Collaboration and staying organized amongst all crew members have change into a necessity of the hour as that will increase productiveness and effectivity.
Collaboration software program is a SaaS (software program as a service) platform enabling the workforce to attach and talk in real-time, simple doc sharing, activity administration, automation of routine actions, and many others.
Collaboration software program additionally supplies the feasibility of integrating different third-party instruments to enhance productiveness, improve communication and execute actions sooner.
On this demanding development, the place organizations want fast options, such software program assists crew members in connecting rapidly and resolving points. As a consequence of scalability and easiness, such software program is quickly gaining area throughout varied industries and organizations.
This part will take a look at the 2 hottest collaboration platforms, Slack and Microsoft Groups, together with their options and functions that will enable you to shortlist the best one on your crew or group.
Slack: An Overview
Slack is a cloud-based platform for crew group, and collaboration launched in 2013 and is without doubt one of the most generally used communication platforms globally. Slack supplies a platform to share information, talk immediately, and work collectively on initiatives from wherever.
Its prime options embrace chat rooms organized by matter, display sharing, workflow automation, non-public messaging, audio, and video calls, and many others.
Slack assists the whole crew, no matter their areas, to remain related and arranged, rising the productiveness and effectivity of the crew and group. The software has grown to be some of the standard communication and collaboration platforms for firms of all sizes, akin to Airbnb, Uber, intuit, IBM, deliveroo, and lots of extra.
Slack additionally permits the combination of different instruments akin to GitHub, New Relic, Google Drive, Dropbox, Workplace 365, Salesforce, and many others.
Slack has acquired safety certificates from AICPA, together with SOC 2 and SOC 3. Additionally it is licensed for ISO 27001, 27017, and 27018.
Slack has a really versatile pricing construction that fits all varieties of firms. It has Free, Professional, and Enterprise plans for small and medium-sized companies and enterprise variations for big organizations. Its free model has sure limitations.
Slack is on the market on Android and iOS gadgets.
Microsoft Groups: An Overview
Microsoft Groups is an all-in-one communication platform explicitly designed for hybrid work environments. The platform allows the seamless change of knowledge, group of knowledge and crew, and connectivity of knowledge onto a singular discussion board for all crew members.
The crew’s platform is utilized by 270 million folks at work, dwelling, and faculty. It may well assist varied features akin to chat, video calling, file sharing, simultaneous doc collaboration, and crew creation for initiatives and departments.
Microsoft Groups may be employed for numerous functions encompassing casual exchanges, distant work, on-line conferences, and teamwork coordination.
This easy-to-use software allows versatility whereas integrating effortlessly with Microsoft Groups. It integrates with Microsoft 365 and Workplace 365 apps and exterior apps akin to Zoom, Webex Conferences, and Field to spice up office productiveness. Moreover, Microsoft Groups collaborates with video conferencing {hardware} producers like Crestron, Logitech, and Poly.
Microsoft Groups has safety features akin to 2FA, SSO, and knowledge encryption for in-transit and at-rest. Microsoft Groups is free to make use of for houses and companies with limitations.
Microsoft Groups is on the market on Android and iOS gadgets.
Slack Vs. Groups: A Characteristic-Sensible Comparability
Here’s a detailed comparability of Slack and Groups primarily based on their options for communication and collaboration
#1. Person Interface (UI) and Person Expertise (UX)
The UI of Slack is easy. The far left aspect panel exhibits all of the lively Slack Workspaces. Workspaces could possibly be firms, groups, a broad phase of initiatives, and many others. Then, on the prime of the left-side panel, you see the identical Workspace to which you’re signed in.
Under the guardian Workspace, you’d see sections like Channels and Direct Messages. If you want to get a fowl’s eye view of the entire Slack, you possibly can go to Browse Slack. Switching between totally different Workspaces on Slack is sort of simple. Simply click on the Workspace icon on the left aspect to swap.
Contrarily, Microsoft Group comes with a posh UI. The broad sections are Chat, Shift, Groups, Exercise, Apps, and many others. You possibly can customise this panel if wanted. For direct messaging, you possibly can go to the Chat part.
Nonetheless, probably the most helpful part is the Groups. Right here, you possibly can create totally different groups for various departments and talk securely. Groups teams are similar to Channels in Slack. However Groups can comprise quite a lot of stuff like Posts, Recordsdata, Paperwork, SharePoint, and many others.
