Sibrus, secure messenger

Main article: Instant Messenger (IM)

In March 2016 , the Kibernika company, founded by immigrants from the Research Institute of Systems Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences, announced a secure messenger for the Sibrus business of its own design. The developers see Skype for Business as its main competitor in the market .

2020: Providing free access for six months

On March 30, 2020, the Kibernika company, the developer of the secure corporate messenger SIBRUS, announced the provision of its software for free for a period of 6 months or more for any number of users to everyone.

In most Russian companies, the procedure for choosing and purchasing software takes quite a long time. But recent events and tightening quarantine conditions forced managers to quickly make decisions and urgently transfer employees to remote work. In such circumstances, the corporate messenger has become one of the main tools for fast communications for organizing process continuity in a distributed team of employees.

Therefore, in order to support Russian business in difficult times and facilitate the transition of offices to remote work, the development company decided to provide a secure corporate messenger to SIBRUS for free.

The secure corporate messenger SIBRUS offers its users the following features:

• there is all the necessary set of tools for remote interaction - corporate chats, calls, videos, file sharing, multi-user video conferencing, collaboration services;
• installation and configuration of the SIBRUS server takes no more than 1 day;
• works on all devices - Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Aurora OS;
• Centralized user configuration management and integration with AD/LDAP enterprise systems accelerate user establishment for administrators
• Free software setup and installation assistance
• The classic messenger interface helps users quickly get used to the tool.

The offer is valid for companies that have submitted a request before April 30, 2020 on the following conditions:

• Version Start - free of charge 1 year;
• Version Office - free of charge 6 months for any number of users;
• The Enterprise version is free of charge for 6 months for any number of users.

2017

Box version of "Sibrus Box"

On October 10, 2017, Kibernika announced the start of sales of Sibrus Box, a compact set of equipment with a pre-installed secure corporate communications platform for small businesses.

The kit includes a small box measuring 11x11x4 cm and a certain number of licenses depending on the selected package.

Version of the secure corporate messenger "Sibrus" (2017)

The solution has a set of the most popular functions: users can exchange instant messages, send and receive files, organize collaboration and manage tasks. Those who need audio calls will be able to purchase this option additionally.

The main advantage of the product is its mobility and full autonomy, and increased data security is ensured by end-to-end encryption technology and additional information protection tools.

"It is important for small businesses to be confident in the security of their communications. To make our product even more affordable and easy for small businesses, we saved the most popular features in it, such as chats, file sharing, calendar, scheduler, notes, and so on, and packed it into a "box" that even a child can cope with connecting. The solution is as mobile as possible - the user will be able to place Sibrus Box in any convenient place, at any convenient time. " Vladimir Pivovarov, Development Director of Sibrus

Demos of "Sibrus"

On July 24, demo versions of the protected corporate messenger "Sibrus" appeared, thanks to which everyone can get free access to the product and independently evaluate the entire set of tools. In order to access the demo version, it is enough to register on the www.cybrus.ru website using an email address and activate the demo account. Everyone wishing to test Sibrus will be able to create a group account and connect up to 10 participants to it, each of whom will have access to the full functionality of client applications. The demo version will last 30 days.

For those who want to test the product on their own infrastructure, it is possible to install an extended demo version of Sibrus on the server or data center of the enterprise. The advantage of this version is that after testing it will remain possible to further use the product for commercial purposes without additional system settings.

"In order for our potential customers to evaluate all the capabilities of the product and try out the full range of tools before the acquisition, we made demos. For those who are just interested in testing the Sibrus tools, a cloud option will be enough, for those who want to study the product in more detail, installation on the company's live IT infrastructure is possible, "said Vladimir Pivovarov, Development Director of Sibrus

Moscow companies are the main users of the Sibrus messenger

The Kibernika company in early July summed up the sales of the protected corporate messenger Sibrus in Russia in the first half of 2017. According to the developers, two-thirds of the licenses are installed on the infrastructure of the capital's companies, while Voronezh and Rostov-on-Don are included in the top 3 regions in terms of the number of licenses.^[1]

The product is most in demand among representatives of medical structures, retail, companies working in the provision of legal services. For example, the Moscow Bar Association uses Sibrus for communications with colleagues and clients.

