Threema Work - Detailed Review
Privacy Tools
Threema Work - Product Overview
Introduction to Threema Work
Threema Work is a secure and GDPR-compliant business messenger developed by Threema GmbH, a Swiss company known for its commitment to privacy and security. This app is specifically designed for companies and organizations looking to enhance their internal communication while ensuring the highest levels of security and privacy.
Primary Function
The primary function of Threema Work is to provide a reliable, secure, and efficient communication tool for businesses. It allows employees to communicate via text, voice, and video calls, as well as share files, photos, videos, and locations. This app is intended to replace personal chat apps in the workplace, thereby mitigating security and privacy risks associated with using non-business solutions.
Target Audience
Threema Work is targeted at companies and organizations across various industries, including finance, healthcare, public administration, and more. It is particularly useful for businesses that need to comply with strict EU regulations such as NIS2, DORA, and CER, and for those requiring a high level of data protection and security.
Key Features
Security and Privacy
Threema Work boasts true end-to-end encryption, is open source, and adheres to the “Privacy by Design” principle. It ensures minimal metadata collection and does not require phone numbers or email addresses for user registration.
User Management
The app includes a powerful administration tool for user management and policy enforcement. Administrators can easily manage access, withdraw permissions for former employees, and ensure the app is used in line with corporate policies.
Threema Broadcast
This feature allows for one-to-many communication, enabling companies to send corporate news, files, and polls to the entire workforce or specific departments with a single click. It is also useful for business continuity scenarios when other communication tools are down.
Special Features
The app includes features like polls, off-hours policy to disable notifications, silent agreement or disagreement to messages, and the ability to hide confidential chats with PIN or fingerprint protection.
Integration and Automation
Threema Work offers the Threema Gateway API, which allows companies to automate processes and integrate the app with their own software systems.
Cross-Platform Compatibility
The app is available on various platforms, including desktop (Windows, Mac, Linux), mobile (Android, iOS), and web-based versions, ensuring that all employees can use it regardless of their device.
Threema Work is a comprehensive solution that addresses the communication needs of businesses while prioritizing security, privacy, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Threema Work - User Interface and Experience
User Interface Overview
The user interface of Threema Work is designed with a focus on simplicity, security, and ease of use, making it an appealing option for businesses seeking a reliable and privacy-compliant communication solution.User Management and Interface
The management cockpit of Threema Work serves as the central hub for administrators. Here, all users and credentials are listed in a tidy, sortable, and searchable format. Administrators can easily filter users, such as those who haven’t activated the app, and address any issues promptly. Clicking on a user opens a detail page where admins can view master data, license information, and adjust user-specific settings.Filtering and User Details
Administrators can filter users efficiently and access detailed information to manage user accounts effectively.App Configuration
The interface allows administrators to configure the app settings for all or individual users. This includes disabling specific features, setting up off-hours policies, and customizing other settings to align with the company’s needs. The app also supports custom logos and integration with internal support forms, enhancing the company’s brand identity and support processes.Communication Features
The Threema Work app itself offers a range of intuitive communication features. Users can send text and voice messages, make voice and video calls, conduct group calls, and share files, photos, videos, and locations. Additional features include creating polls, automatically disabling notifications outside working hours, and hiding confidential chats with PIN or fingerprint protection.Intuitive Messaging and Collaboration
The app’s communication tools are designed for ease of use and effective collaboration among team members.Multi-Device Support
Threema Work supports multi-device functionality, allowing users to use the app on both mobile and desktop devices independently. The latest version of the desktop app introduces a new architecture and a redesigned user interface, enhancing the overall user experience.Ease of Use
The app is designed to be user-friendly, with features that are easy to access and use. For example, the off-hours policy and poll features are straightforward to set up and use, making it simple for employees to communicate efficiently without compromising security or privacy.Overall User Experience
The overall user experience is streamlined and efficient. Threema Work ensures seamless communication across all departments, including non-desktop workers, without the need for personal phone numbers. The app’s focus on security and privacy by design, combined with its intuitive interface, makes it a reliable tool for business communication. Administrators can manage and moderate group chats, distribution lists, and other communication channels with ease, ensuring that the app integrates smoothly into the company’s workflow.Conclusion
In summary, Threema Work’s user interface is characterized by its simplicity, ease of use, and strong focus on security and privacy, making it an excellent choice for businesses looking for a reliable and compliant communication solution. Threema Work - Key Features and Functionality
Threema Work Overview
Threema Work is a comprehensive and secure business messaging solution that offers a range of features to enhance team communication, collaboration, and productivity. Here are the main features and how they work:
Basic Communication Features
- Text and Voice Messages: Users can send text and voice messages, facilitating real-time communication within the team.
