The "Skype for Business-End of Life" statement, announced by Microsoft on July 30th, 2019, came as alarming news for Skype customers who were accustomed to relying on this platform.   Since the term ‘end-of-life’ has confused many people, let us explain it a bit more. It means that Skype for Business won’t be a part of Office 365 Suite anymore and will discontinue end of July 2021   For a large organization, a change like this can often be a hard thing to deal with, and that’s why Skype will not go away suddenly. They gave a 2-year timeline for existing users to migrate.   And Microsoft, before making this decision, made sure that their users have a strong Skype for Business alternative, in the form of Microsoft Teams. Teams, actually, are the obvious way forward. It is both advanced and intuitively built with numerous easy-to-use features. Table of Contents Why Microsoft is dropping Skype for Business? Skype for Business didn’t meet user expectations How the New Microsoft Teams will be different? ( Microsoft Teams Vs Skype) MS Teams’ Chat Features MS Teams’ File Management Features MS Teams’ Notification Features MS Teams’ BOTs Automation Features MS Teams’ Meeting Features Are you looking for a ‘Skye for Business’ alternative? Collaboration Features Search Features Feature Stack In a NutShell Why Microsoft is dropping Skype for Business? In a matter of a few months, Skype for Business will be shutting down, but there was no clear-cut deadline until 2019. The officials continued building weight behind Teams in terms of product marketing and development. Here are some of the reasons why Microsoft scrapped Skype for Business for Teams   Skype for Business didn’t meet user expectations   Over 50% of IT pros complained that they were not able to resolve Skype’s Quality of Experience 60% of IT professionals reported poor employee adoption on deploying Skype for Business 50% missed SLAs with end-users  Never-Ending Technical Issues   Screen-sharing failures Logging-in glitches Non-message delivery Slow attachment upload Slow-software start-up Resource hogging Skype for Business users reported poor CX   Choppy audio (50%) Connectivity issue (42%) Distorted Speech (28%) Delayed Audio (24%) Dropped calls (28%) Echo (24%)  To make Microsoft Teams a core collaboration product by Microsoft Skype Microsoft streamlined and converged all its efforts into making Teams a unified collaboration platform with the most impressive new features. MS scrapped Skype for Business to step up to the plate and offer an all-in-one collaboration tool. How the New Microsoft Teams will be different? ( Microsoft Teams vs Skype)   Skype for Business was chiefly built to support video conferencing and voice calls. It has a few features like screen sharing and conferencing that could support over 250 people.   Compared to Skype for Business, Microsoft Teams has been designed as an all-around collaborative platform that offers a lot more than voice, chat, and video calling.   Here’s a list of new features that MS Teams has: MS Teams’ Chat Features   Emoji’s Share files with offline participants GIFs and memes Acknowledge chat messages Praise individuals and teams Persistent conversations through threaded replies Search for files @ mention people and groups Search for content and people  MS Teams’ File Management Features   Co-author auto-saved SharePoint Online file access SharePoint Online file management Share auto-versioned files with others The group shared file access OneDrive file access and management MS Teams’ Notification Features   Mute Conversations Audio and Visual notifications MS Teams’ BOTs Automation Features   BOTs (Who, Polly, T-Bot, etc) Extensible with Tabs Extensible with Channels MS Teams’ Meeting Features   Interact with the calendar within the application Live captions Blur background of the video Persistent chat during, before, and after meeting @mention people Like conversations Record meeting Share meetings through the stream Auto-transcription Are you looking for a ‘Skye for Business’ alternative? In a matter of a few months, Skype for Business will be shutting down. Businesses that were operating on Skype are now making transitions to other alternatives. Few have wholeheartedly embraced Microsoft Teams, while others are yet to make a choice. If you’re one of them, we have got a great option for you: Troop Messenger Troop Messenger is an efficient teamwork alternative to Skype for Business. You can do a lot more from a single platform, at a much lower price. Apart from all the basic features of a collaboration tool, this feature-rich app has got many exciting features missing in MS Teams: Here is the Full Comparison table Between Troop Messenger Vs. Microsoft Teams Collaboration Features   Self-Messaging Burnout Window (Incognito Chat) Unlimited Messages Search Features   Search by Images, Videos, Files, Locations, Contacts, URLs Search by Time Filters Advanced and Message Search  Feature Stack   Forkout feature that sends one text to multiple users at one go Delivery Options (Standard, Important, Urgent) Recall message Live Location Tracking Read Receipts Passcode Security Pin Finger Print access Favorite User / GroupSet Admin Dashboard   Dedicated Admin panel Add members using Email IDs If your organization likes to collaborate in a practical way (and you want to save money on expensive paid plans), Troop Messenger might be the perfect Skype for Business Alternative. What makes Troop an excellent team collaboration tool is multiple contemporary features including unified searches, Data Security, ease of use, easy organization of files, IP ownership, and secured and monitored entry etiquette. In a NutShell In today’s technologically advanced era, the occurrence of remote workers is growing so fast that over 63% of organizations have remote workers. Hence the marketplace for office collaboration tools is exciting with a vast range of options. Skype for Business alternatives like Troop Messenger provides a great degree of professional-grade security and functionality. So if you need a cheaper and more functional alternative to Skype, you should choose Troop Messenger for your clients and internal team communication. 

