Comparing Business Communication Platforms

There are many communication platforms for businesses to choose from. Depending on the objective and goal, each platform offers its own unique strengths and efficiencies. They all support collaboration and streamlining remote work. These apps help to create an effective virtual office space. Workers can connect and communicate from any location in real time and on any kind of device- mobile, tablet, or laptop. Work can be efficiently done literally anywhere there’s a Wi-Fi connection.

Here we will be comparing some of the most common tools that today companies are using with their teams. If you need a more specific platform you might want to check out our Web Application Development services.

Slack

With Slack, you can chat in real-time with colleagues, share files and integrate multiple applications into one system. Perfect for businesses with remote workers, it streamlines workflow. Employees can easily access information, search and stay on stop of communication. Slack is a collaborative platform.

Zoom

Zoom offers HD video conferencing, webinars, mobile capabilities in one collaborative solution. With Zoom, anyone can have a link to a meeting and jump right in at any time. Zoom also allows you to record videos. It’s becoming a favorite technology among IT administrators who love the fact that is can be activated instantly anywhere. It offers Chrome and Outlook plugins as well as the ability to record either MP4 or M4A.

Skype for Business

Skype for Business allows companies to connect with employees all over the world through its convenient video conferencing and messaging service. An enterprise software, businesses can annotate PowerPoint for real-time collaboration with up to 250 people. They can also use whiteboards, polls, Q and A, and built-in IM during a business meeting.

Facebook Messenger

Facebook Messenger is an app of convenience. You can’t easily search for someone’s email, but you can easily search for someone on Facebook. Essentially a free public messaging platform, Facebook is best used for introductions. Once the serious business conversation begins, it is best to move the conversation off Facebook and to a more secure platform.

Of Course, We Can’t Forget E-mail!

With the advance of different messaging apps, email remains that trusted old friend that everyone still relies on. While it’s not optimal for group collaboration, most people receive email notifications on their mobile. It’s best for communicating with clients and sending documents. You can choose to use email with encryption and messages can be stored on your own server, unlike other messaging services which retain your information and communications.

All of these platforms offer small businesses different advantages. Making the right choice for your company depends on context. A combination of all of the above and more works for most companies.