Slack: A Team Messaging App
JENNIFER | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2016
And you thought it couldn't get any better than this! For businesses executives and any other types of teams and organizations that are ready to move on from using traditional email as a form of communication, the Slack app was designed and has been skyrocketing in popularity since 2013. This useful app has been an effective cross-platform for several businesses ever since.
This is more of an open discussion forum (or messaging center) for companies to address any topics at hand that will allow them to create designated groups without the need of using emails. It is centered on providing businesses more beneficial levels of communication that leaves a thread that is easy to go back to.
What stands out about Slack is the fact that more than one person not only communicates but can return to a conversation that took place or can be added to a conversation and be filled in with what was said. It is a clear and simple tool that facilitates intercommunication and the exchange of information. Its simplicity has exceptional cutting-edge features. Channels can be private or public depending on the confidentiality of the conversation that takes place. Both are options to choose from. On top of that, files, PDFs, images and more can be dragged from your computer onto the discussion thread in any of the group channels. Users can comment on any of the attached files as well. This app also provides a feature for users to give direct messages to anyone. Not only does Slack seem like an easy-to-use app, but it also looks simple and user friendly. What businesses need nowadays is less confusion and practical apps and software and Slack seems to have that written all over it. There are options for email as well, but this app automatically keeps them in the archives for users. For those people who are wondering if it is tablet ready, yes it is. Slack can be used on phones, tablets and personal computers on and offline.
Who loves free stuff? Slack could be used for free for an unlimited amount of time. The free features include being able to search archived messages for up to 10 thousand of the recent messages. The users are able to use 10 applications or service integrations. If users have iOS, Android, Mac & Windows Desktop, they are at an advantage. A two-people call is included as well as 5 gigabytes of file storage. Membership can get better than that for fees of $6.67 a month for Standard Users or $12.50 a month for Plus Users. Slack is working on their Enterprise package, which should be out sometime this year.
What do others think of Slack?
The Verge commented that, “Slack is killing email.”
PC Mac documented that Slack has an excellent private backchannel. They also gave strong positive feedback to the discussion board with a great set of options and tools. The negative feedback from they gave Slack was the lack of calendar, a feature to manage tasks or other methods for teams to communicate. Essentially, PC Mag is a great tool to chat and hold some discussions.
In the last few days, rumor has it that Microsoft is working on creating a similar platform to Slack. Since Slack has stolen the spotlight for so long, software giants such as Microsoft are possibly making waves to get their software running the show again. Within 3 years of being in business, Slack has successfully made nearly $550 million dollars. What does the future hold for these companies? Competition and innovation.
REFERENCES
________________________________________________________________
http://thenextweb.com/microsoft/2016/09/07/microsoft-is-working-on-a-messaging-app-with-killer-features-to-rival-slack/#gref
http://www.theverge.com/2014/8/12/5991005/slack-is-killing-email-yes-really
JENNIFER | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2016
And you thought it couldn't get any better than this! For businesses executives and any other types of teams and organizations that are ready to move on from using traditional email as a form of communication, the Slack app was designed and has been skyrocketing in popularity since 2013. This useful app has been an effective cross-platform for several businesses ever since.
This is more of an open discussion forum (or messaging center) for companies to address any topics at hand that will allow them to create designated groups without the need of using emails. It is centered on providing businesses more beneficial levels of communication that leaves a thread that is easy to go back to.
What stands out about Slack is the fact that more than one person not only communicates but can return to a conversation that took place or can be added to a conversation and be filled in with what was said. It is a clear and simple tool that facilitates intercommunication and the exchange of information. Its simplicity has exceptional cutting-edge features. Channels can be private or public depending on the confidentiality of the conversation that takes place. Both are options to choose from. On top of that, files, PDFs, images and more can be dragged from your computer onto the discussion thread in any of the group channels. Users can comment on any of the attached files as well. This app also provides a feature for users to give direct messages to anyone. Not only does Slack seem like an easy-to-use app, but it also looks simple and user friendly. What businesses need nowadays is less confusion and practical apps and software and Slack seems to have that written all over it. There are options for email as well, but this app automatically keeps them in the archives for users. For those people who are wondering if it is tablet ready, yes it is. Slack can be used on phones, tablets and personal computers on and offline.
Who loves free stuff? Slack could be used for free for an unlimited amount of time. The free features include being able to search archived messages for up to 10 thousand of the recent messages. The users are able to use 10 applications or service integrations. If users have iOS, Android, Mac & Windows Desktop, they are at an advantage. A two-people call is included as well as 5 gigabytes of file storage. Membership can get better than that for fees of $6.67 a month for Standard Users or $12.50 a month for Plus Users. Slack is working on their Enterprise package, which should be out sometime this year.
What do others think of Slack?
The Verge commented that, “Slack is killing email.”
PC Mac documented that Slack has an excellent private backchannel. They also gave strong positive feedback to the discussion board with a great set of options and tools. The negative feedback from they gave Slack was the lack of calendar, a feature to manage tasks or other methods for teams to communicate. Essentially, PC Mag is a great tool to chat and hold some discussions.
In the last few days, rumor has it that Microsoft is working on creating a similar platform to Slack. Since Slack has stolen the spotlight for so long, software giants such as Microsoft are possibly making waves to get their software running the show again. Within 3 years of being in business, Slack has successfully made nearly $550 million dollars. What does the future hold for these companies? Competition and innovation.
REFERENCES
________________________________________________________________
http://thenextweb.com/microsoft/2016/09/07/microsoft-is-working-on-a-messaging-app-with-killer-features-to-rival-slack/#gref
http://www.theverge.com/2014/8/12/5991005/slack-is-killing-email-yes-really
