Self-Hosted Services & Collaboration
I operate self-hosted platforms that enable collaboration, communication, and documentation to be completely under my own control.
Whether knowledge management, video conferencing, project planning, or email—all systems are operated on an open-source basis, managed automatically, and integrated into existing authentication, backup, and monitoring structures.
The goal is an independent, license-free, and comprehensively documented service landscape that remains productive, secure, and manageable in the long term—both in the data center and in training or lab operations.
Knowledge Management & Documentation
I use self-hosted services that permanently secure and make knowledge, documentation, and technical processes accessible.
- Bookstack as a central knowledge and documentation platform
- Markdown-based structuring of technical content
- Version management and access control (LDAP/SSSD)
- Integration into backup and monitoring systems
- Training and handover documentation for teams
File & Collaboration Platforms
For secure file storage and office collaboration, I rely on open cloud environments that remain completely under my own control.
- OpenCloud / Nextcloud incl. Collabora Online (LibreOffice-compatible)
- Collaborative document editing, calendar, chat, and tasks
- Integration of SSO, TLS, 2FA, and central backup
- API connection for external tools (Git, CRM, project platforms)
- Operation as a container or Kubernetes stack
Communication & Video Conferencing
I operate communication systems that are independent of external SaaS providers but offer the same level of convenience.
- OpenTalk as a self-hosted video conferencing system
- Integration with calendars, user management, and email
- TLS/SRTP encryption, lobby and rights management
- Resource monitoring and scaling strategies
- Integration with training and support environments
Comelio Media
Our publishing house for IT topics offers specialist books on software development and databases.
Project management & time tracking
I use open-source systems for project planning, time tracking, and team coordination—fully integrated into the internal IT landscape.
- OpenProject for project planning and ticket management
- Kimai for time tracking and performance records
- LDAP/SSO integration for central login
- Automated backups and updates
- Integration into monitoring, alerting, and reporting
Communication & Telephony (VoIP)
I operate Asterisk-based VoIP and unified communications systems that are flexibly customizable and fully documented.
- Asterisk PBX with PJSIP, TLS/SRTP, and extension management
- GSM gateway integration
- Routing, dial plan, and ring group design
- Connection to CRM systems or webhooks
Version control & automation
I integrate development and automation platforms that combine code, configuration, and documentation—as a basis for collaborative infrastructure work.
- Git, Gitea, Forgejo for source code and documentation management
- CI/CD connection (GitLab, Jenkins, ArgoCD)
- Webhooks, API automation, and Ansible repositories
- Access control via LDAP/SSO
- Monitoring of builds and pipelines
Frequently asked questions about Self-Hosted Services & Collaboration
In this FAQ, you will find the topics that come up most frequently in consultations and training sessions. Each answer is kept brief and refers to further content where necessary. Can’t find your question? In this FAQ, you will find the topics that come up most frequently in consultations and training sessions. Each answer is kept brief and refers to further content where necessary. Can’t find your question? Feel free to contact me.
When are self-hosted services more worthwhile than SaaS solutions?
Self-hosted services are particularly worthwhile when data sovereignty, integration into existing systems, cost control, and long-term independence are more important than the convenience of fast SaaS.
How complex is it to operate self-hosted collaboration tools?
The initial investment is higher than with SaaS, but costs and dependencies are reduced in the long term. Automation, clear documentation, and standardization significantly reduce ongoing operating costs.
Can self-hosted services be integrated into existing user management systems?
Yes. Systems such as Nextcloud, OpenTalk, OpenProject, or Git platforms can be seamlessly connected to LDAP, Active Directory, or Kerberos-based authentication.
Are self-hosted services also useful for small teams?
Yes. Small teams in particular benefit from clear cost structures, transparent administration, and the ability to tailor collaboration tools to their own processes.