting with version 10.0, MySQL will no longer be supported for new installations, and PostgreSQL will be the minimum supported database.Reverse Proxy
Mattermost can be set up with reverse proxies like NGINX, and unofficially with Apache2.AI-Driven Functionality
With the upcoming release of Mattermost 10.0, the platform will introduce AI-driven functionality through the Mattermost Copilot. This feature will allow users to engage with an LLM (Large Language Model) directly within the Mattermost interface, enabling features such as discussion summarization, contextual interrogation, and personalization based on user roles. This AI integration aims to streamline communication and reduce information overload without compromising on security or data control. In summary, Mattermost’s extensive integration capabilities, cross-platform compatibility, and upcoming AI-driven features make it a powerful tool for enhancing team collaboration and efficiency in a secure and controlled environment. Mattermost - Customer Support and Resources
Customer Support Options
Mattermost offers a comprehensive range of customer support options and additional resources to ensure users can effectively utilize and maintain their installations.Community Support
For users of Mattermost Free, community support is available through peer-to-peer forums where you can search for solutions or start new discussions. The Mattermost Community collaboration server atcommunity.mattermost.com is a valuable resource, connecting you with over 12,000 developers, contributors, and Mattermost staff. Here, you can engage in various channels for help with setup, troubleshooting, and contributing to the code base.
GitHub Issue Tracking
Users can submit and track bug reports, as well as propose new features, via the GitHub repository. This is a key resource for both bug reporting and feature requests.Official Documentation
Mattermost provides extensive official documentation that includes comprehensive guides and information to help users with deployment, configuration, and troubleshooting.Professional Support
For paid subscription plans, Mattermost offers several levels of professional support:Mattermost Professional
Includes business hours support (9am to 5pm local time) with a next business day response time via email and the online ticketing system. This plan provides assistance with installation, upgrades, configuration, and bug reporting.Mattermost Enterprise
Offers 24×7 support via email and online tickets with a four-hour response target. This plan includes additional services such as communication with IT administrators, installation and upgrade assistance, and configuration guidance.Optional Support Upgrades
For Enterprise customers with over 1,000 users, Premier Support is available. This includes:Premier Support Features
Security Operations
Mattermost’s security operations support helps teams coordinate responses to security incidents and implement preventative security measures. This includes sharing threat intelligence and incident response plans.Additional Resources
support@mattermost.com for technical support inquiries. The support team is adept at diagnosing and resolving issues, providing documentation and training, and creating solutions for recurring problems. Mattermost - Pros and Cons
Advantages of Mattermost
Mattermost offers several significant advantages, particularly in the areas of security, customization, and collaboration:Security
Mattermost provides strong security features, including TLS encryption using AES-256 with 2048-bit RSA for data in transit. It also supports encryption-at-rest through hardware and software disk encryption solutions. Additional security measures include multi-factor authentication (MFA), secure mobile notifications, and the ability to control user sessions and access.Customization and Integrations
Being open-source, Mattermost allows for extensive customization to fit specific team needs. It integrates well with various third-party tools and supports self-hosting options, which is particularly beneficial for organizations prioritizing privacy and control over their data.Collaboration Features
Mattermost offers rich collaboration features such as channels for organizing conversations, file sharing, screen sharing, and instant messaging. It also supports seamless team communications and the ability to download and access the app on personal devices, even when linked to an organization’s VPN.Compliance
Mattermost is compliant with strict policies such as US HIPAA standards and provides daily compliance reports compatible with third-party compliance solutions. It also logs all system usage and ad hoc report requests for audit purposes.User Interface and Experience
While some users find the interface less polished than other tools, many appreciate its clean and easy-to-navigate design. The app is generally fast and user-oriented, both on desktop and mobile devices.Disadvantages of Mattermost
Despite its many advantages, Mattermost also has some notable drawbacks:Learning Curve and Interface Issues
Some users report a steeper learning curve and occasional inconsistencies in the user interface. The mobile app experience can be less smooth compared to other messaging platforms, and there are occasional bugs.Search Functionality
Users often find the search functionality to be less effective, making it difficult to locate older messages or files. This can be frustrating, especially when trying to find specific information quickly.Resource Intensity
Mattermost can be resource-intensive, which may affect performance on some devices. This is particularly noted in the mobile app, where battery life can be impacted if the app is not closed properly.Integration with Third-Party Applications
Some users have noted that Mattermost lacks the integration with other third-party applications that other platforms, like Slack, offer. This can limit its functionality for teams that rely heavily on these integrations.Setup and Maintenance
While Mattermost offers great customization, it requires more technical knowledge to set up and maintain, which can be a challenge for smaller teams without dedicated IT support. Overall, Mattermost is a strong option for teams needing secure, customizable, and feature-rich collaboration tools, but it may require some technical expertise and has areas where it can improve in terms of user experience and search functionality. Mattermost - Comparison with Competitors
When Comparing Mattermost to Other Secure Communication Platforms
Several key features and differences stand out.
