Achieving efficient communications in a business is often dependent on having the right tools for your internal communications. The platform you use for messaging and calls is huge part of that. I spent 2 years testing and comparing Slack, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Chat among our different clients and our own team at Angel Fire Media. Here's a brief recap of my observation:
Microsoft Teams
Pros
Combines chat messaging, channels, and video calls into a single platform.
Deeply integrated with Microsoft 365
Has robust AI features built in, such as Speaker Coach and AI Notes (on Premium version)
Integrates with a variety of third party software, but not as many as Slack '
Available as a desktop app
Cons
Can experience glitches more often than competitors
Team chats and individual chats are kept separate, reducing collaborative ease
Meeting recordings and automated information can disrupt the flow of conversation in chats
Google Chat/Meet
Pros
Seamless integration with Gmail.
Excellent mobile experience.
New redesign merges "Spaces" and "Chats" into a single tab. which makes it easier to find threads and navigate conversations
Cons
Lacks a dedicated desktop app, which can be a drawback for screen sharing and other desktop-centric activities.
Slack
Pros
Extensive integrations with a wide range of business tools.
User-friendly, making onboarding straightforward.
Facilitates chats with external organizations, allowing users from different Slack accounts to join channels by invitation.
Cons
Limited video meeting capabilities; lacks robust video call options and requires an additional subscription for comprehensive video conferencing.
Choosing the Best Fit for Your Organization
For On-the-Go Teams: If your organization has many employees working in-person and is familiar with Gmail, Google Chat offers a convenient and easy-to-manage solution. It consolidates work email, chat, and meetings under one subscription, and onboarding is a breeze.
For Collaboration with External Parties: Organizations frequently working with freelancers or external partners remotely may find the combination of Slack and Zoom more beneficial. You can save costs by purchasing licenses only for your own team, and still get the benefits of desktop applications that you won't get with Google.
For Remote Teams Needing Comprehensive Tools: If your organization is largely remote, relies on frequent meetings and chats, has a large number of people, and needs screen sharing capabilities beyond browser limitations, Microsoft Teams could be the ideal choice. It offers a more affordable and flexible all-in-one solution compared to Google's suite and is easier to manage than a Slack and Zoom combination.
Need Help Choosing the Right Communication Tools for Your Business?
These recommendations are general guidelines without information about your specific organization, IT systems, and future goals. For best results, hire us to develop unique solutions tailored for your organization. Learn more at angelfire.tech and fill out the contact form at the bottom of the page.