Distinguishing correlation from causation is one of the most frequent mistakes made in reasoning. These two words appear deceptively similar but identifying the difference between both can either make or break the process of creating a high-value product for your customers. Let’s dive right in as I review correlation vs causation psychology and describe the main differences between these two common terms. Table of Contents Correlation vs Causation: Definition What is Correlation? Types of Correlation What is Causation? Causation vs Correlation: Examples Causation vs Correlation in SEO How to use correlation and causation for SEO? 3 Steps of generating meaningful data by tracking a few metrics Step #1: Actively track all the factors Step #2: Monitor your Competitor’s SEO changes Step #3: Frequently compare changes in your rankings with your metrics Signing Off Correlation vs Causation: Definition What is Correlation? Correlation is a relationship or connection between two or more objects. This relationship is not caused by chance. This term, used most often in statistics, refers to the degree of connection between any random variables. If X and Y, two variables, tend to be observed at the same time, there’s a correlation between them. You cannot say X caused Y, you will simply say that when X and Y are observed together. Types of Correlation Positive Correlation:   When variable X increases, variable Y also increases. Similarly, if X decreases, Y correspondingly decreases. This is a positive correlation. Example: the more subscribers on your website, the more traffic it has generated. Negative Correlation:   When variable X increases, variable Y decreases, or vice versa. No Correlation:   Both variables are unrelated. Any change in X leads to no change in Y or vice versa.   Bottom Line: Correlation answers whether or not 2 things will happen at the same time. It doesn’t imply causation. Sometimes, correlation can be referred to as a coincidence. What is Causation? Causation is the principle of a connection or a relationship between an effect and its causes. It implies that X & Y have a cause-and-effect relationship with each other.   Unlike Correlation, the relationship is not because of a coincidence. We are saying that X causes Y or vice versa.  It means that the existence of one variable causes the manifestation of another.   Bottom Line: Causation answers why 2 things or events will happen at the same time. Causation vs Correlation: Examples Let’s begin this section with the Correlation vs Causation Graph:   As you can see in the graph above, there is a correlation between the amount of ice cream consumed and the number of people who died because of drowning. Now, I’d sound ridiculous if I say that ice cream consumption causes drowning, wouldn’t I? In fact 'Summer Weather’ is the third variable, which is the causative agent in this scenario. In warm weather, people tend to consume more ice cream and also swim more often, which leads to an increase in the number of drowning deaths.   In this example, Variable X (Ice-Cream Consumption) did not cause the manifestation of Variable Y (Drowning Deaths). There was a coincidence. Hence X&Y has a correlation between them. If we introduce a Variable Z (Summer Weather), then we can see the cause-and-effect relationship between Variable Y (Drowning Deaths) and Variable Z (Summer Weather). Hence the Z & Y variable has a causation relationship between them.   Causation vs Correlation in SEO We can apply the same distinction to SEO results. At Troop Messenger, we run an SEO analysis before writing any blog post. We do this analysis for a high number of factors, as we try to identify a correlation between those factors. This allows us to review whether or not two different factors are changing in the same direction, at the same time, and also understand the influence level they have on each other. A change in your website’s SERPs ranking could be due to causation or correlation with any of these factors:   Your SEO efforts   Link-building technique Post optimization metrics   On-page optimization metrics   SEO efforts of Your Competitors Employing white-hat SEO techniques Link-building technique   Google’s Algorithm updates   Re-evaluation of site against new standards  How to use correlation and causation for SEO? The difference between these two terms must be taken into consideration during SEO analysis, especially when trying to find causality among different factors. Before judging the events, try to view them from different perspectives. While studying the SEO factors, develop more understanding of the relationships between events. You might think that there is a correlation between higher rankings and large amounts of links. But, after a proper analysis, you’ll be able to distinguish it as a causality. As you continue working more within this field, you’ll be able to assess and distinguish both these situations better. 3 Steps of generating meaningful data by tracking a few metrics If you want a bigger and better perspective, you’d need to review tons of data. In the section below, I’ve explained 3-Steps of generating meaningful data by tracking a few metrics. Step #1: Actively track all the factors Track Your Keywords   Create a correlation vs causation worksheet with a list of every single keyword you want to target, next to the page on which you’re using these keywords. Create an excel spreadsheet that records the same information for the Top 100 keywords that have generated traffic to your site.   Track On-Page Changes   Every time you make a modification to the on-site optimization of any of your web pages, make an annotation in Google Analytics. This annotation should contain details about changes made and the dates on which they occurred.   Track the Links   Create one more Create correlation vs causation worksheet to track the quality and number of inbound links that are reverting to your site Make note of the PageRank of the referring URL, root URL, and anchor text used in the link Changes in the distribution of such link metrics can cause SEO losses or gains.   Track all social Signals   Number of Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and other social media site followers Number of tweets, Instagram post views, and Facebook posts Number of URL mentions on all these platforms Number of profile “likes”   Step #2: Monitor your Competitor’s SEO changes   Changes in the number, quality, and type of inbound links Changes in the number of indexed pages On-Site changes that cause a shift in your competitor’s SEO strategies Any new link-building technique  Step #3: Frequently compare changes in your rankings with your metrics   Every time there’s a change in your site’s SERP ranking, compare the timing of these search results with quantifiable metrics. Tune your SEO strategy according to the activities that are likely to result in big SERPs gains.  Signing Off So what have we learned from the correlation and causation definition and examples? These two deceptive terms are simply one of the common ways of testing whether two (or more) variables have an effect-and-cause relationship or are simply correlated to one another. Are there any other correlation and causation examples you’d like to hear more about on the Troop Messenger blog? Is there correlation vs causation analyses that you’re interested in within the broader realm of digital marketing and search engine optimization? Let us know in the comments. Share this post and don’t forget to follow us on social media!

As we have stepped into 2023, it’s important to know about the different project management certificates and courses that can help aspiring entrepreneurs in advancing their careers. After all, a thorough salary comparison will further show that the project management sector is in-demand and growing with each passing year.   Since the field of project management is rapidly evolving, new certificates for courses that teach new tools and techniques are in great demand among candidates seeking project management jobs.   As a project manager, it is important to stay updated on what's trending in the field, as well as acquire the necessary project management certifications to help your team succeed. Being aware of the latest industry practices and methodologies can provide valuable insights into how to avoid common pitfalls and ensure project completion within the designated timeframe. Additionally, pursuing project management certifications can enhance your skills and knowledge, making you more proficient in managing projects effectively.   Achieving project management experience and qualifications can provide you with these many benefits:   Additional project management knowledge, skills, techniques, and tools Enhances career development prospects Get a wide benchmark of project management competence Demonstrates your desire and commitment to learn Become a better mentor Project Management Value Improve your organization’s project management method Gain External recognition of your project management capability and a core level of embedded understanding Project Management Salary  If these benefits are not lucrative enough, check out these statistics captured from a PMI report on project management: 93% of organizations today use a standardized project management practice In 2018, more than 2/3rd of businesses used contract project managers or outsourced managers 77% of high-performing projects have onboard a qualified project manager We’ve compiled the list of the best project management certificates and their latest information in this article:   Project Management Certifications   1.  PMP Certification 2.  CAPM Certification 3.  CompTIA Project+ certification 4.  CMP Certification 5.  CSM Certification 6.  PRINCE2 Foundation 7.  APM Certification 8.  MPM Certification 9.  PPM Certification    1. PMP Certification The PMP Certification Practice Dumps Test is considered a gold standard certification in project management jobs. Since it has been demanded and recognized by the majority of organizations across the world, PMP validates a candidate's competence in performing different roles as a team leader or project manager.  