Microsoft Teams Alternative
Chat, video meetings, team files and telephony with European software, operated in Germany.
Microsoft Teams is the central place for chat, meetings and files in many companies. The content sits with Microsoft, a US corporation subject to the CLOUD Act.
For chat and video calls there are European solutions such as Nextcloud Talk from Stuttgart and Element, based on the open Matrix protocol. For telephony, phone systems such as STARFACE complete the setup.
BARNICOM sets up the new environment, connects chat, files and telephony and runs it. Teams is often part of a larger switch, see Microsoft 365 alternative.
Why companies look for alternatives
Access under US law
The US CLOUD Act requires US providers to hand over data to US authorities on request, even when it is stored in Europe (CLOUD Act explained).
Everything depends on Microsoft 365
Chat, meetings, files and often telephony run through the same account. If it fails or licenses change, communication stops.
Conversation content
Teams stores internal discussions, customer conversations and recordings. This content sits with the provider.
What replaces what
The functions of Microsoft Teams and European solutions that cover them. Which combination fits is something we work out together.
| Area | Microsoft Teams | European alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Chat and channels | Teams chat | Nextcloud Talk or Element (Matrix)Germany, United Kingdom |
| Video meetings | Teams meetings | Nextcloud Talk with high-performance backendGermany |
| Team files | SharePoint, OneDrive | NextcloudGermany |
| Telephony | Teams Phone | STARFACE or 3CXGermany, Cyprus |
| External guests | Guest access | Invitation links without an accountGermany |
Origin refers to the vendor’s headquarters.
How the switch works
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Assessment
What is in use, who uses it and what does it depend on? The result is a plan with effort and timeline.
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Pilot
One team works with the new environment first, and channels and workflows are adjusted.
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Cutover
Channels, files and telephony move over, devices and apps are set up.
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Operations
We take care of updates, monitoring, backup and support, with a service level agreement on request.
When the alternative is not a fit
Switching does not make sense in every case. We point out limitations beforehand, for example with:
- Teams apps and bots deeply embedded in workflows
- very large events with thousands of participants
- customers or partners who insist on sharing Teams channels with you
Frequently asked questions
Can we still join Teams meetings from customers?
Yes. Teams invitations can be opened in the browser without a Microsoft license of your own.
What is Nextcloud Talk?
Nextcloud Talk is the chat and video feature of Nextcloud from Stuttgart. It runs on your server, with apps for Windows, macOS, iOS and Android.
How does telephony work without Teams?
With a phone system such as STARFACE or 3CX. It connects landlines, mobile devices and computers and can be integrated with CRM systems.
How large can meetings be?
That depends on the server and backend. A standard installation is enough for typical team meetings, and for larger groups we set up a high-performance backend.
What does the switch cost?
It depends on the number of users, telephony and the availability required. You receive a proposal after the assessment.
More alternatives for workplace and collaboration
Find out whether switching fits
We look at how your team communicates today and tell you what can be replaced.