The advantages of openDesk's modular software architecture

Rigid monolith vs. flexible toolkit

Choosing a software suite is a strategic decision: do you opt for a complete package from a single provider, or combine specialised solutions for different tasks? The former is widely used, but has the disadvantage of rigidity. Changes require intervention in the overall system, and individual customisations are usually limited.

openDesk builds on a different principle: that of a modular software architecture. In contrast to a monolithic programme, the office and collaboration suite brings together a range of independent, interconnected, open-source components under one hood. The flexibility of this approach is evident in the openDesk Community Edition, where modules can be added or swapped out as needed.

Inside the modular system

A look at the individual modules shows this principle in practice: instead of developing every feature from scratch, openDesk has integrated leading, specialised open-source solutions for everyday work in the public sector. This "best-of-breed" approach is recognisable in the following three areas.

The foundation: productivity and secure data

Reliable tools for daily tasks form the basis of any digital workspace. For groupware (email, calendar, contacts), openDesk uses Open-Xchange, an established solution that has proven itself in large-scale environments. For the crucial area of file management, the suite integrates Nextcloud, a specialist in secure file synchronisation and sharing. This is complemented by Collabora Online for collaborative document editing, high compatibility, and privacy-compliant processing of office documents. Everything is rounded off with a simple yet powerful notes app, created in collaboration with Docs.

The network: communication and project coordination

For direct, real-time collaboration, the system relies on equally specialised tools. Team communication is handled via the decentralised and secure Matrix protocol, with Element as its client. Instead of building a proprietary solution, openDesk chose to deploy an established standard for interoperable communication. The same goes for project management: OpenProject has been integrated, a fully-fledged project management software that offers more depth than an add-on module in a monolithic program could.

The knowledge repository: documentation and transparency

Finally, the creation of a central knowledge base is made possible by XWiki, a software specifically designed for creating and managing corporate wikis.

Each of these components exemplifies the core idea at play here: openDesk is not the developer of all these tools, more of the master builder who combines the best available specialists to create a coherent, secure and powerful overall system.

Strategic advantages: flexibility, security and future-proofing in practice

This modular structure is not a technical compromise, but the foundation for three key strategic advantages:

1. Adaptability and integration

The most obvious advantage is flexibility. The modular architecture of openDesk means it can be extensively customised. In the openDesk Community Edition, for example, tech-savvy users can choose to install only the core modules for email and file management, and add the project management module at a later date. In addition, the architecture allows individual components to be swapped out for maximum customisation–a degree of flexibility that's also available in the Enterprise version. In the case of switching modules, however, it should be noted that the specific, in-depth integrations openDesk offers by default with its core components may have to be adapted in order to achieve a comparable level of seamlessness. Ultimately though, the open interfaces of the individual building blocks make it easier to connect to existing specialised systems.

2. Increased safety and resilience

By encapsulating the components, the risk of security problems is contained. A vulnerability in one module does not automatically compromise the core system. Also, if a component becomes technologically obsolete, it can be replaced individually.

3. Sustainable independence and innovation

Each module is actively maintained and developed by its own specialised open-source community. This allows the entire system to benefit from the innovative strength of an entire ecosystem, rather than just the roadmap of a single manufacturer. This strengthens autonomy, prevents vendor lock-in, and makes your own IT landscape sovereign and future-proof.

From theory to practice: two paths to openDesk