Average Cost:   US Resident: US $405.00 Non-US Resident: US $555.00 Why the PMP:   PMP certification salary in the U.S is 25% higher than those without it CIO Magazine recognized PMP as one of the top management certificates It facilitates real-world project management success Who can take the PMP:   A four-year degree 3 years experience in leading and directing projects 35 hours of project management training or education   Or A high school diploma An associate degree or any equivalent degree 5 years experience in leading and directing projects 35 hours of project management training or education   2. CAPM Certified Associate in Project Management, offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) is the precursor of PMCs. To those professionals who lack professional project management experience, the CAPM acts as a catalyst in bridging them to robust experiences. CAPM is a great pick for professionals who don’t have a college degree and those candidates who want to achieve their PMP certification in steps. Average Cost:   US Resident: US $225.00 Non-US Resident: US $300.00   Why the CPMP:   CPMP is a great choice for candidates who are interested in managing larger projects With CPMP you can get entry-level project management jobs It is recommended for professionals aiming to gain more responsibility by adding project management skills to their current role Who can take the CPMP:   Enrolling in Project Management Basics (an online course by Project Management Course), which prepared the students for the certified associate in Project Management Exam. Secondary Degree   Or A high school diploma An associate degree or any equivalent degree 5-years experience in leading and directing projects 23 hours of project management training or education completed by the time you take the exam   3. CompTIA Project+ certification CompTIA Project+ certification is one of the high-demand project management IT management certifications that give professionals, outside & inside of IT, a basic understanding of the successful management of medium to small-sized projects.   CompTIA Project+ certification is designed for professionals who require the management of small, less complex projects. CompTIA Project+ is more versatile than other similar certifications since it covers the essentials of project management, Average Cost:   The US $329.00 Why the CompTIA Project+:   It extensively summarises the properties of the project, roles and responsibilities, phases, schedules, and cost controls. Predicts the possible impact of different influences and constraint variables throughout the project Explains the risk of activities and strategies Develops an understanding of the appropriate communication method that influences change control processes Compare & contrast different project management tool Who can take the CompTIA Project+: At least 12 months of cumulative project management experience   or   One-year equivalent education of project lifecycle Communication skills Ability to manage resources and stakeholders Project documentation   4. CMP The certified Project Manager Certificate is for those candidates who have a basic knowledge of project management and are looking for opportunities to enrich those skills. IAPM (International Association of Project Managers) is an international certification unit that offers CPM certification that provides a state-of-the-art experience and clear competitive advantages to the professionals who enroll. It is specially designed for those candidates who seek to effectively implement different scales of projects and effectively manage them. A certified project manager is a representative of theoretical project management knowledge. Average Cost:   CPM certification Online course: US$500. CPM certification offline (5-day ARC workshop): US$2,500 Why take the CPM (Certified Project Manager):   IPCM validates contemporary best practices in project management Instant & online (via LinkedIn) validation of certificate authenticity Provides a highly rigorous baseline of knowledge, transferable baseline of skills, and experience Prepares the candidates to become critical thinkers, project leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers Prepares the candidates to handle challenging projects Who can take the PMP:   No requirements as such There are a couple of workshops for self-study Take a self-test once you feel prepared Must achieve a 65 percent on the exam to pass   5. CSM A certified Scrum Master helps the scrum team to perform at their highest best. Apart from increasing the efficiency of the teams, CSM also protects the teams from distractions, whether they be internal or external. By utilizing the certification process, a Scrum-certified person gets an understanding of team roles, artifacts, and events, and learns the Scrum framework as well. Average Cost:   Approximately $995 to $1,395 Why take the CSM:   Expand your career opportunities in different industry sectors by adopting the most-demanded agile practices Engage with leading agile practitioners who are committed to continuous improvement. Demonstrate your determination and attainment of core knowledge of Scrum Learn about the foundation of the scrum and also the scope of this role.   Who can take the CSM:   Any candidate who has a general understanding of Scrum and aims to achieve IT management certification A candidate who can assure regular in-person attendance in16-hour course which is taught by a Certified Scrum Trainer Once the course is completed, the applicant will need to take the CSM test, consisting of 50 questions. He must answer at least 37 questions correctly within 60 minutes. After passing the test, accept the CSM License Agreement to complete your Scrum Alliance membership   6. PRINCE2 Foundation/PRINCE2 Practitioner PRINCE2 is split into two different levels of qualifications: PRINCE2 Foundation and PRINCE2 Practitioner. The foundation level is designed to introduce candidates to the PRINCE2 principles, processes, and themes, and it teaches them to deliver projects within the stipulated time and budget, mitigate the perceived problems, and resolve the risks. The Practitioner level of PRINCE2 teaches the candidates to apply the learnings and tailor PRINCE2 thoroughly to address the problems and requirements of a specific project scenario. PRINCE2 Certification course is a process-based course for providing candidates with effective project management knowledge and enriching them with fundamental skills they need in order to become successful project managers. PR stands for Project, IN Controlled Environments. The course PRINCE2 is recognized as completely scalable, and one of the most recent updates for professionals, which means it can also be customized to each project you undertake. Average Cost:   PRINCE2 Foundation: US $200 PRINCE2 Practitioner: US $340   Why take the PRINCE2 Foundation/Practitioner:   To increase the project management skill and competencies of the organization To learn ways to control any deviation from the actual plan To assure that the project has a business justification To embody only proven and best practices in project management To encourage formal recognition of project responsibilities To add improved communication and flexibility On completing the PRINCE2 Foundation course, you can get entry-level project management jobs   Who can take the PRINCE2:   A candidate who has taken any one of these courses: Project Management Professional (PMP) IPMA certification. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) Or Any course of similar metric   7. APM As the name implies, the Associate in Project Management is mainly an entry-level certificate in the Project Management Framework. It is one of the most important and internationally recognized credentials in the field of project management that allows the candidates to demonstrate that they have basic knowledge in the field.   APM conforms to the entry-level of project management and is one of the most suitable certificates for candidates aspiring for entry-level project management jobs. This entry-level examination comprises a total of 50 MCQs, out of which a candidate needs to answer at least 35 correctly (70%)  to qualify for the examination.    Remember that the APM certificate will not take you to an administrative position, but only to an associate’s position. Average Cost:   The US $300 Why take the APM:   It’s a globally recognized credential for candidates entering as a project manager  It demonstrates that the applicant has sufficient knowledge to work as an associate, if not the manager It’s apt for candidates with limited knowledge Who can take the APM:   No formal education required No formal experience required Enroll in an E-course is recommended before taking the actual exam   8. MPM The Master Project Manager, conducted by the American Academy of Project Management, issues certificates to those applicants who meet their requirements of experience, education, industry knowledge, training, ethics, and also continuing education. Other than the project manager, individuals who wish to gain technical and business project management qualities can also enroll for this certification. Average Cost:   The US $300 Why take the MPM:   Understand the usability and value of project management principles like initiating, planning, and executing Understand the leadership skills Learn about ways to avoid common pitfalls in managing complex projects Learn about the art of decision-making and creating solving problems faced by project leaders when undertaking a complex decision model The salary of MPM certified candidate is the same as the PMP salary   Who can take the MPM:   A high school diploma An associate degree or any equivalent degree 5-years experience in leading and directing projects 35 hours of project management training or education 9. PPM The Professional in Project Manager certification course consists of different project management modules including the modules on project executions, planning, controls, and completion. The core focus of the Professional in Project Manager course is helping the candidate acquire key trends in project management the learning about the demands of a project manager. Professional in Project Manager Certification comes useful for developing project measures, scheduling projects, and creating approaches to project management. Average Cost:   The US $300 Why take the PPM:   It’s a globally recognized credential for candidates aiming to enrich their project management skills It leads candidates to the assimilation of new techniques in project management It helps the candidate acquire recognition as a professional and boosts their self-confidence Covers aspects of construction certifications Who can take the PPM:   Mandatory E-course Completion An associate degree or any equivalent degree At least one year of experience in leading and directing projects 23 hours of project management training or education   Final Words There you have it - the complete list of best project management certifications that can help you advance your career as a project manager. Use this list to understand what you can expect with these project management certification courses, whether or not you have the prerequisite to take them, and how much you’d need to spend in order to acquire the certification. By obtaining a project management certification, you can demonstrate your expertise and competence in the field, enhancing your professional profile and increasing your career opportunities.   With these certifications, I’m sure you’ll enrich your skills, benchmark your success rate, and also get an understanding of how your competitors are using different project management tools and techniques.

