Zulip

Threaded open-source chat. Excellent for async NGOs, less known than Slack.

Apache-2.0 · https://zulip.com

Chat

Self-hosted

Hosting: Self-hosted Reviewed

Cloud offering exists; this dossier scores self-host.

  • Fair 4.7
  • Easy 3.3
  • Secure 4.0
FES Scores 9
Pillar Criterion Score Evidence
Easy Day-one UX Can non-technical staff use it without a project? 4 Threads help busy teams once explained. Source
Easy Operate Admin burden, updates, backups and language coverage. 3 You operate the server. Source
Easy Integrate SSO, mail/CalDAV, APIs and common NGO connectors. 3 SSO and incoming webhooks; fewer NGO plugins than Slack. Source
Fair Lock-in / exit Can you leave with your data in open formats, at known cost? 5 Rule baseline (rubric_v1): self-host + open-source path supports exit with your data. Source
Fair Sovereignty EU legal entity, EU hosting, and exposure to extra-EU lawful access? 4 Rule baseline (rubric_v1): non-EU vendor; self-host still lets you pick EU infra — verify update/support exposure. Source
Fair Openness Open source or open standards? Are independent implementations possible? 5 Rule baseline (rubric_v1): license classified as open-source family. Source
Secure IT security Authentication, encryption, patch cadence and independent audit. 4 Standard TLS and auth options. Source
Secure User security 2FA, roles, phishing resistance and safe defaults. 4 2FA and guest controls exist. Source
Secure Personal data GDPR fit: DPA, residency, sub-processors and Schrems II posture. 4 Self-host keeps member chat in your DPA scope. Source

Indicative scores from public information — how we score.

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