- Voice and Video Calls: Threema Work allows for voice and video calls, as well as group calls, enabling face-to-face interactions and team discussions.
- File Sharing: Users can send files of any type, including PDFs, Office documents, photos, videos, and locations.
- Desktop Use: The app is available on desktop devices, ensuring users can stay connected across different platforms.
Collaboration Tools
- Group Chats: Teams can engage in group chats that can be managed and moderated by different administrators, fostering team collaboration.
- Distribution Lists: Users can create distribution lists to send messages to specific groups of contacts.
- Polls: Threema Work allows users to create polls directly within chats, making decision-making processes more efficient.
Security and Privacy Features
- Confidential Chats: Users can hide confidential chats and protect them with a PIN or fingerprint, ensuring sensitive information remains secure.
- Anonymous Backup: Threema Safe allows for anonymous backup of important data.
- Optional Contact Sync: Contact synchronization is optional, giving users control over their contact data.
AI Integration and Automation
- ChatGPT Integration: Integrating ChatGPT into Threema Work enables automation of routine responses and generation of insightful replies. This helps reduce the time spent on repetitive tasks and improves overall productivity.
- Automated Workflows: AI can automate common queries and tasks, such as summarizing discussions, highlighting key decisions, assigning tasks based on team availability, and sending reminders for project deadlines.
- Customer Support: AI integration can transform customer support by providing instant, accurate responses to client inquiries and learning from past interactions to suggest relevant solutions.
- Meeting Management: AI can generate meeting agendas based on previous discussions and ensure all team members are informed about upcoming tasks and deadlines.
Additional Features
- Notification Management: Notifications can be automatically disabled outside of working hours, helping maintain work-life balance.
- Text Formatting: Users can add text formatting to messages, enhancing communication clarity.
- QR Code Verification: Contacts can be verified via QR code for added security.
- Theme Options: Users can choose between a dark and a light theme to customize their interface.
Administrative and Management Features
- Access Controls/Permissions: Administrators can manage access controls and permissions, ensuring that the right people have the right information.
- Mass Notifications: Threema Work allows administrators to send mass notifications to the entire workforce, specific departments, or suppliers.
- Interactive Information Retrieval: The system includes interactive information retrieval systems that provide predefined answers to users’ questions.
These features collectively make Threema Work a powerful tool for secure, efficient, and collaborative team communication, with the integration of AI further enhancing its capabilities to automate and streamline workflows.
Threema Work - Performance and Accuracy
When evaluating the performance and accuracy of Threema Work in the context of privacy tools, several key aspects stand out:
Security and Privacy
Threema Work is highly regarded for its stringent security and privacy features. It employs true end-to-end encryption, ensuring that only the sender and the recipient can access the content of the messages.
- The app is built with privacy by design, generating as little metadata as possible and storing it only for as long as absolutely necessary. This approach significantly reduces the risk of user data being misused or analyzed.
Compliance and Legal Requirements
Threema Work is compliant with stringent data protection laws, including GDPR, NIS2, DORA, and CER regulations. This ensures that businesses using Threema Work can meet their legal obligations regarding data privacy and security.
User Management and Administration
The platform offers a powerful administration tool for user management and policy enforcement. Administrators can easily manage access, ensure former employees do not retain access to company information, and enforce various policies to maintain security and compliance.
Features and Functionality
Threema Work includes a range of features such as real-time chat, video conferencing, mobile access, file sharing, and mass notifications. These features are highly rated by users, with many scoring them near-perfectly (e.g., 4.9/5 for real-time chat and file sharing).