Storage is Almost Full! ‘To Ensure normal use, please delete files to free up internal storage space.’   I am sure you receive a ‘storage full’ warning once in a while unless your device is equipped with a cloud file-sharing system. Receiving these storage warnings can be frustrating, especially when you’ve important files that you cannot risk losing.   That’s where File Sharing Sites come into the picture. With these storage systems, you can transfer large-sized files conveniently, simplify server upkeep, and easily collaborate on the go. You can use standalone file-sharing tools or have them a part of collaboration platforms (like project management apps or community portals).   Cloud File sharing, apart from individual users, has also become a key function in Enterprise use, which explains why:   39% of cloud business data is used for file-sharing purposes. 34% of uploaded data have sensitive and confidential information that includes personally identifiable information. An average company shares documents and files with over 800 different online domains. What is File Sharing with its pros and cons? With File Sharing Software, users can have controlled and centralized visibility of files at different stages of the data lifecycle, which helps with finding, protecting, editing, sharing, and managing sensitive data at any point in time. Pros of File Sharing Transfer small & large files over a secure network connection. Easily collaborate with multiple people across the globe. No need to maintain a central online file server Cons of File Sharing Bandwidth requirement is often costly. Hard to trace revisions once the file has been shared publicly. Higher risk of acquiring malware or ransomware from a remote file Types of File Sharing: File transfer protocol programs (FTP): Example: Cyberduck, Mozilla Firefox Peer-to-peer networks: Examples: Skype, Slack, Troop Messenger Removable storage mediaExamples: Memory sticks, memory cards, optical discs, and removable hard disks Online file-sharing servicesExamples: Box, OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud Drive, Tresorit   How to Select Your Platform:  Choosing an appropriate File sharing Platform is all about understanding the storage, sharing, and synchronization needs of your enterprise. For example, if you’re a graphic designer, you’re going to need a lot more storage than a sales rep who works mainly face-to-face. You’d need a thorough understanding of all the key features, pros, and cons of each file-sharing software to make a final selection. In this article, we’ve done the same. Consider this article a directory of top shortlisted file-sharing sites. Go through the pros, cons, and pricing, of each tool and select your ideal platform, keeping in mind the following features:   Security and Encryption Compatibility on different OS and Devices Storage Limitations Pricing    File Sharing Websites   1.  Box 2.  DropBox 3.  Egnyte 4.  Apple iCloud Drive 5.  OneDrive 6.  Google Drive 7.  Media Fire 8.  SecureDocs 9.  SugarSync 10.  WeTransfer 11.  Tresorit 12.  Sync.Com 13. pCloud 14. Flipsnack   1. Box Box was literally the first-ever cloud-based media storage service and file-sharing site to grab the attention. Box allowed its users to centralize all their data. It also offered easy collaboration on documents shared. It is now known as secure content management and business collaboration tool. Pros: Meets compliance requirement Integrated with an enterprise security system Allows Workflow Configuration Work at unprecedented Speed Cons Starter plans have very limited features File previewing from computers and devices is complex Pricing: Individual Plans: Starts at INR 785 per month Business Plans: Starts at INR 389 per user per month Business Plus: Starts at INR 1881 per user per month Ideal For: Enterprises and Large-Scale companies require the organization of huge data systems across different locations. 2. DropBox DropBox offers a lot more than secure file storage. Dropbox, as a file-sharing website, has established its identity as a state-of-the-art workspace where teams, content, and tools come together to collaborate. Dropbox allows the creation, storage, and sharing of cloud content from Google Docs, Slides, Sheets, and MS Office files, alongside traditional files. Pros: Large network and number of users Secure sharing of files and documents Integrated desktop experience Files transferred across devices are always encrypted Team collaboration, anywhere, at anytime Easy Integration with tools like Slack and Zoom Integrations with over 100,000 third-party applications Cons: New collaboration features and solutions are confusing The personal plan offers only 2GB space for Dropbox Transfer Pricing: Standard: 5 TB of secure space:$15 / user/month, starting at 3 users Advanced: Unlimited Space: $25 / user/month, starting at 3 users Ideal For: Medium and Small-scale companies which do not need advanced features Users who are looking for a secure space to back up their critical data P2P file sharing   3. Google Drive Google Drive’s Enterprise Plan offers a simple and secure way for businesses and teams to work together and collaborate on a project in the cloud. The Drive was unarguably the first company that brought together document collaboration and the cloud. Its Google Docs Suite made it a huge success. This file-sharing program boosts collaboration with features that allow users to request approval, track revisions, and assign tasks. Google Drive is 50% faster when it comes to finding files. Search features use AI to understand the need and surface only relevant content.  Pros: Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and more Enterprise Grade Security Enterprise-Grade Management tools Can be accessed via desktop, mobile, web 24/7 email and phone support Compatible with more than 100 file types Organize Automatically Cons: For Collaboration across Google Drive files, a Google Account is compulsory Sharing Settings can be complex at times Pricing: $8 per active user per month Ideal For: People have a Gmail account Small and Medium organizations Peer to Peer File Sharing 4. Apple iCloud Drive Apple iCloud Drive has been called Apple’s version of Dropbox. iCloud Drive is primarily cloud-based, which makes sharing of data overdrive very easy. It also allows users to sync different types of content between devices. Apple has been steady at releasing improved versions of the iCloud suite. The new iOS devices and Mac computers are now equipped with the iCloud drive of the latest versions, which comes ins-built so that the files in either of Apple devices can be synced automatically. Pros: Any type of file that can be accessed from anywhere Organize files with different folders Rename and tag files Original, full-resolution photos are automatically uploaded Easy iCloud photo sharing Invite people to work on a file or document Send private link No need to add manage versions, create copies, or add the email attachments Cons: Very limited integration with Android users Limited integration with Windows user New users only get access to 5 GB of storage Limited Business Support Pricing: Prices vary in different geographical locations.  Ideal For: iPhone and Apple product users People who frequently share files with Apple users File sharing iTunes   5. Egnyte Egnyte is also a file-sharing site that offers data governance and reduces the risk of a data breach. As content’s value increases, the potential threat of breaches increases too. With Egnyte, the users can have control and centralized visibility of files at different stages of the data lifecycle, which helps with finding, protecting, and managing sensitive data at any point in time. Pros: Rapidly discover sensitive data Detect potential exposure Guard data against malicious sharing and accidental sharing Ensure only the right people get access to sensitive data Avoid operation disruption Enforce data handling policies Extra backup copies are saved during file transfer Robust mobile access Cons: More complex to use than other basic services Lacks custom support Pricing: Office Plan: $8 per employee per month, 5-25 employees, and 5 TB of online storage Business Plan: $20 per employee per month,25-100 employees, and 10 TB of online storage Team Plan: $10 per employee per month, 1-3 employees, and 1 TB of online storage  Ideal For: Administrators and companies that need to frequently share confidential data  Organizations supporting various operating systems Organizations working across various devices 6. MediaFire MediaFire makes storage and file sharing simpler than ever. Its clean UI and easy navigation make it one of the most widely used file-sharing applications. Mediafire allows users to share, collaborate, store, and get easy access to documents and files. Files can be shared via email, links, and social networks. MediaFire users can store any file type, project files in specified folders, and of large size. Up to 10 GB of space is free for individual use, hence it’s a great tool to store all the photos, audio, and videos. Pros: Always have access to important files Unlimited Bandwidth Unlimited downloads Multiple uploads at once 10 GB free storage space One-time links Organize files with ease Easily share after uploading Available on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Windows, and Android Cons: Basic plans have a lot of on-screen ads Limited collaboration features Pricing: Pro Plan: $3.75 per employee per month 1 TB of storage space per user, ad-free sharing, and priority support. Business Plan: $40 per employee per month, 100 TB of storage space per user, ad-free sharing, and priority support. Ideal For: Employees and teams needing quick