Imagine if chat apps and real-time wrestling matches could be held. The solution with the best bang for your buck would win. Instead of spending hours researching every tool on the market, you, as the system administrator, could just wait for a winner and make your recommendation.
Unfortunately, such a battle won’t help you decide if a piece software meets your company’s needs. You will need to review the specifications and compare them with other users. You are the person everyone depends on to maintain a strong technology infrastructure. It is important that you stay up-to-date with the latest tools.
Chat tools seem to be the rage. There are both new and old favorites as well as offerings by established companies and startups. This guide will help IT administrators answer the question: Which chat tool should I use?
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is the best choice because your users will likely gravitate towards it. It integrates with Microsoft solutions already in use, which makes it easier for you to work with. You can also recommend our online training course to your end users on the basics and give them the skills to collaborate.
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Start trainingFave Features
Conversations and channels
Screen sharing and videos calls
Private direct messaging
File sharing
Wikis
Bots
Compatibility with a variety devices
All Microsoft Office products can be integrated with ease
Slack
Slack and Teams are different. Teams is a feature built into Microsoft Office 365. Slack, on the other hand is a fully-fledged project that was created to help teams collaborate. Slack allows you to chat, share files, update others, and keep them informed about the progress of your projects from either a computer or a mobile device. It’s important to consider the cost of file storage before you commit. This is a feature that can be obtained for free with other tools. Slack recently added the ability for screen sharing and video calls, which is a huge advantage when compared to Microsoft Teams and Google Hangouts (among other things).
Fave Features
Both private and open channels
File sharing
Open API to create your own integrations
Private direct messaging
Google Hangouts
Google Hangouts is a great choice for group chat forums, as many companies use Google products such as Gmail, Google Calendar and Google Drive. In a business environment, it is important to choose the right tool, not to avoid the need to create another password. This might not be the best option if you are looking to use Microsoft Office 365 products. Google will naturally steer you to its own office productivity tools.
Fave Features
Screen sharing and video calls
Private direct messaging
Calls and group chat
You can customize alerts and settings
Easter egg animations are a joke. They can drive us crazy.
Skype
Skype is often associated with “video chat,” however, the app can also be used for text-based or audio communication. It is the best feature for team collaboration. Skype’s integration with Microsoft Office 365 is one of its best features. This allows you to launch a call directly from Outlook, or screen share a PowerPoint presentation to clients. This is the best interoffice chat tool you can use.
Fave Features
Free Skype-to Skype calls from anywhere in the world (but be aware of those time zones!
Voice and video calls
Text messaging from your keyboard (your thumbs and fingers will be grateful)
File and screen sharing
Skype