Limitations
Despite its strong performance in security and privacy, Threema Work has some limitations:
- File Size Limit: Threema Work has a file size limit of 100 MB, which can be restrictive for sharing larger files such as high-resolution videos or detailed presentations.
- Feature Set: While Threema Work is secure and privacy-focused, it may lack some of the broader feature sets available in other communication tools. However, Threema offers other products like Threema Broadcast and Threema Gateway that can complement its core features.
Engagement and Factual Accuracy
Threema Work is highly rated by users for its performance and features, with an overall rating of 4.9/5 based on verified reviews. The app’s focus on privacy and security ensures high engagement and trust among its users. The factual accuracy of its claims is supported by its open-source nature and compliance with strict data protection laws.
Conclusion
In summary, Threema Work excels in security, privacy, and compliance, making it a reliable choice for businesses needing a secure communication solution. However, it may have some limitations in terms of file size and the breadth of its feature set compared to other tools.
Threema Work - Pricing and Plans
Plans and Pricing
Threema Work has three main plans: Essential, Advanced, and Professional.Essential Plan
- Price: $10.99 per license per year.
- Features:
- Unlimited messages
- Text and voice messages
- Share images, videos, and documents
- Group chats
- Private chats
- Off-hours policy
- Use without phone number and SIM card
- Basic contact and user management
- Standard support
- Limitations: This plan is suitable for companies with only a few users and low demands on business features. The maximum number of licenses is 50.
Advanced Plan
- Price: $21.99 per license per year.
- Features:
- All features from the Essential plan
- Voice and video calls
- Distribution lists (Android)
- Polls
- More advanced contact and user management (e.g., prepopulate contact list, revoke/detach IDs)
- Customization options (e.g., display company logo in app)
- Threema Broadcast (distribution lists, group chats, feeds)
- Threema Gateway with 100 credits per license
- Standard support with a maximum response time of 12 hours
- Limitations: This plan is for companies with low requirements in terms of customization, administration, and automation. The maximum number of licenses is 500.
Professional Plan
- Price: $32.99 per license per year.
- Features:
- All features from the Advanced plan
- Enhanced customization and administration options (e.g., integrate form for first-level support, API for automated administration)
- Advanced Threema Broadcast features (e.g., scheduled messages, individual delivery receipts)
- Threema Gateway with 1,000 credits per license
- Premium support with a personal account manager and a maximum response time of 6 hours
- Technical and business reviews
- Limitations: This plan is for companies with high standards regarding customization, administration, and automation. There is no limit on the number of licenses.
Free Trial
Threema Work offers a free trial for one month with up to 30 users. This allows you to test the service without any obligation before deciding on a subscription plan.Additional Notes
- Threema Work is 100% GDPR-compliant and focuses on security and data protection, with all communication being end-to-end encrypted.
- Educational institutions can benefit from a special price plan.
Threema Work - Integration and Compatibility
Integration with Other Tools
Threema Work is designed to integrate seamlessly with various existing software applications and systems, enhancing its utility within organizational settings.
Threema Gateway
This feature allows Threema to be integrated into third-party applications, enabling companies to send, receive, and process Threema messages using their own software. For example, it can be used with Userlike for customer and employee communication, or with IncaMail to forward encrypted emails as Threema messages.
Central Directory Services
Threema Work can be integrated with central directory services such as MS Exchange, Active Directory (AD), or LDAP. This integration allows for automatic synchronization of the contact list with the address book of the mobile device, and contacts can be mapped automatically to the appropriate Threema IDs. The Threema Work API also enables automation of user management tasks, such as adding, editing, and deleting users, and configuring the app.
Broadcast and Distribution Lists
Threema Broadcast is a tool for efficient top-down communication. Using the Broadcast API, you can dispatch messages and manage feeds, distribution lists, and groups, making it easy to integrate into your directory service.
Compatibility Across Different Platforms and Devices
Threema Work is highly compatible across various platforms and devices, ensuring flexibility and convenience for users.
Mobile Devices
Threema Work is available for both Android and iOS devices, and it can also be used on tablets. This allows users to access the app regardless of their preferred mobile operating system.