file transfers from one member to another Users who exchange files and documents via emails   7. OneDrive With OneDrive, you can save your files, photos, videos, and documents, and get them from any device, at any time, from anywhere. Users can share files, photos, and folders via email, Facebook, or iMessage and text. You can also create polished content, present with clarity, and collaborate with team members in real-time, by using Office365 with OneDrive. It is one of the best free file-sharing sites. Pros: Integration with Sharepoint Offline Access OneDrive is encrypted using SSL Granular permission setting Document Scanning Easy to use with Office Expiring Links Cons: No support for Mac OS OneDrive’s latest version suffers from slow upload Slower download speeds. Pricing: One Drive Basic Plan: 5 GB storage space, Available for Free One Drive Paid Plan: 100 GB storage space, Available at INR 123 per user per month Ideal For: Businesses that work on Windows PCs Windows 10 file sharing Individuals with an Outlook account   8. SecureDocs With SecureDocs, you get to own a private and virtual data room, where files can be shared, stored, and edited in real time. SecureDocs is simple, convenient, and powerful. It has all the features you need to keep your files secure, easily accessible, and up-to-date. Pros: Drag and drop folders Immediate Set-up Unlimited users and data Flat-rate pricing, no additional fee Activity alerts User actions with Tracking of the IP address Two-factor authentication Document Watermarking Permission-based user roles Cons: Challenging to configure permissions Flat pricing is not suitable for individual use Limited integration. Pricing: $250 per month Ideal For: Companies and Virtual workplaces where security is a top priority.   9. SugarSync SugarSync was first launched in 2008. It functions on both Mac and Windows and allows easy sync of folders to the cloud account. SugarSync caters to both Individual and business users. Pros: Easy to restore files online Automatic file sharing Remote wiping of data Creation of public links to documents Transport Layer Security Files Encrypted in 256-bit AES format Online Backups Mobile applications are available for iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, & Android devices. Cons: No free plan option Syncing speeds can be slow Pricing: Personal Plan: $9.99 per month 250 GB of storage space Business Plan: $55.00 per month 1 TB of storage space Ideal For: Users with messy folders Businesses lacking a backup solution.   10. WeTransfer WeTransfer is unarguably one of the simplest file-sharing services used to send large-sized files all across the world. WeTransfer was founded in 2009 and ever since it has been used as a file-sharing software. WeTransfer’s primary service can be used for individual and business personnel to send any file to an email address, or simply by creating a one-time link that can be accessed by other people. Pros: No account required Immediate Set-up Extremely easy to use Activity alerts Integration with Slack, ThunderBird, and Command Line Integration with Firefox, Chrome, and Sketch Track Download history Password-protect transfers Cons: No security features Limited transfer of 2GB Limited integration. Pricing: Free Forever Plan: No Storage Send up to 2 GB WeTransfer Pro: $12 per month 1 TB storage Send up to 20 GB Ideal For: Companies and Virtual workplaces where One-time file transfers are required Individuals with a ‘resend and delete transfers’ requirement Mega file sharing Businesses requiring a Pro page and URL 11. Tresorit Tresorit guarantees an ultra-secure place for the storage, syncing, and sharing of files in the cloud. As a large file-sharing site, it offers state-of-the-art privacy in compliance with strong data protection plans.   Certified for ISO 270001, Tresorit is also in compliance with HIPAA, GDPR, and multiple security protection requirements. Pros: End-to-end encryption Secure lost/stolen devices Protect the organization’s privacy Take 1,000 GB storage anywhere Recover deleted files Keep data protected from ransomware File sharing with encrypted links Manage users and groups with security policies Cons: Fewer integrations Pricing: Small Business Plan: $20 per user per month,1 TB storage per user, starting at 2 users Business Plan: $12 per user per month,1 TB storage per user, starting at 10 users Enterprise Plan: $24 per user per month,1 TB storage per user, starting at 100 users Ideal For: Businesses with a lot of options   12. Sync.com Sync.com is a Toronto-based cloud storage service that ranks among the top five Dropbox alternatives with free service plans. Synch, as a secure file-sharing site, makes it convenient to share, store, and access files from just about anywhere. Apart from that it protects the content with end-to-end encryption and ensures that the data shared or transferred in the cloud is secure, safe, and 100% private. Pros: Control access with passwords Expiry dates of link shares Email notifications No file size in the business plan No traffic limit in the business plan Access files from centralized folders Activity logs Granular user permission Restrict Downloads HIPAA Compliance Cons: Slow upload Slower download speeds. Pricing: Standard Plan for teams: 1 TB storage space per user, Available at $5 per user per month Plus Plan for teams: 4 TB storage space per user, Available at $5 per user per month Advanced Plan for teams: 10 TB storage space per user, Available at $15 per user per month Ideal For: Businesses and Enterprises where content security is the main concern   13. pCloud pCloud is one of the best file-sharing sites that boosts collaboration with features that allow users to request approval, track revisions, and edit files on the go. Pros: Access on all devices Unbreakable security with pCloud Crypto AES 256-bit for encrypting files at rest TLS protocol to protect them in transit. Keep private files confidential Share and collaborate Cons: No support for Mac OS OneDrive’s latest version suffers from slow upload Slower download speeds. Pricing: Premium: 500 GB Storage \One-Time payment of $175 Premium Plus: 2 TB Storage \One-Time payment of $350   Ideal For: Businesses that work on Windows PCs Individuals with an Outlook account   14. Flipsnack Flipsnack is a cloud-based digital publishing platform, that allows its users to create and share interactive publications, like flipbooks, reports, presentations, catalogs, magazines, and many more.   In terms of document collaboration, Flipsnack is a secure and engaging pdf flipbook-sharing solution.   Due to its intuitive drag-and-drop editor, the platform doesn’t require deep technical capabilities, and moreover, it comes equipped with a large variety of fully customizable templates for all sorts of publications.   Pros: Since its cloud-based, all files can be accessed from anywhere It allows users to manage multiple workspaces Manage user permissions and level of access for each user Download publications in multiple formats (PDF; JPG; PNG; HTML5; GIF; MP4) Allows users to download their publication’s QR Code Various privacy options: public; unlisted (not indexed by any search engines; the only access is through a direct link); password-protected; private (shared publications with specific people) It includes interactive features such as a 3D flipping page effect; photo slide shows; social media buttons;  supports video and audio elements.    Cons: The free plan allows users to create up to 3 publications of max 30 pages each The mobile app is a read-only version   Pricing: Starter: 14$/month - 10 catalogs: 100 pages/catalog Professional: 35$/month - 50 catalogs: 200 pages/catalog Business: 79$/month - 500 catalogs: 500 pages/catalog Enterprise: 210$/month - 1000 catalogs: 1000 pages/catalog   Ideal For: Users that need to share and track documents Small; medium and large organizations Users that are looking to add interactive elements to their publications   Some File Sharing FAQs How to set up file sharing in Windows 10 Click Start > Control PanelIn the Control Panel, Navigate to Network and Internet, and open ‘View Network Status and Tasks     Click ‘Change advanced sharing settings.   Click ‘Turn on network discovery, and then click Apply.   To enable file sharing, click ‘Turn on file and printer sharing and Save changes.   2) How to turn off file sharing in Windows 10 Click Start > Control Panel In the Control Panel, open ‘Network Status and Tasks   Click ‘Change advanced sharing settings. To disable file sharing, click ‘Turn off file and printer sharing’ and Save Changes.   Over to You Now Like I said before, choosing a suitable File Sharing Platform is primarily about understanding the storage, sharing, and synchronization needs of your enterprise. You’d need a thorough understanding of all the key features, pros, and cons of each file-sharing software to make a final selection. To begin, identify your team's needs and goals. For example, a board of directors software comparison for a better understanding of internal goals in a company or enterprise.   We hope this article has helped you with learning about the core features of each tool and what you can expect with their different plans. Now you can free up your device’s space and keep your confidential files in a secure platform, without having to worry about the visibility, security breaches, and limited storage warnings of your primary device. Plus, with tools like Compress PDF Documents, you can efficiently reduce file sizes before uploading them, ensuring quicker uploads and saving storage space. In case we’ve missed your favorite file-sharing software, hit the comment box below and let us know how we can make this list better.