Security and Encryption
Mattermost is highly regarded for its advanced security features. It uses TLS encryption with AES-256 and 2048-bit RSA for all data transmissions between clients and the server. Additionally, it supports encryption-at-rest through hardware and software disk encryption solutions, although it does not encrypt data within the database to facilitate search and compliance reporting.
In contrast, alternatives like Messagenius offer both self-hosting and end-to-end encryption, which might be preferable for organizations requiring the highest level of encryption for all communications.
Self-Hosting and Compliance
Mattermost stands out with its self-hosted deployment option, which is particularly beneficial for businesses in highly regulated industries such as healthcare, financial services, and government. This feature ensures data ownership and compliance with regulations like GDPR, CCPA, and HIPAA.
Customization and Integration
Mattermost is known for its customization capabilities, including role-based user control, custom permissions, SAML-based single sign-on (SSO), and multi-factor authentication. It also integrates well with existing third-party tools, making it a versatile option for various business needs.
However, if you need more extensive external communication capabilities with customers, vendors, and suppliers, alternatives like Rocket.Chat might be more suitable. Rocket.Chat supports communication with external parties and offers features like end-to-end encryption, secure video conferencing, and a microservices architecture for high scalability.
Data Retention and Compliance
Mattermost provides robust compliance features, including custom data retention policies, compliance export options, and integration with third-party archiving systems. It also maintains a comprehensive audit trail for deleted messages and files.
Alternatives
- Rocket.Chat: Offers end-to-end encryption, secure video conferencing, and a microservices architecture. It is better suited for businesses that need to communicate externally with customers and vendors.
- Messagenius: Provides both self-hosting and end-to-end encryption, making it a strong option for organizations that prioritize the highest level of encryption and data privacy.
- Signal: Known for its end-to-end encryption and simplicity, Signal is a good choice for small and medium-scale businesses that do not require high-end customization. It supports group voice and video conferencing and is easy to use for chatting and sharing files.
Unique Features of Mattermost
- Developer-Focused: Mattermost is particularly popular among developers due to its advanced collaboration tools, workflow orchestration, and deep integrations with development tools.
- Incident Resolution: It offers features like customizable playbooks, notifications, automated tasks, and post-mortem tools to help teams resolve incidents quickly.
- Custom Policies: Mattermost allows setting custom data retention policies and generates compliance reports in various formats, which is crucial for meeting legal and regulatory requirements.
Conclusion
In summary, while Mattermost excels in security, customization, and compliance, it may lack in certain areas such as end-to-end encryption and external communication capabilities. Depending on your specific needs, alternatives like Rocket.Chat, Messagenius, or Signal might offer the features that better align with your requirements.
Mattermost - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Mattermost Security and Privacy Features
Q: How does Mattermost secure data transmissions?
Mattermost secures data transmissions using TLS encryption, specifically AES-256 with 2048-bit RSA. This encryption is applied to all data transmissions between Mattermost client applications and the Mattermost server.
Q: What encryption options are available for data at rest?
Mattermost provides encryption-at-rest through hardware and software disk encryption solutions applied to the Mattermost database and file storage. This can be implemented on the server within your infrastructure, and for cloud storage solutions like Amazon S3, encryption is available via Mattermost Enterprise.
Q: Does Mattermost support multi-factor authentication?
Yes, Mattermost supports multi-factor authentication (MFA) to enhance security. Users can be required to provide a secure one-time code in addition to their username and password to log in to Mattermost.
Q: How does Mattermost handle message and file history for compliance?
Mattermost stores a complete history of messages, including edits and deletes, along with all files uploaded. This data is retained within the database, even after users delete messages or files from the user interface. This feature supports end-user search and compliance reporting.
Q: Can Mattermost be deployed securely within a private network?
Yes, Mattermost can operate entirely within your firewall using a Linux binary, Docker, or Kubernetes with PostgreSQL. It also supports remote access via VPN clients on PC and mobile devices, ensuring secure use outside the private network.
Q: Does Mattermost comply with regulatory standards like HIPAA and FINRA?
Yes, Mattermost meets HIPAA and FINRA standards for regulated industries. It also aligns with international security guidelines such as ISO 27001 and GDPR through a Data Processing Addendum.
Q: How does Mattermost manage user sessions and access control?
Mattermost allows for the remote revocation of user sessions through profile settings or by deactivating accounts in the System Console. It also enforces policies through user and group permissions and supports single sign-on (SSO) via SAML 2.0.
Q: What security measures are in place for mobile notifications?
Mattermost allows for fully private mobile notifications to protect against iOS and Android notification infrastructure breaches. It also supports secure mobile endpoints with management application configuration and VPN for mobile access.
Q: How does Mattermost handle security updates and vulnerability reporting?
Mattermost provides regular security updates, including a security bulletin and a list of security updates and patches. It also has a responsible disclosure policy that encourages the confidential reporting of vulnerabilities by security researchers.
Q: Can Mattermost be integrated with other authentication systems?
Yes, Mattermost supports integrated authentication with Active Directory/LDAP, as well as SSO via SAML 2.0. This allows for seamless integration with existing authentication systems within your organization.
By addressing these questions, you can gain a clearer understanding of how Mattermost prioritizes security and compliance, making it a reliable choice for secure team communication.