In addition to commercial use, many Russian enterprises, in particular, representatives of the public sector, take an active part in testing the product. Among those who have already appreciated the capabilities of Sibrus: FGBU NII Voskhod is a multi-service partner of the state in the field of information technology, the Department of Information Technologies of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, officials of Udmurtia, employees of the Russian Museum and others.

"Moscow is the main consumer of corporate instant messengers of increased security, and this is not surprising. Most of the representative offices and head offices of enterprises are located in the capital, so all information flows come here - confidential information, trade secrets, data on developments and new products. Those companies that are important not only to establish communications, but also to ensure their safety are switching from free instant messengers to products that guarantee protection, "said Vladimir Pivovarov, Development Director of Sibrus.

Sibrus 2.0

On April 24, 2017, the Kibernika company presented the next generation of the secure corporate messenger Sibrus.

Version 2.0 includes secure HD video conferencing with screen display, administration and integration capabilities.

The Sibrus of 2.0 version offers a protected video communication function in HD quality with the ability to demonstrate the screen sharing. Now Sibrus allows you to discuss projects in group chats, demonstrate presentations, documents, applications and a web browser in real time when conducting video calls and conferences.

The messenger has added administration capabilities and advanced integration with/ Active Directory, LDAP which reduce the time to deploy the system in an internal To IT infrastructure company. Integration with AD/LDAP allows you to use existing company employee accounts and synchronize changes, which simplifies the migration of the organization structure to the system, taking into account departments. Even if the company does not have such an information system, but it is necessary to introduce a large user base, Sibrus provides tools for mass generation and transfer of access data in a secure way through an auto configuration file.

We are constantly working to make Sibrus a convenient solution for internal corporate work, which at the same time ensures a high degree of security of all types of data and communications. Therefore, for 2017, we have planned several innovations that will expand the possibilities of collaboration. Now we are working on the development of group communication, such as, for example, everyone's usual channels, we are finalizing the bot platform and the possibilities for server-to-server interaction between users of independent installations of Sibrus. Vladimir Pivovarov, Director of Business Development "Kibernika"

2016

HD Video Calls

On December 28, 2016, the Kibernika company released a version of the protected corporate messenger Sibrus.

Along with the update, users received improved image quality (HD) and voice when communicating by video link, as well as in the format of video conferencing on mobile and desktop devices.

When communicating via video link, three types of resolution are available to Sibrus users: low (LD), medium (SD) and high (HD). The video quality is automatically adjusted to the network quality and camera of the device, and users can adjust it themselves. Video calls in 3G networks support medium image quality, and in 4G networks and with high-speed connection, you can use HD video format with a resolution of 1280x720 pixels.

Sibrus Up to 250 people can participate in video conferencing "," 9 of whom can simultaneously say and show something to other users. Conferences provide moderators who manage participants and settings.

"Today messengers are no longer just a means of communication. This trend is especially noticeable in business. Our product provides not only confidentiality of official correspondence, but also optimizes part of business processes. When there is no opportunity for everyone to meet in person, a conversation with a colleague can be replaced by a video call, and a meeting of the board of directors by a conference. The success of such meetings largely depends on the quality of the transmission of video signal and voice. We take into account the needs of the business in the organization of communications and joint work, so we are actively developing the possibilities of video communication. We are one of the first to offer companies secure video calls in high quality, and in the spring we will add the "screenshot" option, which allows you to conduct presentations when communicating via video link. " Evgeny Sidorov, Technology Director of Kibernika

InfoTeCS and "Kibernika" will protect the State Mass

On December 8, 2016, InfoTeCS and Kibernika announced the start of partnership in terms of joint development of a multifunctional communication system using certified cryptographic data protection.

The joint solution is based on the flagship products of the companies: the corporate messenger Sibrus of Kibernika and the ViPNet Client software complex of InfoTeCS. Both products are included in the Unified Register of Russian programs for electronic computers and databases of the Ministry of Communications of the Russian Federation.