Desktop and Web Clients
In addition to mobile devices, Threema Work can be used on desktop computers via the desktop app and web client. However, as of the current version, a mobile device with the Threema Work app must be present and activated for the desktop app or web client to maintain a connection. A beta version of Threema Work 2.0 for desktop is being developed, which will introduce multi-device functionality, allowing users to chat from their computer even when the mobile device is turned off or not connected to the internet.
Multiple Device Support
The upcoming beta version of Threema Work 2.0 for desktop will support linking up to two computers to a single mobile device, with plans to extend this support to Android devices and multiple linked devices, including tablets.
Compatibility with Other Threema Versions
Threema Work is compatible with other versions of Threema in certain aspects but also has distinct limitations.
Threema and Threema Work
Users of the standard Threema app and Threema Work can communicate without any limitations, as if they were using the same app. However, administrators can restrict communication to contacts within the contact list. It is important to note that a phone number or email address can only be linked to one Threema ID at a time, and it is not possible to use a Threema ID in both the Threema and Threema Work app simultaneously.
Threema OnPrem
Threema OnPrem is a self-hosted version of Threema Work and operates as an independent chat environment. Users of Threema OnPrem can only communicate with other users of the same OnPrem instance and cannot communicate with users of the standard Threema or Threema Work app.
In summary, Threema Work offers extensive integration capabilities with other tools and systems, and it is compatible across a range of devices and platforms, making it a versatile and secure communication solution for organizations.
Threema Work - Customer Support and Resources
Threema Work Customer Support
Threema Work offers a comprehensive set of customer support options and additional resources to ensure users can effectively utilize the platform while addressing any issues that may arise.Support Forms and Email
For technical assistance, users can contact the support team using the support form available in the management cockpit. This is the recommended method for quickly resolving technical issues.For specific products, there are dedicated email addresses:
- For Threema Work and Threema Education, use the support form in the management cockpit.
- For Threema Broadcast, send an email to
support-broadcast at threema dot ch. - For Threema Gateway, email
support-gateway at threema dot ch.
Management Cockpit
The management cockpit is a central hub for user management and support. Here, users can find the support form, access FAQs, and manage various aspects of the Threema Work application.FAQs and Documentation
Threema provides extensive FAQs and documentation to help users resolve common issues on their own. These resources cover a wide range of topics, from basic usage to advanced features.Business Inquiries
For business-related inquiries, such as purchasing or integrating Threema Work, users can submit their questions via a contact form. This ensures that business inquiries are handled promptly and efficiently.Partner Program
Threema also offers a partner program, which allows companies to resell and provide Threema Work and Threema OnPrem to their customers. This program includes additional support and resources for partners.Transparency and Security Audits
Threema emphasizes transparency and security. The apps are open source, and the company regularly commissions comprehensive security audits by renowned experts. This ensures that the platform maintains high standards of security and privacy.By providing these support options and resources, Threema Work ensures that users have the help they need to use the platform effectively and securely.
Threema Work - Pros and Cons
Advantages of Threema Work
Threema Work offers several significant advantages, particularly in the areas of security, privacy, and administrative control.
End-to-End Encryption
All types of communication, including text messages, voice and video calls, media files, and status messages, are end-to-end encrypted. This ensures that only the sender and the intended recipient can access the data, and it cannot be intercepted or read by third parties, including Threema itself.
Privacy Protection
Threema Work does not require users to share personal data such as phone numbers or email addresses. The servers do not store personal data, and any data in transit is immediately deleted after delivery. This approach minimizes the risk of data misuse.
GDPR Compliance
Threema Work is fully compliant with the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), ensuring that companies meet their obligations to protect employee and customer data.
Administrative Control
The platform offers comprehensive administrative features, including user management, app distribution, preconfiguration, policy definition, and the ability to revoke IDs when staff changes occur. This helps in maintaining strict control over the communication within the organization.
Separation of Personal and Professional Communication
Threema Work allows users to strictly separate their personal and professional communication by using different IDs for each purpose. This helps in maintaining a clear boundary between personal and work-related interactions.
