Synchronous Messaging at Mozilla: The Decision (discourse.mozilla.org)

Article summary

Mozilla has decided to replace IRC with Riot/Matrix, hosted by Modular.IM, as its new synchronous messaging platform. The decision was made after a year of research and testing, and Riot/Matrix was chosen for its robust support for accessibility and community safety. The new platform will be federated, allowing for greater autonomy and agency for participants. The transition is expected to be completed by March of next year.

Main themes

• Mozilla's messaging platform transition
• Matrix and Riot
• open source movement
• native app development
• cross-platform applications
• community safety and accessibility

What commenters say

• Some commenters are excited about the potential for Matrix to become a Slack-beating product with Mozilla's backing.
• Others are concerned about the current state of Matrix and its ability to meet Mozilla's needs.
• There is a desire for a native desktop client for Matrix to replace existing solutions like Mattermost.
• The development of a Rust-based homeserver for Matrix is seen as a promising but underdeveloped project.
• Some argue that native app development is hindered by the difficulty of developing cross-platform applications.
• Others point out that there are alternatives to Electron for building cross-platform native apps.
• The choice of Matrix over other options is seen as a victory for the open source movement.
• Some are concerned about the potential for employee and volunteer chat to remain segregated despite the transition to Matrix.