Matrix: the open standard for secure communication
Matrix is not a product or a company – it is an open protocol, like HTTP for the web. Anyone can run Matrix servers and build Matrix clients. Sparks is one such client – built for teams that want more than Element offers.
The simple analogy: E-mail for messaging
Email protocol (SMTP)
Google, Apple and Outlook all use SMTP. You can switch from Gmail to Outlook and still receive emails.
Matrix protocol
Sparks and Element use Matrix. You can switch from Element to Sparks and still see all chats and messages.
The crucial difference to Slack and Teams: With Slack and Teams, your messages are in the provider's silo. When changing providers, you lose the entire conversation history. With Matrix, your data belongs to you.
Who trusts Matrix?
The Matrix protocol is used by governments, military and critical infrastructure – a level of trust that no proprietary provider achieves.
Tchap
French Government
The official messenger of the French government runs on Matrix. Over 300,000 civil servants communicate daily via the Matrix protocol.
BwMessenger
Bundeswehr
The German armed forces use Matrix for their internal communications – as a GDPR-compliant, sovereign messenger for military communication.
NATO Element
NATO
NATO uses Element (a Matrix client) for secure, decentralised communication between member states – proof of the protocol's military-grade reliability.
gematik TI-Messenger
German Healthcare
The TI-Messenger for the German healthcare system is based on Matrix – for secure communication between doctors, clinics and pharmacies.
Matrix, Element and Sparks – what is what?
| Matrix | Element | Sparks | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What is it? | Open protocol | Matrix client | Matrix client |
| AI assistant | — | No | Yes – multi-backend |
| MS365 / Google / Nextcloud | — | No | Yes – all backends |
| Price | — | Free / Element One (€5+/mo) | Free / SMB €5.99 net / Enterprise |
| Webinar / Townhall | — | No | Yes |
Note on Sparks prices shown above: All prices are net prices; VAT is charged separately at the applicable statutory rate.
Frequently asked questions about Matrix
- Is Matrix open source?
- Yes – the Matrix protocol is fully openly documented and licensed. Anyone can implement it, run their own servers and build clients. This prevents vendor lock-in.
- What is the difference between Matrix and Element?
- Matrix is the protocol – like HTTP for the web. Element is a client that uses the Matrix protocol, developed by Element (formerly New Vector). Sparks is also a Matrix client, but with different UX, an AI assistant and multi-backend integration. If Element were to close, Sparks would continue to work – your data is in the Matrix network, not with Element.
- Are Matrix messages end-to-end encrypted?
- Matrix supports E2EE for private and group chats – using the Megolm and Signal-based Olm protocol. E2EE is optional and must be enabled per room. Sparks enables E2EE by default for all new direct messages.
- What happens to my data if I change provider?
- With Matrix, your messages stay in the Matrix network – they belong to you, not the client provider. With Slack or Teams you often lose all history when changing providers. With Matrix you can simply switch clients and see the same data.
- Can Sparks communicate with other Matrix clients?
- Yes – Matrix is an open standard. A Sparks user can communicate with any Element, Fluffychat or other Matrix user, as long as both are on the same Matrix network.
Matrix security. Commercial convenience.
Sparks brings the trust of the Matrix protocol into a modern, AI-powered client – for teams that refuse to compromise.