If you play PC games online, it’s safe to assume that you are familiar with Discord.   If not, this article can be a great resource because Discord has some of the best screen-sharing features, which can benefit both gamers and non-gamers.   You and up to 9 friends can simultaneously screen share on the discord server. At one time, 10 Discord users can conduct a live video chat, while they all are sharing their desktop screens, simultaneously.   Discord Screen Share feature has made Discord an incredibly powerful software for virtual collaboration, especially for teams that require online meetings and video calling from remote locations.   Discord has literally changed the way video conferences work. Its peak concurrent users recently topped at 8.2 million.  Since Discord is spreading its wings as a real competitor of business communication and collaboration tools, we’ve got quite a few queries on ‘How to share screen on discord.’ In this article, we are going to show you 10 Easy-to-follow steps to configuring and using video calling and screen sharing features of Discord: Table of Contents What is Discord Application? Discord Screen Share Screen Sharing & Video Camera Features: On Desktop Screen Sharing & Video Camera Features: On Smartphone Step-by-Step Guide For Video Calling With Some Hacks Step-by-Step Guide For Discord Screen Sharing With Some Hacks Go Live & Screen Share How to share the game? How to record the screen sharing session Discord Frequently Asked Questions Final Words   What is Discord Application? Discord is inarguably one of the most commonly used communication tools for online streaming and gaming. No doubt that the platform is growing and the number of users is increasing so fast. Some Discord users are so much into it that they even want to buy members to increase their reach on the platform.     Essentially, it’s a Skype Alternative for gamers, that is specifically designed to help gamers coordinate and communicate through private servers which allow users to voice-chat and text with other people.   Discord application primarily functions with mobile and desktop platforms, and combines the features of:   A message board A chat room A VoIP chatting system Discord’s popularity has increased over the past few years and the app has over 250 million registered users.    Discord Screen Share One of the most powerful features of Discord is Screen Sharing, which was added in August 2017. The screen sharing feature allows users on the Discord chat server to view and interact with your screen.   Alongside the screen sharing, you can also conduct video calls, simultaneously, on the chat servers which is a great in-built feature of Discord. The users do not need to install another software, a discord screen share extension, or integrate a third-party application   Screen Sharing & Video Camera Features: On Desktop If you are using Discord on PC, you can avail of the following features:   1. Share Sound  While you are sharing your discord or computer screen on Discord Server, you can also opt out of sound sharing. This feature helps a great deal when you’re in a public place, and you want to cut down on the background noise to avoid disturbance. You can opt in or opt-out of sound sharing by toggling the sound icon between Off and On.   2. Swap from Screen Share to Video An icon located at the bottom of the video screen enables Discord users to swap from a screen share to only video calling, and vice versa. At any time during the conversation, you can swap between the two. When swapping your computer screen, you can opt for which monitor screen to share. You can also opt for sharing only a specific application window.   3. Video Marquee Discord Users who wish to see only a specific video and opt out of seeing others can make use of the Video Marquee feature. For this, you’d need to click on the user’s avatar, which will make the video pop out among others.   Screen Sharing & Video Camera Features: On Smartphone The steps involved in screen sharing on Discord with iOS and Android phones are the same. So, follow the below steps in sharing the screen on your smartphone.   Step 1: Open Discord on your smartphone Step 2: Go to the desired server, you are intending to stream in. Under VOICE CHANNELS, select an option, from the list     Step 3: At the bottom of the screen, tap the phone icon Step 4: Tap Start Now, to initiate the Discord screen share (Note: You cannot share apps on Netflix due to copyright infringement)     Toggle Mute Should you wish to tune out of the background or surrounding noise, the Toggle Mute feature can be a savior.   In the smartphone version of Discord, a user when on a video call, can mute their phone’s mic to prevent the outgoing sound on a chat server.   Tune Camera While making a video call through the Discord mobile app, you can tune your camera, and start and stop it from functioning at any time.   Similarly, there’s also an option to switch from front to back camera, and vice versa.   Audio Output (only for iOS) This is an exclusive feature for Discord’s iPhone application. Audio Output is located in the top-right corner, next to the Switch Camera icon.   Using this, you can swap the audio output between your wireless headset and your iPhone’s default speaker.   Step-by-Step Guide For Video Calling With Some Hacks In this section, you’ll learn about the different ways to share your computer screen with another discord user.     To initiate a Discord video call and screen sharing, install the Discord Application on your device, and configure video and audio hardware on the Discord client. a) Camera Settings Step 1: Find the ‘Setting’ icon at the bottom left side of your screen, and click on the settings.   Step 2: To adjust your Video and Voice chat settings, look for the ‘Voice and Video’ Option under the ‘App Settings’ category on the left-hand menu.     Step 3: Should you wish to change the video settings, scroll down to find ‘Video Settings’ and opt for ‘Video Camera Hardware’. You can also do a test video.    b) Connecting with Users   Step 4: On the top-left panel, find the Discord icon, and navigate to ‘Homepage.’ Click on the ‘Friends’ icon to open the list of friends on your Discord server.     Step 5: However, over the user’s name, opt for Discord Video chat.     Step 6: Click on the Video icon to enable a video conference with the user   Step-by-Step Guide For Discord Screen Sharing With Some Hacks For discord screen share in the server, you’d need to initiate a Video call using the steps defined above. Let’s proceed to Step 6 and see how you can enable screen sharing via Discord, and peek into your friend’s desktop. Step 7: As the video calling is in process, look for a screen-sharing icon present at the bottom of your screen. You can identify a screen-sharing icon that resembles a computer display with an arrow at the center.     