How to Work Virtually

Why People Are Using Slack and Skype

One of the main facets that are important within any business is communication. If the communication piece is not done properly on a day to day basis, then the business will not be sustainable and the profits will decrease significantly. It is ideal for there to be various ways to allow for connection on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.

Skype Usage

One of the top communication tools is Skype. Many people look to Skype because it is a well-known name in the technological world and many of its features are free. So if someone is on a budget or is just starting their business this is highly appealing. Even if someone wants to take it up a notch, Skype has a plan that only costs two dollars per user each month.

Slack Usage

Slack is not as well-known as Skype but has quickly gained steam among its clients. Many people are choosing Slack because of all of its offerings and being able to do so many things on the same platform is highly appealing. Skype and Slack are quite similar but there are some key differences.

The Basics of Cost

If someone was interested in Slack they should know that the basic version is absolutely free; however, it is limited to two-person voice and video calls. Plus it only has two app integrations. They do offer plans that start at $6.67 per user per month. This allows group voice and video calls. These plans have better security, unlimited integrations within the app, and unlimited searches. They also offer a $12.50 monthly plan. It includes advanced IT features.

Skype’s online meetings are free for up to ten people. If someone would like to include more users they can upgrade to the $2 per user monthly plan.

The Ultimate in Collaboration

Skype and Slack offer collaboration tools. Slack utilizes channels to ensure that they make it as easy as possible for their users to connect. The users can create hashtags to help organize projects and to make sure that everyone on the team knows what is going on. Users are also able to drop files just by utilizing a simple drag and drop method. The conversations that are held on Slack are archived; so that someone can easily find what they are searching for.

Skype even allows for collaboration during a video or voice call. Users can utilize screen sharing, whiteboards, group polling and PowerPoint presentations. Users can do these things on Slack as well but they would have to integrate third-party integrations.

The Best for Integrations

Microsoft programming is integrated into the Skype seamlessly. So PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook are all included in this. The downside is that Skype does integrate other things outside of Microsoft.

Slack is known for its integrating power. Many business owners have found that they can get a large amount of work completed even within the Slack platform. So this could save them some time.

Which Platform Wins

It is highly difficult to decipher whether people should choose the Skype or Slack platform. It is mainly up to what is the most important to the user. If someone is looking for a platform that has all the bells and whistles then they may be more focused on what Slack can do for them. The best part of the Skype platform is that it is user-friendly and it covers all of the basics. Someone who has more tech skills may want to have the Slack platform.