In 2019, the Dr. Georg Haar Foundation began its digital transformation. The goal: to introduce modern, privacy-compliant communication tools across the entire organization. While email was already in use, a simple yet secure solution for exchanging sensitive information was missing.

The foundation faced three key challenges:

• Data protection: With the GDPR in effect, WhatsApp was no longer an option.
• Accessibility: Social workers needed an intuitive solution that runs seamlessly on all devices.
• Affordability: As a non-profit organization, costs had to remain manageable. 

When exploring alternatives, it quickly became clear that common messengers tied to private phone numbers were unsuitable. In a pilot project, the foundation tested Wire — with success.

During the pilot phase, Wire convinced users with its flexibility and security. It can be used without a phone number and works across platforms — in the browser, on smartphones, or desktops. For the foundation, this was crucial, as were centralized administration and end-to-end encryption.

Key decision factors:

• Separation of work and private life: Employees use Wire for work without mixing in personal contacts.
• End-to-end encryption: All chats, calls, and files remain confidential.
• Central administration: Users and groups can be securely managed, ensuring full compliance.
• Local support: Fast, competent assistance from the Wire team in Germany. 

Other tools like Signal were also considered but ruled out — they required phone numbers and lacked true device independence.

The rollout started with a pilot group of 30–40 employees. The process involved learning and communication to get everyone on board. Once the headquarters teams began using Wire actively, adoption spread quickly.

Today, Wire is fully integrated across all departments. Even clients and families now communicate securely with the foundation via the free Wire app.

Wire has fundamentally improved communication within the Dr. Georg Haar Foundation:

• Secure collaboration with clients, families, and partners without private phone numbers.
• Simple use across all devices — laptop, smartphone, or browser.
• Central administration ensures compliance, privacy, and user control.
• Promotes digital literacy through hands-on experience with secure technology. 

A valuable side effect: employees now educate young people on privacy and secure digital communication — extending the impact beyond the organization itself.

Occasional minor technical issues, such as delayed notifications, are resolved quickly by support. The advantages clearly outweigh them: security, simplicity, and reliability.

• Organization-wide adoption after the pilot phase
• Secure, privacy-compliant communication channels with external partners
• Consistently positive feedback from all departments 

The foundation advises other social or educational organizations to start with a small pilot group, involve employees early, and demonstrate how secure communication simplifies daily work.

See how Wire helps organizations like the Dr. Georg Haar Foundation protect data, ensure compliance, and collaborate simply and securely.

Book a demo