Secure and efficient communication is the backbone of any alerting system. That is why GroupAlarm has completely overhauled the technical architecture of its internal messenger. From now on, communication is based on the MATRIX protocol – an open standard for secure, decentralised real-time communication.

To ensure the highest security standards and digital sovereignty, GroupAlarm utilises the backend of the Bundesmessenger. The Bundesmessenger was developed specifically to meet the high security requirements of public administration in Germany.

By switching to the Matrix protocol, GroupAlarm benefits from a technology that guarantees full end-to-end encryption. As user-friendliness is particularly important to us, we have developed our own integration: users do not need to install an additional app or constantly switch between applications. Everything – from alerting and scheduling to operational coordination – takes place in one centralised location.

An overview of the new features:

• Real-time interaction: A typing indicator shows who is currently typing. Messages can also be acknowledged with emojis to provide quick feedback without text.
• Modern message management: Messages can now be easily copied, replied to, edited or deleted as required.
• Security & recovery: Communication is end-to-end encrypted by default. The newly introduced recovery key ensures that your chat history is securely preserved even if you switch devices.
• Structure & Focus: Polls can be conducted directly within rooms to gauge opinion within the unit. Channels can also be muted to manage notification levels individually.
• Improved Usability: Links in messages are automatically recognised and can be clicked directly; detailed room information is also available.

Existing features remain fully intact:

• The usual flexible management of rooms via the web interface.
• The automatic creation of mission-specific rooms upon alert.
• Integration with Flows to send automated status updates to rooms.

Preview: Upcoming features

This update lays the foundation for further developments. In future updates, we will further refine the role and permission structures (Admin, Moderator, Participant) within the app. We also plan to expand the messenger functions to include the sending of files and locations, as well as the configuration of individual notification profiles.