The ViPNet Client system creates a secure network in which the Sibrus messenger operates. All communication and interaction of users in the messenger is carried out via an encrypted channel with certified cryptographic protection. The solution supports group chats with the ability to exchange any type of files, audio and video calls, conference calls. Also, for collaboration, the messenger provides a task manager and an organizer that allows you to schedule meetings with colleagues.

According to the partners, the solution will be of interest to government and commercial organizations working with certified software products. Sibrus and ViPNet Client support the main desktop and mobile platforms: Windows, Mac OS, Linux, Android and iOS.

Despite the rapid development of technologies, businessmen and civil servants still use disparate and unprotected communication channels in their work, communicating via mobile communications and in public applications that can hardly be called reliable. Together with our partner, we provide companies with a domestic solution that will allow the customer to build convenient communications with certified protection. Evgeny Sidorov, Technology Director of Kibernika

Cooperation between the two Russian companies will create a high-tech solution for protecting corporate communications, which will meet all the most stringent requirements for instant messengers by both users and our legislation. Dmitry Gusev, Deputy General Director of InfoTeCS

Spirit and Kibernika collaboration

As it became known to CNews, the Russian company Spirit, known as the developer of the Videomost VKS server, and the Kibernika company, the creator of the secure corporate messenger Sibrus, have agreed on cooperation to organize communication in state and commercial structures, including the creation of a messenger that supports HD video conferencing on mobile devices and PC^[2].

As CNews was told in Kibernika, for it in technological terms, one of the main advantages of the partnership will be precisely the mentioned HD-quality of communication, which is very important for users to work together with documents, as well as the ability to offer customers a solution that can integrate with their existing VKS equipment.

Collaboration means, for example, options such as "screen capture" and its remote demonstration for training. The product in question is expected to be released in early 2017.

Explaining the cooperation scheme, Kibernika talks about the priority integration of its solution with existing popular VKS systems. "The next stage is the integration of the Videomost engine to get HD quality," the partners say. "With it, we will be able to provide high-quality video and audio communication in multi-point video conferencing with a large number of participants up to 100 people."

The organization of the joint venture is not currently being discussed. "So far, we are implementing a cross-licensing scheme for products," the developers explain.

The companies intend to promote the messenger jointly, connecting the resources of both structures. "Kibernika has already developed and will continue to develop a network of partners, they say in this firm. - Today we work, for example, with, Softline"(Onlantoy group"),. " LANITSysSoft There are several partners in the regions. We are also actively negotiating with large Russian integrators and cloud providers. " As for the company, VideoMost it has more than 50 partners in, Russia including telecom operators, system integrators, and domestic software manufacturers.

The partners explain that the cost of the license for the combined software will include the price of two licenses - for Videomost and for Sibrus, and will be distributed between the development companies "respectively, the contribution to the product and its sales from each."

Sibrus is available on the SaaS model

On October 4, 2016 , the Kibernika company announced the availability of the Sibrus solution for the SaaS model . The service model is designed specifically for cloud service providers and data centers.

In the infrastructure of the cloud service provider, Sibrus group corporate accounts are separate virtual servers for organizing secure communications. End users can connect to them using client devices on Windows, Mac OS, Linux, Android or iOS platforms.

Interaction model SaaS service, (2016)

Technical administration and support of servers are carried out by the provider's specialists. The customer, through a special panel, manages users and security settings within his accounts. At the same time, the service provider does not have the opportunity to access the data of its client.

The Sibrus architecture allows users to be differentiated, interoperable, and access to data, creating separate group accounts that can relate to teams, departments, or organizations. If necessary, between group accounts of different companies, you can ensure interaction using special gateways. Users and security within groups are managed by administrators. Administrators can add new users and monitor their activity on the system. The solution architecture, special security settings and subscriber encryption technologies of Sibrus provide comprehensive protection of corporate data during collaboration and communications.