Switching between accounts and companies is difficult in Groups. You’ll repeatedly face the two-factor authentication problem on the identical system. Additionally, in the event you add a second account or be a part of another person’s Group, it takes some time to load the content material.
From the UI and UX viewpoint, Slack is approach forward of the Groups utility.
#2. Desktop and Cellular Apps
Each Slack and Groups are available in three totally different variations, so customers can entry the apps from varied gadgets. Aside from the cloud-based internet app, you get a desktop app and a cellular app (for iOS and Android).
The cellular app for Groups and Slack performs the identical. Accessing Channels/Groups, Chats/DMs, Recordsdata, Notifications, and many others., are simple. Nonetheless, there’s a drastic distinction between the desktop app of Slack and Groups.
The desktop app of Groups consumes way more assets like CPU and RAM (reminiscence) as in comparison with Slack. So, in the event you plan to make use of Groups, the pc ought to possess appreciable processing energy and reminiscence.
The Groups desktop app additionally has random glitches. The most typical drawback is the app fails to launch after closing it. It’s essential to pressure shut the app from Activity Supervisor earlier than trying to run the app.
Quite the opposite, the Slack desktop app is clean in operation. Because it consumes fewer PC assets than Groups, Slack is an effective selection for computer systems with low or common {hardware} configurations.
#3. Collaboration Options
Slack comes with respectable collaboration options. For instance, you possibly can meet as much as 15 crew members in a video name or audio name, generally known as Huddle, to debate the venture parameters. Slack doesn’t have a built-in Calendar, so you possibly can set up the Google Calendar app in it for work scheduling.
For those who plan to work on designs, codes, or paperwork in real-time on Slack, you’ll have to set up a third-party app in it, like Miro. So, when everybody must entry a shared design or coding interface, Slack redirects you to the collaboration app.
Slack additionally lets you share information of as much as 1 GB as an attachment in Channels or Direct Messages. Additionally, you possibly can document quick video clips or screen-sharing periods and share them with the crew.
To view all of the content material and conversations simply, you should utilize Slack Canvas. Nonetheless, it’s solely accessible to paid customers.
Contrarily, Microsoft Groups is a sturdy collaboration app. You possibly can join with as much as 250 crew members for hours of video conferences, display sharing, and content material collaboration.
You and your crew can open Microsoft 365 apps like Excel, Phrase, or PowerPoint inside Groups and work in real-time on the identical venture. No have to open some other software program for collaboration in case you are utilizing Groups and enabled the required Microsoft 365 apps on it.
From the collaboration viewpoint, Microsoft Groups is the winner on this Slack Vs. Groups comparability.
#4. Ease of Communication and Collaboration
Slack is handy for messaging communication in a threaded view. Additionally, you possibly can touch upon particular person chats and open them as Threads on the best aspect of the app. Nonetheless, notifications are totally different for Threads and direct messages. Slack isn’t handy for big crew huddles through audio, video, and display sharing.
Groups characteristic an analogous messaging interface. Nonetheless, replies or feedback to particular person chats present up in the identical thread as that of WhatsApp and Messenger.
Additionally, you and your crew can entry information and paperwork simply if utilizing the group e-mail for signing in to Groups, and the content material is saved in OneDrive or SharePoint.
From the communication and collaboration perspective, Groups is superior to Slack. As a result of you don’t want totally different video calling and content material collaboration software program if engaged on Groups.
#5. Safety and Privateness
Each Slack and Groups use state-of-the-art encryption methods to guard enterprise conversations. For enterprise wants, you may get a custom-built Slack workspace with an enterprise key administration system. The enterprise version additionally meets FedRAMP, FINRA, and HIPAA compliance.
There may be an unique Slack version generally known as Slack Join for enterprises that want to speak loads with third-party distributors, contractors, and shoppers. Slack Connects ensures that inside communications and information keep secure from exterior collaborators.
Then again, Microsoft Groups comes with built-in options for safety, info administration, and entry management. It has a two-factor authentication system that your group can modify to just accept bodily keys. Additionally, you may give {custom} Groups channel entry to totally different customers.
#6. Integration
Slack makes use of apps to combine your workspace with third-party enterprise apps. You’ll find all these apps within the Slack App Listing. At present, there are greater than 2,600 apps. You possibly can select from classes like Analytics, Communication, Design, File administration, Productiveness, and many others.
On the time of writing, Microsoft Groups helps as much as 2,000 integrations. You can see integrations for Asana, Trello, Workday, Mural, monday.com, fireflies.ai, Salesforce, ClickUp, Jira, and many others.
