Apache OpenMeetings

Apache OpenMeetings is an open-source, self-hosted groupware application that provides a comprehensive suite of tools for remote team communication. It integrates video conferencing, instant messaging, and collaborative workspaces into a single server-based environment. The software is deployed as a server application and accessed via a web browser, allowing organizations to maintain full control over their communication infrastructure.

Users utilize the platform to host virtual meetings, share screens, and communicate in real time across different geographical locations. The system supports various collaborative activities, including document editing and visual brainstorming, making it suitable for professional teams, educational institutions, or any group that requires a private, managed environment for coordination and virtual office functions.

Key features

• Video conferencing with WebRTC audio and video
• Instant messaging for real-time communication
• Interactive whiteboard with redo tools and full screen mode
• Collaborative document editing
• Screen sharing capabilities
• Two-factor authentication for user security
• Dark theme UI option
• OpenAPI specification in Swagger format

The application is built using Java and runs on the Jakarta stack with Tomcat. It relies on the Kurento Media Server for remoting and streaming functions to handle media traffic. The architecture supports mobile devices through touch event integration and responsive design, ensuring that users can join meetings from tablets or smartphones. To facilitate extensibility, the software includes an OpenAPI specification that allows developers to create integrations using Node and PHP environments.

Administrative controls allow for the management of user permissions, password complexity, and the global enabling or disabling of session recordings. The system also includes a network test web service to verify connectivity and supports RTL languages for broader international accessibility. Recent updates have focused on updating libraries to the most recent versions and dropping weak hash functions to improve the overall security posture of the server.

This software is positioned as a comprehensive groupware solution for teams needing self-hosted communication and collaboration tools.