IIDF, Rostelecom and Tele2 chose secure messengers

The Internet Initiatives Development Fund, with expert support from Rostelecom and Tele2, announced in the summer of 2016 the best secure messengers with the potential for implementation in large Russian corporations, state-owned companies, as well as state structures and departments. The shortlist includes the four best projects with Russian roots: Sibrus, Titanium, Flodium and SyncCloud. Partners will conduct due diligence of development companies and choose the most promising investment solution.

Onlanta began to provide from its cloud OnCloud.ru a service of secure corporate communications based on Sibrus

Onlanta, a Russian service provider specializing in IT outsourcing and cloud services (part of the LANIT group), deployed the Sibrus OnCloud.ru software complex in the cloud in the summer of 2016 and began providing secure corporate communications services on its basis using the SaaS model .

The protected platform "Sibrus" has been added to the register of domestic software

On May 16, 2016, Sibrus, a secure corporate communications platform, was included in the Unified Register of Russian Programs for Electronic Computers and Databases. The decision was made on the basis of the conclusion of the expert council on Russian software (software), approved by the Ministry of Telecom and Mass Communications of the Russian Federation. The Kibernika product was included in the software class, which includes "general purpose application software, information security, server and connectivity software."

First users

By the beginning of 2016, the bulk of Sibrus users are small companies. Among the organizations "with a name" is the Russian Bar Association, which has been using Sibrus for more than a year. Lawyers often use the Russian messenger to communicate with clients so that the information discussed does not go to the side, explained Vladimir Pivovarov TAdviser. As an example of another large client, he cited Sovereign Bank.

Of the large organizations that demonstrate interest in Sibrus, Vladimir Pivovarov called TAdviser "Russian Post." Here, according to the development director of Kibernika, the domestic messenger is of interest mainly as a means of communication for management. Pivovarov notes that such large clients as Russian Post usually decide not to implement new solutions quickly: testing for a period of six months or a year is common, he says.

Product Creation Background

The idea of ​ ​ developing your own product was preceded by the experience of the Kibernika team in creating secure communications systems for a number of structures. One of the early projects in which future authors of the Sibrus project took part was a project to develop a system for the Minatom structure. Vladimir Pivovarov says that then the solution was hardware-oriented and turned out to be very expensive due to the high cost of microcircuits.

After that, the team began to receive requests from commercial organizations to create a solution that could protect corporate communication. The authors decided that such a solution should be programmable, cheaper and easier to install, and began to develop it.

The technical reserve of the new messenger has been created since the beginning of the 2000s, but its active revision began about three years ago, says Vladimir Pivovarov. One of the incentives for active work on the product was the wave of import substitution in Russia against the background of Western sanctions, he notes.

The team did not attract investments for product development, investing in it its own funds and proceeds from existing product users.

Functionality

Sibrus is designed for corporate communications using such types of communication as chat, audio and video calls, conferences with up to 250 participants. The product also provides file sharing, cloud storage, and collaboration services.

SIBRUS creates a closed corporate communication system with a single security perimeter and helps to resist:

• attempts to intercept data,
• intentional actions of insiders,
• uncontrolled leaks,
• inattention of employees,
• loss or theft of devices,
• contingencies.

SIBRUS allows to control all data transfer and storage processes in the system:

• control of the circle of communication of employees (contacts),
• monitoring of data on devices,
• Information Rights Management
• monitoring of connection points,
• control is transferred to whom and where the data is stored.

Kibernika Development Director Vladimir Pivovarov explained to TAdviser that Sibrus is a tool for secure everyday communication between employees. For more formal interaction of employees, there are EDMS, CRM systems, etc., and a truly secure system for daily communication, "to just talk," no, he notes.

Video conference at Sibrus

For all data and types of communication - files, correspondence, audio and video calls - Sibrus uses subscriber enciphering (end-to-end encryption). The system administrator can centrally configure all users to restrict access rights, assign contact lists, monitor connections, and monitor the activity of each employee.

Sibrus uses cloud storage for data - a virtual disk where all data exchanged by users is stored. All information, including correspondence and files, is automatically synchronized between the user's devices.

