Discourse
Discourse is a modern, open-source discussion platform that redefines the traditional forum. With features like real-time discussions, integrated chat, AI support, and a fully responsive user interface, Discourse provides a contemporary community experience.
Trusted by leading companies
About Discourse
Discourse is a modern, open-source discussion platform that redefines the traditional forum. With features like real-time discussions, integrated chat, AI support, and a fully responsive user interface, Discourse provides a contemporary community experience.
As an experienced Discourse partner, we support you in installing, configuring, and customizing this powerful community platform to your individual requirements and business goals. Leverage the benefits of an engaged community for your company, products, or services.
Why Discourse with WZ-IT?
We install, host and operate Discourse for your company - either on our secure, GDPR-compliant infrastructure in Germany or other locations, as well as on-premise in your own environment.
With 24/7 monitoring, enterprise support, backups and professional maintenance, we ensure maximum availability and reliable operation of your Discourse instance.
Endless Conversations
Instead of paginated posts, Discourse offers continuous scrolling with just-in-time loading for more fluid discussions without interruptions.
Integrated Chat
Create channels for informal conversations between community members and seamlessly transform relevant chat content into structured topics.
AI Support
Harness the power of artificial intelligence to summarize long topics, moderate content, and enhance community interaction.
Community Moderation
Utilize a trust system where members gain additional rights over time and can help with moderation, including spam blocking and conflict resolution.
Mobile Optimization
Discourse was designed for high-resolution touch devices, with a built-in mobile layout and native apps for iOS and Android.
Single Sign-On & Social Login
Integrate Discourse seamlessly with your existing login system or leverage social logins like Google, Facebook, Twitter, and GitHub.
Email Integration
Respond to notifications directly via email from any device without visiting the website, and utilize full mailing list support.
Extensible Functionality
Expand your community's capabilities with official plugins for chat integration, topic voting, Google Adsense, and much more.
Comprehensive API
Everything visible on screen can also be controlled via API calls, with full support for custom integrations and automations.
Discourse in Action
Experience Discourse in Action
See how simple and efficient Discourse works in practice. From installation to productive use.
Discourse Installation & Einrichtung
Professional installation on your infrastructure – on-premise, cloud or hybrid
On-Premise
In your data center
- Installation on bare-metal, VM or Docker
- Optimal performance configuration
- Integration with existing Active Directory/LDAP
- SSL certificate & reverse proxy
- Backup strategy & monitoring
- Security hardening following best practices
- Documentation & training
Cloud Installation
AWS, Azure, Hetzner & more
- Installation on AWS, Azure, GCP, Hetzner
- Terraform/IaC setup (optional)
- Kubernetes or Docker Compose
- Auto-scaling configuration
- Load balancer & CDN integration
- CloudWatch/monitoring setup
- Cost optimization & best practices
Enterprise Setup
High-availability setup with comprehensive security and compliance features
- High-availability cluster setup
- VPN access (e.g. WireGuard, NetBird, Tailscale)
- SSO integration (e.g. Keycloak, Authentik, Azure AD)
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- Audit logging & compliance
- Disaster recovery plan
- Custom security policies
- Dedicated contact person
Security & Secure Access
Secure access and access control for your installation
VPN Access
WireGuard, NetBird or Tailscale
SSO Integration
Keycloak, Authentik, Azure AD
Multi-Factor Auth
TOTP, WebAuthn, YubiKey
Firewall & Hardening
Fail2Ban, Rate Limiting, IP Whitelisting
Secure Access via VPN
We set up secure VPN access to your installation – ideal for remote work and external employees.
- Zero-Trust Network Access (ZTNA)
- Encrypted connections
- Easy client setup for all devices
- Centralized access management
Supported VPN Solutions:
What's Included in the Service
Full-service installation with no hidden costs
Discourse Development & Integration
Discourse is a modern Rails app. This makes it extremely customizable. We integrate the forum so deeply into your product that users don't notice they are switching platforms.
DiscourseConnect (SSO)
Nobody wants a second account. We implement DiscourseConnect so your main application (WordPress, App, Shop) acts as the Identity Provider. Login in the app = Login in the forum.
Webhooks & Automation
We reward engagement. A user posts 10 solutions? A webhook informs your CRM or app to award gamification badges or unlock premium support.
Plugins & Theme Components
We don't change the core. We write plugins (Ruby) for backend logic and theme components (JS/Handlebars) for UI adjustments. 100% update-safe.
Concrete Use Cases
How we implement Discourse development in practice.
Embedded Comments
Blog comments are often spam magnets and isolated from the forum.
We replace the comment section on your website/blog with Discourse topics via JavaScript embed. Discussions take place centrally in the forum.
Paywall & Membership Sync
Certain areas in the forum should only be accessible to paying members (Patreon, Stripe, Steady).
Synchronization of group memberships. When a subscription ends, an API script automatically revokes access to VIP categories in the forum.
Legacy Migration (phpBB/vBulletin)
Important history lies in a 15-year-old forum that is no longer secure.
Development of import scripts that rescue users, posts, passwords (hashes), and permalinks and cleanly transfer them to Discourse.
Enterprise Managed Hosting
Enterprise Grade
Open source enterprise-ready for productive workloads - we run your applications with highest security standards and enterprise support
Why Enterprise Managed Hosting?
Open source software for business-critical processes requires professional maintenance, continuous updates, and enterprise-grade support. With our Discourse Enterprise Managed Hosting, you get the necessary infrastructure and support to reliably operate open source in production environments. Backups, SLAs, telephone support, and personal contact - so you can focus on your core business.
Installation on Your Infrastructure
Looking for a custom solution?
We also offer customized Discourse Enterprise solutions for your specific requirements. Contact us for an individual quote.
Interested in Discourse?
Good choice – we'll help you get started or with operations.
Manage Your Stack in the Customer Portal
As a Managed Service customer at WZ-IT, you have access to our exclusive portal: Monitor your infrastructure in real-time, schedule maintenance, request quotes, and get direct support – all in one central location.
- Real-time infrastructure status
- Reschedule maintenance windows yourself
- View complete access logs
- Direct support without detours
Matching Solutions for Your Project
Complementary Technologies
These solutions are often used together with Discourse
Similar Technologies
These solutions offer similar functionalities and can be evaluated together
Industry-leading companies rely on us
What do our customers say?
Let's Talk About Your Idea
Whether a specific IT challenge or just an idea – we look forward to the exchange. In a brief conversation, we'll evaluate together if and how your project fits with WZ-IT.
Trusted by leading companies
Timo Wevelsiep & Robin Zins
CEOs of WZ-IT