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Element

COMMS
Velocity5.0

Secure, federated, end-to-end encrypted messaging app built on the Matrix protocol — chats, video calls, and team collaboration.

element.io ↗

Element ships MatrixRTC calls and starts moving its web client onto Rust.

digital-sovereigntymatrix-protocolmatrixrtcrust-sdkopen-productivitygovernment-adoption
◆Current state
October was Element's busiest stretch in this window. MatrixRTC, a decentralised, end-to-end encrypted multiparty call protocol, arrived; five public sector organisations showed cross-border federation at the Matrix Conference; and openDesk now deploys Element Server Suite directly from Element. Element Web has also started moving to the Matrix Rust SDK, one component at a time.
◆Where it's heading
Element is closing the gaps between sovereign messaging and the tools it wants to replace. Calls were a large remaining hole, and Open Productivity, a joint venture with other openDesk vendors, adds a commercial route to businesses and critical infrastructure operators. The web migration brings the desktop client onto the same base as Element X.
◆Prediction
Expect more government deployments built on the federation demo, and steady Element Web components moving to shared code. The incremental approach means no single release will mark the switch to Rust.

◆Recent moves

  1. 16d ago

    A faster, rustier Element Web

    Element Web is moving to the Matrix Rust SDK by rebuilding shared components piece by piece rather than through a rewrite. It aligns the web client with Element X without a forced migration.

    View source ↗
  2. 23d ago

    Operator, I need an exit from Big Tech calls

    MatrixRTC arrives as a decentralised, end-to-end encrypted multiparty VoIP protocol. It fills the calling gap in Element's case against Big Tech collaboration tools.

    View source ↗
  3. 23d ago

    “Matrix, come here.” The world’s first cross-border government federation demo

    Five public sector organisations in sovereign deployments held one conversation across three countries and two institutions. A live proof of federation between governments, the core of Element's pitch.

    View source ↗
  4. 25d ago

    Matrix Conference kicks off tomorrow: governments, choice and sovereignty

    A conference preview noting public sector participants from more than 15 countries. Context for the news that followed.

    View source ↗
  5. 1mo ago

    Vendors behind openDesk join forces as Open Productivity

    Six openDesk vendors, including Element, formed Open Productivity, a joint venture selling the sovereign workplace to businesses and critical infrastructure operators. It gives Element a commercial channel beyond public sector deals.

    View source ↗
  6. 1mo ago

    openDesk now runs Element Server Suite, direct from upstream

    openDesk now deploys Element Server Suite directly from Element, keeping its own front-end branding. It tightens the upstream relationship with a major sovereign workplace project.

    View source ↗