Thanks to laptops and smartphones, it becomes easier for employees to communicate with each other by using modern messaging apps like Skype and Slack. The technology has granted us two free communication versions, Slack and Skype. Since each one has its characteristics, which one is more effective in business? This article offers the answer by drawing a fair comparison between Slack and Skype their options and which one is the best for your business.

What is Slack?

Slack is a workplace communication tool, “a single place for messaging, tools and files.” This means Slack is an instant messaging system with lots of add-ins for other workplace tools. The add-ins aren’t necessary to use Slack, though, because the main functionality is all about talking to other people. There are two methods of chat in Slack: channels (group chat), and direct message or DM (person-to-person chat). Let’s take a quick look at the user interface.

There are four main things to pay attention to in Slack:

1. The name of the Slack instance.
2. The list of channels you’re a member of.
3. The list of people you’ve direct messaged.
4. The chat window.

What is Skype?

Skype is a VoIP service that enables people to make and receive free voice and video calls over the internet using a computer, web browser, or mobile phone. VoIP supplies ways to communicate that go around the standard methods of landlines and cellular plans.

Whether you’re working from home or looking for a way to chat with others using video, Skype has broken traditional barriers to communication. Along with chatting with people in your in-app contacts, you can also use it to make international calls. If the person you’re talking to also uses a Skype account, talking to them doesn’t cost anything extra. For an extra charge, however, you can call and text your contacts on their cellphones.

Why Do You Need to Communicate through Slack or Skype?

Technology has been around us since the 1960s. For many years, companies were trying to compete with snail mail through instant messaging. This feature has helped many people worldwide share knowledge, exchange thoughts, and meet for a purpose through programs like Slack and Skype. Now, with the coming of pandemic disease, distant communication becomes very mandatory. 

Even with the launching of other tools such as ZOOM and Webinars, collaborations between colleagues are based upon digital programs. Recently, Skype and Slack have become essential internal communication tools. Worldwide users per day are updating their desktops to include them. These modern office communications are part of a business messaging solution. 

As an employee who needs remote communication, you should be skilled in computer programs and provide these essential programs. As an employer, whatever application you choose for your business ultimately depends on a variety of factors. Slack and Skype for Business both can offer text communications and video conferencing, although video chat is not available in Slack’s web version. When you start working with communication tools like Skype or Slack, you will notice that storage space is not a worry. Each user gets 1TB of storage space. Slack is much more economical in this feature with 10 and 20 GB respectively in its Standard and plans. To help you determine which communications solution works better for your small business, here’s a summary of Slack vs. Skype for Business purposes.

Communication Comparison:

 

Business requires communication with professional members. Slack and Skype for Business are two programs that enter this category. But, they have a few differences in their communicative services.

Messaging & Calls on Slack:

Slack offers individual and group messaging services through direct messages and multiple channels, described as separate chat rooms. These rooms can be created on the fly for any need, whether for a specific team or a group of colleagues who want to discuss the latest events or progress. Silencing specific conversations allows employees to stay focused on the job and the topic of meetings. Users can also make individual and group audio and video calls. What is especially nice about Slack is that you have your private channel: you can message yourself to make a to-do list, schedule your activities, or set reminders.

Messaging & Call on Skype for Business:

Likewise, Skype for Business enables instant messaging and individual and group audio and video calls. The average use of these services remains to be seen, as this is an updated program for Microsoft teams. It is nonetheless a classic program that can connect you with anyone, especially for a remote job interview or online teaching.

Collaboration:

Business ties around the world can be managed remotely. High-speed internet has enabled employees to share documents between teams in seconds. Skype for Business and Slack both allow for fast file transfers, making positive contributions during lockdown and shutdown markets.

Collaboration on Slack

Slack makes it easy to collaborate through chat rooms, using hashtags to organize projects, teams, and other topics to keep everyone in touch. Slack also enables users to share all types of files by dragging and dropping them into the app. or with other file sharing services like Google Drive and Dropbox. Conversations and files shared by Slack are fully archived so that users can quickly find them at any time.

Collaboration on Skype for Business

Skype benefits from its connection with Microsoft during audio and video calls, offering collaboration with worldwide professionals. Thanks to its integration into the Office suite, it provides screen sharing and record meetings. There is a built-in instant messaging, PowerPoint download functions, and a whiteboard. You can also host meetings with more than 100 people, record those meetings, run quick polls, or add attachments to a meeting.

Integrations:

Business owners already use several business apps to make sure things are running smoothly in a small way. With so many programs running at the same time, it’s essential that they all work together. Integrating one program with another not only saves time but also provides secured business ties.

Integrations Supported on Slack

Slack has improved its integration capabilities. Once configured, users can receive all of their notifications and most of their work on the Slack platform without having to switch between apps. Integrations include Salesforce, Dropbox, Twitter, and GitHub, and other communication tools like Zoom, BlueJeans, and Google Hangouts. Also, Slack is fully integrated with Google Drive, which allows users to share content during calls and conversations.

Integrations Supported on Skype

As being part of Microsoft tools, Skype is fully integrated with the Microsoft Office suite; Skype for Business can already interface with five programs like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Outlook. Users can even organize and schedule meetings through Skype’s integration with Outlook.

These were the three different features included in both Slack and Skype programs. Choosing a practical tool depends a lot on your business. That’s why you should mention in your CV section that you are familiar with computer’s Microsoft Tools, to get hired in a considerable company.