On-Premises Solution
For maximum security, Threema Work offers an on-premises version (Threema OnPrem) where all data is stored on the company’s own servers, providing complete data ownership and control.
Disadvantages of Threema Work
While Threema Work has many advantages, there are some potential drawbacks to consider:
Initial Setup Challenges
Some users have reported that the initial setup of Threema Work can be a bit difficult, which may require additional time and effort to get everything configured correctly.
Limited Multi-Language Support
There is no explicit mention of multi-language support in the available features, which could be a limitation for organizations operating in multiple regions with different languages.
Transition Between Apps
Users cannot use the same ID in both the Threema and Threema Work apps simultaneously. If a user wants to switch from Threema Work to the personal Threema app, the administrator must first delete the user and allow the personal use of the ID, which can be inconvenient.
No Data Transfer Between Apps
When switching from Threema Work to the personal Threema app, chat contents are not transferred, which means users will lose access to their previous work-related conversations.
Overall, Threema Work is a strong option for businesses looking for a secure, privacy-focused communication solution with robust administrative controls, but it may require some initial setup effort and has some limitations in terms of app transition and data transfer.
Threema Work - Comparison with Competitors
When Comparing Threema Work with Other Secure Messaging Solutions
When comparing Threema Work with other secure messaging solutions in the privacy-focused and business communication category, several key features and differences stand out.
Security and Privacy
Threema Work is highly regarded for its strong security and privacy features. It offers full end-to-end encryption for all communications, including group chats, voice, and video calls. This ensures that all data is protected in the best possible way.
In contrast, Signal, another popular secure messaging app, also offers end-to-end encryption but lacks some of the enterprise-specific features that Threema Work provides. Signal requires a mobile number for registration, which may not be ideal for all business users.
Messagenius, another competitor, offers additional security features such as self-destructing messages and protected messages that require a fingerprint or captcha to open. However, it may not have the same level of administrative control and integration options as Threema Work.
Administrative Control and User Management
Threema Work stands out with its comprehensive administrative features. Administrators can manage users, contact lists, broadcast lists, groups, and bots. They can also preconfigure the app for users, define policies for its use, revoke IDs when staff changes occur, and prevent access to future chats when employees leave the company. These features are particularly beneficial for organizations needing strict control over their communication tools.
Integration and Customization
Threema Work integrates easily with common Mobile Device Management (MDM) and Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) systems. It also allows for customization of the app’s appearance and supports the use of tablets and smartwatches. Additionally, Threema Work can be used without a phone number or SIM card, making it versatile for various business environments.
In contrast, Signal does not offer the same level of integration or customization options, making it less suitable for enterprise environments.
Unique Features
Threema Work includes several unique features that enhance its usability in a business setting:
- Polls and Surveys: Users can create polls and surveys directly within the app.
- Notification Control: Users can set notifications to only be received during working hours.
- Contact Verification: Contacts can be verified via QR code.
- Confidential Chats: Chats can be hidden and password-protected with a PIN or fingerprint.
Alternatives
For businesses looking for alternatives, here are some considerations:
- Messagenius: Offers additional security features like self-destructing messages but may lack some of the administrative control and integration options of Threema Work.
- Signal: Provides strong security but is less suited for enterprise use due to its lack of administrative features and requirement for a mobile number.
Conclusion
In summary, Threema Work is a strong contender in the secure business messaging category due to its comprehensive administrative controls, strong security features, and flexibility in integration and customization. While alternatives like Messagenius and Signal offer unique benefits, they may not match the overall package provided by Threema Work for business users.
Threema Work - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Threema Work
Q: What makes Threema Work more secure than other business messengers?
Threema Work stands out due to its state-of-the-art security features. It uses end-to-end encryption for all types of communication, including text and voice messages, voice and video calls, and media files. This means that only the sender and the intended recipient can decrypt and read the messages. Additionally, Threema Work does not store personal data on its servers, and any data in transit is encrypted and immediately deleted once delivered.Q: Does Threema Work comply with data protection laws?
Yes, Threema Work is fully compliant with European data protection laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other relevant regulations like NIS2. This ensures that the application meets the highest standards of data protection and privacy.Q: Do I need to provide personal data to use Threema Work?
