Microsoft is developing a competitor Slack
Not so long ago appeared on the network information that was discussed in Microsoft Slack opportunity to purchase for $ 8 billion. Slack - a corporate instant messenger, which is becoming more popular. Now, Microsoft is developing its own corporate messenger, called Skype Teams.
The new platform, apparently, will be part of the brand Skype. Skype Teams Positioned as a messenger for the teams, and there are quite a few features, similar to those that have long been familiar to users Slack. For example, users Skype Teams will be able to communicate in different groups, known as "channels". Direct communication can be carried out by means of direct messages.
The fact that Microsoft is planning to buy Slack for $ 8 billion, it became known in March this year. But the deal has not been carried out, as Bill Gates has ordered to begin work on improving existing and adding new Skype features. It is through this VoIP-messenger, and it was decided to create a new corporate product. In fact, Microsoft and so have something to offer to corporations: it is Yammer, Skype for Business, Office 365 and OneDrive for Business, as well as some other services and applications. Stop there Microsoft is not planning to, preferring to create their own enterprise instant messenger, rather than buying already available.
Skype Teams Slack different from a number of functions. For example, here is a function related conversations (Threaded Conversations). This is not possible in Slack, though developers of this messenger would be nice to provide something similar. Threaded Conversations works is simple: any user can reply to the message in the channel by pressing the answer button. Other users / user can join the conversation - about the way it is organized in the comments on Facebook and Disqus Comments.
Of course, Microsoft developers are planning to use the new messenger basic functions of Skype. For example, you can call someone directly from the channel or to talk privately. In Microsoft should consider even the possibility of on-line scheduling meetings, which can be useful for large teams.
Skype Teams Users can share files, records and other materials. This, however, nobody will be surprised - in the majority of messengers have something like that. But the creators of Skype Teams improve these basic functions in their product. In addition, there is a possibility that Microsoft may permit work with bots from Bot Framework for Skype Teams. Plus, the service will be integrated with Office 365 and OneDrive.
There is also an entertainment component. Microsoft will add the ability to work with Emoji, GIFCA of Giphy, Memes, and many others.
In Skype Teams app will be available the taskbar for quick access to the main functions of the service. Among other elements here are sections such as the active tab with access to the latest notifications, chat tab, with access to the latest messages and conversations. Also, the user can work with the tab commands to switch between the different teams, and meetings with the tab to create a schedule of meetings. Last - Files tab, where you can gain access to all files and applications Skype Teams OneDrive
As far as can be judged, the organization works in Skype Teams will be similar to the organization of work in the Slack. Familiar interface elements, functions, terms - all this involves a painless migration from Slack in Skype Teams. Because the platform is Microsoft has a number of features not found in Slack (the same integration with Office 365), it may well be that some of the current Slack corporate users decide to start working with a new product.
Skype Teams app will be available for all devices, including desktop PCs and mobile phones. Among the supported mobile operating systems - Android, iOS and Windows Phone.
The beta version of the service is ready and tested within the corporation. Skype Teams release date is still unknown.
Corporate messenger Slack launched in August 2013, the test mode. The release took place on February 12, 2014. On the first day of the launch service I received 8 thousand corporate users. In Slack is now more than 2 million active users, of which 675,000 people - those who pay for some additional features of this service. According to the company, Slack daily use of 1.1 million users. At the same time, developers have recently introduced Slack voice call function, planning to soon add video calls. It is the fastest growing business application in history.
Slack in two toll tariff - $ 6,67 (Standard) and $ 12,5 (Plus) per user per month. Payment at the rate removes some restrictions (for example, search in the archive up to 10 thousand messages). We paid users have additional options for managing access rights.