Protocols and backends – open and connectable
Sparks connects open standards with your existing systems. Here you can see which backends exist, what we host, and what you can run or connect yourself.
How the Sparks architecture works
The Sparks client (web and desktop) talks to multiple backends via open protocols. Depending on the offering, backends can be hosted by us or you use your own or existing services.
Matrix (chat & channels)
Synapse or tuwunel. E2EE, federation, same base as BwMessenger, Tchap, gematik TI-Messenger.
Video conferencing
WebRTC-based, e.g. LiveKit. For meetings, breakout rooms, lobby.
Calendar & contacts
Exchange, Nextcloud, Open-Xchange – multi-backend calendar in one interface.
File storage
WebDAV (e.g. Nextcloud, Opencloud, Owncloud) or Microsoft SharePoint – files in one interface.
Identity / SSO
SAML/OIDC, e.g. Keycloak. For enterprise: tenant isolation, central login.
AI assistant
Your own API key or self-hosting. Context from calendar, contacts, chats.
Sparks Client
Web & Desktop – one interface for chat, video, calendar, and AI.
Backends at a glance
Which stacks we offer and which existing backends you can connect.
| Backend | Protocol / technology | Hosted by Sparks? | Can connect your own / existing? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matrix (chat & channels) | Matrix (Synapse, tuwunel) | Yes | Yes |
| Video conferencing | WebRTC (e.g. LiveKit) | Yes | Yes |
| Calendar & contacts | CalDAV, Exchange, OX | On request | Yes |
| File storage | WebDAV, Microsoft SharePoint | On request | Yes |
| Identity / SSO | SAML, OIDC (e.g. Keycloak) | On request | Yes |
| AI assistant | LLM API (OpenAI-compatible) | – | Yes |
Small hosting variant
Minimal effort: Run only the Matrix server (Synapse/tuwunel) yourself – connect all other services (video, calendar, files, identity) via Microsoft 365 including IAM.
Use existing infrastructure
Already running a Matrix server, LiveKit, and Keycloak? With the Sparks client and some middleware (Sparks server components), you can connect this existing infrastructure.
Want to self-host Sparks or connect your own backends?
Request self-hosting or hosting