No, you do not need to provide any personal data, such as a phone number or email address, to use Threema Work. This enhances user privacy and security.Q: How does Threema Work handle user management and administration?
Threema Work offers a user-friendly management cockpit for administrators. This allows them to manage subscriptions, increase the number of users, configure app settings, manage contact lists, send automated messages, and view usage statistics. Administrators can also manage users’ app access and Threema IDs, and even integrate user management via API.Q: Can Threema Work be used on multiple devices?
Yes, Threema Work is available on multiple platforms, including Android, iOS, tablets, and desktop computers. With the desktop app and web client, users can conveniently chat from their computers without compromising security. The latest version of the desktop app (Threema Work 2.0) introduces multi-device functionality, allowing users to use the app independently on multiple devices without needing an active connection to their mobile device.Q: How does Threema Work handle notifications and working hours?
Threema Work allows users to set an “off-hours policy,” which enables them to receive notifications only during specified working hours. This feature can be configured in the app settings to automatically reject calls and hide notifications outside of working hours.Q: Can Threema Work be used without a SIM card?
Yes, Threema Work does not require a phone number or SIM card to function. It can be used on devices without SIM cards, and users can even make Threema calls without a SIM card.Q: What special features does Threema Work offer?
Threema Work includes several special features such as creating polls, silently agreeing or disagreeing to messages, hiding confidential chats with PIN or fingerprint protection, verifying contacts via QR code, adding text formatting to messages, and creating distribution lists. It also allows users to quote text messages and choose between a dark and light theme.Q: How does Threema Work ensure the security of its servers?
Threema Work runs its own servers in ISO 27001-certified data centers in Switzerland. The application’s source code is publicly available for review, and external security experts regularly conduct comprehensive security audits to ensure the highest level of security.Q: Can Threema Work be integrated with other systems?
Yes, Threema Work can be integrated into Mobile Device Management (MDM) systems and allows for API integration for managing users and subscriptions. This makes it easier to incorporate Threema Work into existing corporate IT infrastructures.Q: How does Threema Work handle external communication?
Administrators can configure Threema Work to restrict communication to only users within the same subscription or with contacts added in the management cockpit, thereby inhibiting communication with external contacts if desired. Threema Work - Conclusion and Recommendation
Final Assessment of Threema Work in the Privacy Tools Category
Threema Work stands out as a highly secure and privacy-focused messaging solution, making it an excellent choice for organizations and individuals who prioritize data protection and anonymity.Key Privacy Features
- Full Anonymity: Threema Work allows users to communicate without providing any personal information, using a unique Threema ID instead of a phone number or email address.
- End-to-End Encryption: All messages and media are transmitted end-to-end encrypted, ensuring that only the intended recipient can decrypt and read the messages. Once delivered, messages are immediately deleted from the server.
- Metadata Restraint: Threema generates minimal metadata and stores it only as long as necessary, protecting users from metadata-based tracking and analysis.
- Optional Contact Synchronization: Users can choose whether to synchronize their address book, and any personal information used is hashed and deleted after the synchronization process.
Benefits and Features
- Secure Group Chats: Threema Work supports group chats that can be managed and moderated by multiple administrators, which is particularly useful for team collaboration.
- Central Group Management: Through Threema Broadcast, groups can be managed centrally, allowing for automatic addition of members and management without a mobile device.
- Comprehensive Communication Tools: The platform includes features like real-time chat, video conferencing, mobile access, file sharing, and mass notifications, all of which are highly rated by users.
- GDPR Compliance: Threema Work is GDPR-compliant, ensuring that it meets stringent data protection standards, which is crucial for businesses handling sensitive information.
Who Would Benefit Most
Threema Work is particularly beneficial for:- Businesses: Especially those in sectors where data privacy is critical, such as healthcare, finance, and government. It provides a secure and compliant communication solution for teams and with external partners.
- Organizations with Remote Workers: Given its mobile access and live chat features, it is ideal for organizations with employees working off-site or without constant access to a computer.
- Individuals Seeking Privacy: Anyone looking for a highly secure and anonymous messaging solution will find Threema Work to be a reliable choice.