From the integrations viewpoint, Slack is healthier than Groups.
#7. Slash Instructions
Slack is without doubt one of the finest apps to execute automation primarily based on slash instructions. There are two classes of slash instructions. One is built-in slash instructions, and the second is any slash command.
Constructed-in slash instructions are /remind, /collapse, /broaden, and many others. Nonetheless, in the event you sort directions into Slack and put a slash firstly, Slack will implement the automation.
For instance, typing /set a notification for out of workplace on 4th July, Slack reminds you about the identical.
Groups additionally include slash instructions. Nonetheless, it will possibly solely implement these which are native to the app. For instance, /exercise, /away, /busy, and many others.
Subsequently, Slack has confirmed superiority over Groups when evaluating slash command compatibility.
#8. Workflows and Bots
Slackbot helps you in automating varied actions on Slack. For those who already linked venture administration software program like Jira Work Administration, Asana, Trello, monday.com, and many others., you possibly can merely ask it on your duties for at the moment, due duties, pending duties, and many others. It really works like an AI assistant on Slack.
You possibly can unlock the Workflow Builder with a paid subscription. Slack Workflow Builder lets you automate repetitive duties like onboarding teammates, submitting assist tickets, requesting go away, asking for suggestions, and many others.
Groups wouldn’t have any signature bots like Slackbot. You possibly can add totally different bots for particular duties. Sort @ within the message field and select Get bots. Then you possibly can add CoffeePals, Bitbucket, Polly, and so forth.
From the Workflow viewpoint, Groups is superior over Slack. There are over 100 ready-to-use workflows on Groups within the Apps part. Then once more, you possibly can set up extra apps from the app market and create automated workflows utilizing Energy Apps on Groups.
Although Groups has ready-to-use workflows, Slack is a transparent winner as a result of its Slackbot is tremendous good. Additionally, Slack workflows are simple to create and execute.
#9. Pricing Plans
Each Slack and Groups can be found at no cost with restricted communication and collaboration options. Nonetheless, in the event you want these apps to cater to enterprise necessities, discover beneath the pricing tiers of those apps:
Slack Pricing Plans:
| Worth | Slack Tier |
| $0 /month | Free |
| $7.25 /month | Professional (for gig staff and small groups) |
| $12.50 /month | Enterprise+ (small to medium companies) |
| Customized pricing | Enterprise Grid |
Microsoft Groups Plans
| Worth | Groups Tier |
| $0 /month | Free |
| $6.99 /month | Microsoft 365 Private |
| $9.99 /month | Microsoft 365 Household |
| $4.00 /person/month | Microsoft Groups Necessities |
| $6.00 /person/month | Microsoft 365 Enterprise Fundamental |
| $12.50 /person/month | Microsoft 365 Enterprise Commonplace |
From the pricing viewpoint, Microsoft Groups is extra worthwhile than Slack. With a Microsoft 365 subscription, you get many Microsoft 365 apps for productiveness and enterprise administration.
Similarities Between Slack and Microsoft Groups
Slack and Microsoft Groups are standard communication and collaboration functions with many similarities.
Let’s see some widespread options in Slack and Microsoft Groups.
- Slack and Groups are cloud-based, designed to collaborate and talk successfully throughout organizations no matter bodily location.
- Actual-time messaging, video conferencing, audio calls, and display sharing make them supreme for distant work and connecting groups at totally different areas.
- File sharing and routine activity automation.
- Integration with exterior instruments for sturdy venture administration.
- Creation of channels and teams for varied initiatives and departments to speak seamlessly.
- Helps Desktop, Android, and iOS.