Speaking about the integration capabilities of Sibrus, Pivovarov noted that it implements the function of "pumping" users from a single organization directory, such as Active Directory. The product does not yet have deeper integration capabilities with third-party solutions.

Initially, it was assumed that Sibrus would be deployed on the customer's infrastructure, but it could also be available as a cloud service from the provider. Vladimir Pivovarov told TAdviser that as of April, their company is in discussion with Lanit, which is interested in providing Sibrus as a cloud service to its customers.

Supported platforms

Mobile version of Sibrus

Sibrus supports the main desktop and mobile operating systems:, Windows,, Mac OS X, and since Linux Android the spring of 2016 also. iOS

The lack of a version of the messenger for the iPhone was a stop factor for the wider distribution of Sibrus, Vladimir Pivovarov told TAdviser. Despite the fact that in general OS Android it prevails in the mobile device market, the leading link is most often used, iPhone he said. In this regard, even if initially a potential customer showed interest in Sibrus, the lack of a version of the product for the iPhone reduced his enthusiasm.

The version for iOS "Kibernika" was not made initially partly due to the fact that there were certain restrictions on the use of cryptography in applications in iTunes - it was necessary to undergo certification and obtain a license, explains the development director of "Cyberinics."

In 2016 , Apple changed the rules in this part, which simplified the placement of the application, and in the near future Sibrus should appear in iTunes, added Vladimir Pivovarov.

"Sibrus" vs. Skype for Business

The developers call Skype for Business the main competitor to Sibrus. One of the advantages of his product over Skype for Business, Vladimir Pivovarov calls easier deployment and independence from vendor products in the IT infrastructure.

The "connectivity" of Skype for Business with other Microsoft products is, on the one hand, convenient when working, and on the other hand, it makes it difficult to use the messenger in small companies, since it requires the deployment of Windows Server, SQL Server and the use of other Microsoft products, says Pivovarov. "Sibrus" can be put almost on "bare iron" in two hours and just used for communication, he says.

Messengers for corporate interaction are also offered by other IT manufacturers such as IBM and Cisco, Pivovarov notes, but they are expensive, "heavy" and, like Skype for Business, are strongly tied to other solutions of these vendors.

In addition, Sibrus provides finer security and privacy settings, Pivovarov notes. In addition to administrator settings, Sibrus has, for example, the Hidden Contacts function, when the user can close individual contacts with a password. Another function is the ability to configure video conferencing streams so that technical personnel will not have access to them: "Large companies like that they can supply Sibrus and not worry that IT staff will see their conference," says Vladimir Pivovarov.

Sibrus has an organizer for scheduling working hours, organizing meetings and inviting colleagues, as well as a task manager for assigning to subordinates to to-do lists and tracking the status of their implementation

Kibernika also notes that Sibrus is a domestic product, which is especially important in the wake of import substitution. The developers plan to enter the product into the register of domestic software.

The press service of the Russian office of Microsoft noted that the emergence of new players and products is evidence of the healthy development of the market, from which users benefit: "For our part, we have always supported, supported and will support the development of the local IT industry, because this is one of the main factors in the growth of the industry and the economy as a whole. The bigger the market, the better each of the players on it. "

Microsoft also noted that Skype for Business is available to companies of any size, both as a separate solution and as part of Office 365. The solution can be deployed in the customer's data center, in the public cloud of Microsoft, in the cloud of a Russian hosting partner. In addition, within the framework of the COSN Russia program , Russian partners are ready to provide their services similar to Skype for business from data centers located in Russia.

Sibrus is delivered in 3 versions - "Office," "Enterprise" and "Corporation." Its cost starts from 400 rubles per month for one employee. The price includes a package of server software and a full set of client applications for Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, Android and iOS.

Skype for Business as part of an autonomous plan with limited functionality is offered at a price of 125 rubles. per user per month. A more fully functional version is offered as part of an offline plan or subscription to Office 365, which also includes Microsoft Office applications, file storage and file sharing services, and more. Here the cost varies from 312 rubles. up to 781 rubles. depending on the completeness of the functionality of the Office 365 package.

Chat in "Sibrus"

Notes