Kolab Groupware vs Openmeetings
A side-by-side comparison of two self-hosted groupware options — licensing, setup difficulty, resource needs, and what each one replaces.
Not the right match-up?
Kolab Groupware
Open-source groupware server with mail and calendaring
VS
Openmeetings
Video conferencing, instant messaging, whiteboard, collaborative
| Feature | Kolab Groupware | Openmeetings |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Groupware | Groupware |
| License | AGPL-3.0 | Apache-2.0 |
| Language | PHP | Java |
| Setup difficulty | Hard | Medium |
| Min. RAM | 2,048 MB | 512 MB |
| Deployment | bare-metal, docker | bare-metal |
| GitHub stars | ★ 200 | ★ 686 |
| First released | 2002 | 2025 |
| Replaces | Microsoft Exchange, Zimbra | — |
Why pick each one
Choose Kolab Groupware if…
- Built on proven components
- Strong standards support
Choose Openmeetings if…
- Released under the Apache-2.0 license
- Written in Java
- Lightweight — runs in 512 MB RAM
Frequently asked questions
Is Kolab Groupware or Openmeetings better?
Openmeetings is the stronger all-round pick: it has both the larger community and the simpler medium setup. Consider Kolab Groupware if its specific feature set fits your needs better.
Are Kolab Groupware and Openmeetings free and open-source?
Yes. Kolab Groupware is licensed under AGPL-3.0 and Openmeetings under Apache-2.0. Both can be self-hosted at no software cost.
Can I run Kolab Groupware and Openmeetings with Docker?
Kolab Groupware: yes. Openmeetings: check the project docs for container support.