Step 8: Click on this icon to enable screen sharing of your PC, and opt between sharing ‘Your Entire Screen’ or ‘Application Window.’   Step 9: You can further interchange screen share Discord and video calling features by clicking on the same icon.        Step 10: To Stop sharing the screen, you can hover back to the ‘screen share’ icon and opt for ‘More Screen Share Options,’ and ‘Turn Off Screen Sharing.’       Go Live & Screen Share In a server or voice call, the Go Live & Screen Share feature allows you to screen share any application window or your complete screen.   Step 1: Join the voice channel, from the server you are intending to share     Step 2: At the bottom left, in the voice status panel, click the screen icon     Step 3: Select an application window or entire screen, from your opened windows list     Step 4: At the bottom of the window, click the Go Live button.   How to share the game? The steps below will show you how to share the game with your friends in Discord while playing.   Step 1: Open Discord on your system Step 2: Open a game, you are intending to share with your friends, for example, Ludo     Discord will auto-detect the game, and the logo will get auto-populated on the left panel Step 3: On the auto-populated game, click the stream icon     Step 4: Click the Go Live button Step 5: On the stream preview window, at the bottom left, click the friend's icon, and select your friends from the list you are intending to share with     How to record the screen-sharing session Discord doesn’t provide any feature to record the sessions, but it allows you to integrate a third-party tool and record your sessions.   Benefits of Screen Sharing Discord screen-sharing is a widely used feature among gamers as well as other social users. Below are some of the benefits of using screen-sharing tools.   Boosts the Productivity Using a visual medium to transmit a message, such as screen sharing, video conferencing, and so on, will have a huge impact on the minds of the viewers or attendees, especially in meetings. Moreover, the pandemic has seen an unexpected number of downloads overnight. Apart from gamers, even small businesses and startups started using it. Yes, some entrepreneurs started using Discord for business purposes. As Discord is providing quality service to users, hence many people look for opportunities to buy Discord members to get rapid boosting.   Best Support Many employees in remote work situations had trouble downloading, integrating, and escalating concerns, thus they were asked to use tools like Discord to be able to express issues with absolute clarity.   Training Sessions Employees in companies did get trained in pandemics by their trainers without any obstructions. In addition to sharing assigned handouts, videos, instructions for assignments and projects, and other related documents.   Teachers/professors used the screen-sharing functionality as a whiteboard, to conduct their classes and interact with students, providing a more hands-on learning experience.   You may just share your screen with your team at your fingertips with just a few clicks away, rather than sending out a PPT for everyone, expecting them to download and follow along with.   Online Presentations It comes as no surprise that you cannot simply deliver a PPT file to your client and ask them to evaluate it. Using screen-sharing tools, you can effectively pitch your idea to clients without losing them.   Saves your Resources By sharing screens with participants in different geographical locations, you can save money on travel and time. This saves your time and money by avoiding the hassles and expenses that come as part and parcel of business travel. Hence, you will be at ease in meeting your clients virtually.   I hope the above-mentioned few benefits are enticing enough to interest you with screen-sharing tools.   Discord Frequently Asked Questions Q1. What to do when screen sharing doesn’t work? Discord sure is a great tool to enable screen sharing and video calling, but the screen sharing feature has been reported to have some bugs. ‘Discord screen share black screen’ bugs are common and reported by multiple discord users on the server. Many Discord users have reported this issue, where the screen either freezes or turns black. It can be rectified within a few seconds. Here’s how:   The first option is to restart the PC. Open the Discord application again. Restart the Video Call and Screen Sharing. The second option is to look for GPU because in some cases, the screen turns black because of the automatic switching of the GPU. For this, update the GPU driver to the latest version and restart the application. Clear all the junk files and cache of the Discord application, so you do not face any difficulty while sharing a screen with someone. If the issue still persists or you notice discord screen share flickering, it’s safe to assume that the application has been corrupted, so the next step would be uninstalling the application completely, and reinstalling it.   Q2. Discord Screen Share Audio Not Working Another commonly asked FAQ about Discord Screen Sharing is Discord Screen Share Audio. Disable audio is a bug encountered by users during screen sharing or video calling on the chat server. We’ve received queries about the Discord screen share audio not working. With the latest update, this bug has reportedly been fixed, but if you still face a similar issue, here’s how you can resolve it: Usually, the audio issues can be resolved by confirming whether or not the Sound button is toggled ON. When sharing a screen opt for a particular ‘Application Window’ instead of ‘Entire Screen.’ This helps a great deal with avoiding sound issues. Clear all the junk files and cache of the Discord application, so you do not face any difficulty while sharing a screen with someone. If the issue still persists and the Discord screen share has no audio, it’s safe to assume that the application has been corrupted, so the next step would be uninstalling the application completely, and reinstalling it.   Final Words Discord, undoubtedly, has emerged as one of the highly popular and top-performing chat applications for gamers. While it has earned its identity for text and voice calling features, Discord Screen sharing, and Discord video share are definitely good additions. Using Discord, gamers can interact and learn a great deal from each other via features like VoIP audio and Video calling and Screen Sharing.   By following the 10 steps mentioned in this article, you can easily set up a video call with another discord user and share the screen with them. In case you’ve got more queries about Discord features and functionalities, let us know in the comments section below, and we will scratch our next article on that topic.

