Linux is a popular platform among developers and companies that prioritize security. But choosing a messenger for Linux can be difficult: not all solutions support this operating system. In this review, we will consider six messengers that are suitable for Linux, their key features, pricing policy, and usage features.
eXpress
eXpress is a corporate messenger and a super app for business, which can be integrated with various corporate systems in the company to create a single workspace. The platform supports secure interaction within the corporate circuit, is flexibly scalable and is suitable for both small companies and large corporations.
- Country: Russia
- Installation: Web version, applications for Linux (Ubuntu and other distributions), Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Aurora
- Prices: Free tariff for the public version, corporate tariffs with advanced features
- Exchange of text messages, documents and files
- Audio and video calls, calls to phone numbers
- Integration with 1C, Bitrix24 and more than 70 other systems
- Support for chatbots to automate tasks
- Multi-level data protection
- Possibility of installation on internal company servers
- Flexible privacy settings and access control according to the Role Model
- High performance even under heavy loads
- Possibility of creating your own branded application
TrueConf
TrueConf specializes primarily in video conferencing, and its distinctive feature is its support for work without Internet access.
- Country: Russia
- Installation: Available for Linux, Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
- Prices:There is a free plan and corporate licenses
Platform features
- Support for HD and Full HD formats
- Personal and group chats with file sharing
- Work in closed networks without an Internet connection, data encryption
- Support for Active Directory and other services
- Synchronization chats on all devices
Tada.Team
Tada.Team combines a messenger and a task manager in one solution, which helps to structure the workflow and reduce communication time. Suitable for small teams and startups.
- Country: Russia
- Installation: Web version, applications for Linux, Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
- Prices: Free plan for teams of up to 5 people, paid plans from 200 rubles/month. per user
Platform features
- Personal and group chats
- Creating tasks from chat messages
- File sharing
- Reactions, mentions, text formatting, audio recording with transcription
- Video calls for up to 25 participants.
- Calendar integration
Pachka
"Pachka" is a product of the Russian company Primavera. The solution is aimed at teams and enterprises that value data security. Supports integration with CRM and other business applications.
- Country: Russia
- Installation: Web version, Linux, Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
- Prices: Free plan with message limit, paid — 199 rubles/month. per user
Platform functions
- Chats, video calls up to 100 participants
- Integrations via API and Webhooks
- Data storage on Russian servers
- Possibility of expanding functionality
MTS Link Chats
MTS Link Chats – This is a corporate messenger from MTS, which combines chats and calls (they work through a special service called Meetings).
- Country: Russia
- Installation: Linux (Ubuntu, Astra Linux, RED OS), Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
- Prices: Free version, cloud solution, possibility of installation on the company's own servers (on-premise).
Platform functions
- Chats, calls, file sharing
- Creating channels
- Ability to create discussions within chats
- Reactions to messages
- Profiles and statuses reflecting the current state or employment of the employee.
- High level of data protection
- User access settings
The platform also has a section “Teams”, which allows you to combine employees into teams with individual channel lists.
Signal
- Country: United States
- Installation: Linux, Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
- Prices: Free
Signal has a high level of confidentiality, which makes it popular among privacy-conscious users. However, using Signal in Russian companies can be risky, as its servers are located abroad, and access to user data is not subject to Russian regulation. This can create potential security risks for corporate information.
Platform Features
- End-to-end encryption
- Support for voice and video calls
- Open source
- High level of privacy
- Self-destructing messages: users can set a timer to automatically delete messages
- Group chats
- Edit photos before sending in chat
Conclusion
The choice of messenger depends on the volume of tasks, the number of users and security requirements. Russian companies are advised to give preference to domestic solutions such as eXpress, TrueConf, Tada.Team, Pachka and MTS Link Chats. It is important to remember that the use of messengers not registered in Russia may be contrary to local legislation, which should be taken into account when choosing a tool for corporate communication.
