Google Hangouts Chat vs Mattermost: What are the differences?
# Google Hangouts Chat vs Mattermost
Google Hangouts Chat and Mattermost are both communication platforms that offer messaging and collaboration tools for teams. However, there are key differences that set them apart.
1. **Integration with Google Workspace**: Google Hangouts Chat is tightly integrated with Google Workspace, allowing for seamless collaboration with Google apps such as Drive, Docs, and Calendar. Mattermost, on the other hand, offers broader integration capabilities with various third-party applications and services, providing more flexibility in customization and workflows.
2. **Open Source vs. Proprietary Software**: Mattermost is an open-source platform, allowing users to modify and customize the software according to their needs. Google Hangouts Chat, on the other hand, is a proprietary software owned by Google, limiting the extent of customization available to users.
3. **Deployment Options**: Mattermost offers both cloud-based and self-hosted deployment options, catering to organizations with different security and privacy requirements. In contrast, Google Hangouts Chat is primarily cloud-based, with limited on-premises deployment options available.
4. **Customization and Branding**: Mattermost provides extensive customization and branding options, allowing organizations to tailor the platform to their brand identity. Google Hangouts Chat, while offering some customization features, may have limitations in terms of branding and personalization.
5. **Security and Compliance**: Mattermost offers robust security features and compliance certifications, making it suitable for organizations with stringent data protection requirements. Google Hangouts Chat also provides secure communication, but organizations with specific compliance needs may find Mattermost more suitable.
6. **Cost**: Mattermost offers a free self-hosted version, making it a cost-effective solution for organizations looking to control their messaging platform expenses. Google Hangouts Chat is part of the Google Workspace subscription, which includes various other applications, potentially increasing the overall cost for users.
In Summary, Google Hangouts Chat and Mattermost differ in integration options, deployment choices, customization capabilities, security features, and cost implications.