Slack Vs. Microsoft Groups
Let’s see a number of the prime options of Slack and Microsoft Groups
| Options | Slack | Microsoft Groups |
| Free model | 90 days of entry at no cost and limitless for paid customers | Limitless group conferences for As much as 60 minutes and for As much as 100 members per assembly |
| Display screen Sharing | Helps one-on-one for the free model and 50 customers for paid | Limitless to all customers |
| Video convention | As much as 2 customers with the free plan and 50 customers with paid plans | Free 60 minutes for as much as 100 customers and 30 hrs for 300 customers for paid plans |
| Bot | Slackbot to construct, customise and set up bots | Microsoft bot SDK to construct bots |
| Compliance | Hippa assist, Information residency, Retention coverage, and many others. | Retention insurance policies, knowledge loss prevention (DLP), eDiscovery, auditing, and many others. |
| Exterior collaboration | Out there, can ship direct messages to exterior customers | Exterior customers can be a part of inside chats and conferences and share information in Microsoft Groups |
| Cloud Storage | Recordsdata from the final 90 days at no cost customers and limitless for paid customers | 5 GB per person at no cost and above 10 GB for paid |
| Slash (/) command | Has varied and diversified instructions to ease the operation | Has restricted Slash instructions |
| Notifications | A number of and Personalized notifications | Restricted notifications choices |
| Visitor entry | For each paid lively member in your workspace, you possibly can add as much as 5 company. | No limitation |
| Person experiences | Easy to make use of and navigate. Customizable interface. Automation of routine duties. Big selection of third-party instruments integrations. |
Intuitive and streamlined interface. Simple to entry its varied options. Extremely customizable. Simple integration of apps. |
Use Circumstances of Slack
Slack is a multipurpose communication platform appropriate for companies of all sizes and industries. It’s a more sensible choice for smaller groups engaged on initiatives that require quite a lot of communication and collaboration.
Slack is finest for people who need versatile apps, additional options, and customizable notifications. Its full of life environment is nice for company groups who worth productiveness and delight in textual communication.
It’s a extremely versatile real-time communication platform, particularly for distant groups working in several time zones. Its safe mode of communication channels helps enterprises with numerous exterior companions. Its options make venture administration and crew collaboration extra environment friendly by permitting crew members to change info and stay on the identical web page on a regular basis.
The platform simplifies difficulty monitoring and communication in real-time with clients, which can assist firms within the buyer assist sector to give attention to and combine with buyer points.
Its adaptability is additional enhanced attributable to its integration with varied exterior services and products, akin to Google Drive, Trello, Salesforce, and GitHub, making it a great answer for many companies and sectors.
Use Circumstances of Microsoft Groups
Microsoft Groups supplies seamless integration and glorious video conferencing options, extremely appropriate for big organizations looking for efficient communication. Customers profit from Microsoft Groups’ deep connectivity with Microsoft merchandise and unbelievable video calling options with a Microsoft Workplace 365 enterprise subscription.
Microsoft Groups is a wonderful answer for organizations that extremely worth knowledge compliance and safety. It’s a valuable distant communication platform for enterprises and a precious useful resource for digital school rooms and examine teams inside instructional establishments.
Its versatile platform for fostering collaboration and managing initiatives and its sturdy options establishes unified distant communication that helps allow real-time collaboration inside group initiatives throughout the organizations. Its numerous capabilities, together with digital conferences and webinars, make it a great selection for firms that rely totally on video conferences.
Microsoft Groups is a useful software for communication and cooperation in varied eventualities. It’s a precious instructional useful resource, selling communication, collaborative assignments, initiatives, and useful resource sharing between educators and college students.
FAQs
Within the present dynamic and rising enterprise surroundings, particularly the place individuals are situated throughout totally different areas, collaboration software program is important in sustaining connectivity, fostering teamwork, and rising productiveness. Conventional strategies of communication don’t suffice the necessity for distant groups that work throughout totally different time zones and are available throughout quite a few points that require communication in actual time with the combination of assorted apps and instruments.
Although most collaboration software program has comparable options, it’s essential to find out the precise options and functionalities required all through the group.
Vital components like ease of use, customization, degree of safety, and knowledge safety it provides. Different components embrace value, scalability in addition to integration capabilities. Different options that will probably be required like doc sharing, video conferencing, activity administration, and notifications, amongst others.
Slack Vs. Groups: The Verdict
If your small business doesn’t do quite a lot of video calling, then Slack is an effective selection. Additionally, you shall expertise higher productiveness and comfort in Slack if in case you have invested loads in Google Workspace and Salesforce.
Contrarily, if in case you have been establishing your small business on varied Microsoft instruments like Excel, Phrase, SharePoint, PowerPoint, PowerApps, and many others., Groups is the most suitable choice. Additionally, in case you are extra of a company enterprise, then Groups ought to give the appear and feel you need.
Remaining Phrases
Roughly, Slack and Microsoft Groups have comparable options, however in actual fact, the businesses constantly try to enhance options and functionalities to compete for the perfect crew chat app. If one lacks a characteristic, it’s doubtless coming in an upcoming launch, and vice versa. It’s throughout the discretion of the person or group to pick the crew chat utility primarily based on their particular wants.
Subsequent, try the perfect doc collaboration instruments for distant groups.