“You can use the free version of Slack for as long as you like and there’s no limit to the number of members who can be invited, without looking at Slack pricing.”   That’s what Slack’s pricing page reads once you get started. In all its PRs and advertisements', Slack has time and again claimed that its free tier offers an unlimited number of users.   In short, Slack unapologetically mentions that there is no limit. You can add ‘as many people as you want to.   But is the aforementioned information about Slack Free User Limit really true? Table of Contents   1. Is Slack Misleading 2. Should you Pay for Slack 3. Tearing Down Slack’s Pricing 4. Freemium Plan 5. Standard Subscription 6. Plus Subscription 7. Enterprise-Grade  Is Slack Misleading people about its Free ‘Unlimited Plan’? We came across a couple of Slack users who have reported that there’s a limit with the Slack free plan, despite what Slack says.   For Example, David Chen, who wanted to build a massive Slack community of 10K+ users, found that the service starts fizzling out at around 5000 users, and poops out completely after onboarding 8,500 users.   Quincy Larson added 8462 users to his Slack channel, and after that, the channel stopped accepting new users.   8462 sure is a great number for a medium-sized community - but it’s a limit, which Slack has disguised so far, and done nothing to disclose.   Users hoping to build a 10k+ community through Slack's freemium plan should look for a Slack alternative, or better than Slack.   This brings us to our next question: Should you Pay for Slack? Slack is a great office collaboration tool, without any doubt. For many businesses operating virtually, Slack has offered benefits they can’t live without.   Slack boosts work productivity. It has the most user-friendly UI and UX, and it is relatively easier to navigate through. And then, to top it all, Slack paid plans enable 1200+ integrations. In a literal sense, it is a process automation heaven. If you implement enough apps, you’ll be able to complete 95% of your work requirements inside Slack.   That’s cool, right? But here’s the thing - there are as many Slack Alternatives that are offering similar features, get there are no apps like Slack that offer a plethora of integrations.   Some of these alternatives are cheaper than Slack while some others are more expensive.   Since most of the Slack alternatives are doing pretty much the same job, it is natural to wonder whether or not it is worth paying for Slack.   And that’s the intent behind writing this article. Sit tight and read as we tear down slack’s pricing plans, and help you make a better decision in selecting an appropriate Slack package. An important note, Slack pricing in India differs from Slack's global price, so be advised to check the appropriate pricing page, according to your location.  Tearing Down Slack’s Pricing: Freemium Vs Paid Plans The secret of Slack’s pricing model is very much evident on their pricing page. Slack Pricing Teardown of Freemium Plan Model   Ideal For: Individual Use, Small Groups   Pricing: $US0  To emphasize, it is the cheapest Slack plan. When new customer joins Slack, they have multiple options to choose from. It is free as long as you want a Slack Workspace with an unlimited number of people.   In the free slack pricing plans, you don’t have to pay a penny but you are restricted with limited features nevertheless, you can opt for the Slack pro plan or other plans anytime for more features.   Onboarding your team using Slack's free version sounds cool. I hope it does answer your question "is Slack free?" But this freemium plan has limitations: 1. 10k searchable messages This may seem enough for very small teams or members who don’t use team chats that often. But even for small-sized teams, the 10k limit is insufficient.   If you're a team of 10 people, who generate about 2k messages a week, chances are you won’t be able to restore any of the conversations after a month.   Imagine you need to report a document you shared with your colleague for two months, but not being able to refer back to it because you’ve reached the 10k   limit. You’ll have to upgrade to a standard plan to reveal search message history. 2. 1-to-1 video calls If your slack workspace works on the freemium plan, forget about conducting team conferences because you cannot do more than 1-to-1 video calls, unlike other free Slack alternatives.   You cannot host big meetings or webinars. Now that can be a real bummer! 3. 10 apps & integrations Integrations make Slack better and more powerful, which negates the competitor's Slack. It has been constantly adding new tools and with paid plans, Slack integrates with almost every popular tool.   With Freemium, you’ve access to 10 integrations. If you want to use the 11th integration, you’ll have to delete the old integration and stay within the limit of 10 integrations. 4. Two-factor authentication Whether you choose a freemium or a paid plan, Slack won’t let its users compromise with security. For an added security layer, all Slack users can turn on 2FA for their Slack account.   This means that if your password is stolen or compromised, you’ll have peace of mind that only you’ll be able to log in again. Freemium Plan Verdict: If you can compromise with limited searchable messages and limited integrations, rather than looking for Slack alternative free tools you can opt for this tool. Since it could be a great pick for small-sized teams. Slack Pricing Teardown of Standard Subscription Model   Ideal For: Small and Medium-Sized Businesses   Global Pricing: $US6.67 per active user per month billed annually. Or $US8 per active user per month billed monthly.                                                                                                         Pricing For Indian Customers: Slack price in India quotes $US2.67 per active user per month billed annually Or $US3.20 per active user per month billed monthly.                                                                 Considering Slack's cost, if you can spend $US2.67 per active user per month, you can get rid of the above limitations, and enjoy additional features. You can avail of benefits like Unlimited message archive, Group calls (up to 15 participants) with screen sharing, Unlimited apps, Guest accounts, and shared channels. 1. Full archive: There are no 10k messages limit with the Standard plan. Your team’s entire message history is now in one place and the entire conversation is searchable.   2. Unlimited apps: Again, Standard Subscribers of Slack educational pricing can integrate applications beyond the number 10. Integrate Slack with as many as 1000+ tools from different categories and bring all your work into one place. You don’t have to miss out on anything.   3. Google authentication: A standard plan makes it easy for Slack users to log in to their Workspace. Hence, it reduces the password load. Those who use G Suite can have their team members sign in to Slack Workspace using their existing Google sign-on.   4. Guest access: Slack’s Standard pricing plan makes it easy for companies to connect with vendors, retailers, and people from outside the company. Such people can be given guest access and invited to one or multiple Slack channels.  Additional Benefits of Standard Plan:   Custom retention policies Forward emails into Slack Priority support Group voice and video calls User groups   Custom profiles Screen sharing   Slack Pricing Teardown of Business+ Subscription Model Ideal For: Large-Sized Businesses that require advanced admin control   Global Pricing: $US12.50 per active user per month billed annually.   Pricing (For Indian Customers): $US5 per person per month billed annually. Or $US6 per person per month billed monthly.    Slack has a Plus Plan for large businesses and companies with a requirement for business-level features that can help the teams grow. Apart from all the benefits of a standard subscription, Slack’s Plus users can avail of exclusive features like:   Keep a little, keep a lot: With a plus plan, Slack users get the option to customize their archival preferences and message retention. There’s more to control as compared to the standard plan. With the above said Slack pricing in India may or may not differ in feature provision. Through custom message retention settings, they get a flexible option when it comes to deciding how many messages they want to keep, and how much history they want to delete. There’s also an option to keep a tab of deletion logs and message edits. 1. Data exports: The data export feature is great for companies who have got legal obligations to archive messages, or businesses operating in a regulated industry. Team admins of leaders, on Slack Plus Plan, can request access to the entire team’s message history. The history can be either direct messages between team members or conversations in private channels. 2. SSO and provisioning: With the Plus plan, you get to Integrate Slack workspace with your existing SAML 2.0 identity provider. This is suitable for companies that wish to ensure secure access to their team. Apart from SAML, Plus members also have a built-in connection to many SSO providers. There is also an option to use a custom or own SAML solution.   3. 99.99% uptime: With 99.99% uptime, Slack is operational irrespective of the time zone. For the plus subscribers, Slack assures providing guaranteed uptime, an industry-leading standard of server availability, and a financially backed service level agreement (SLA).   4. 24/7 support: With the standard plan, you get priority support, which means your queries will be catered to before the queries are made by freemium subscribers. And with the Plus plan, you can reach the support team anytime, and have access to 24/7 coverage and guaranteed response, in the shortest time possible, from their customer experience team. Slack Pricing Teardown of Enterprise-Grade Mode Ideal For: Very Large Sized Businesses that require advanced admin control Businesses operating in highly regulated industries Enterprises requiring unlimited workspace with centralized control.   Pricing: There’s no standard or flat rate for slack enterprise grid pricing. It depends on the specific requirements and other factors. You’d need to contact the Slack Sales team to get an estimate. 1. Scale with unlimited workspaces Considering the nature of large enterprises, a single Slack workspace might be insufficient. Hence, Slack for business pricing is specially designed to provide multiple teams of an organization with a focused and separate place to work. Unlimited workspaces in Slack provide teams and their members access to the people, appropriate information, and apps which matter the most to their projects. 2. Build bridges between teams With an Enterprise plan, businesses can centralize control to create communication structures. The structure mirrors the way your organization works. Channels from different workspaces can be shared when needed, and you can also collaborate with outside vendors whenever required. 3. Find information across your company As an admin of all workspaces of your organization, you can also enable members of any team or selected workspace to find the data, content, information, and people they need to get work done with. You can provide them with access to direct messaging, organization-wide search, and announcement channels. 4. Fine-tune your security settings From a single view and centralized control, the chief administrators of all workspaces can manage security, structure, policy, and compliance for the whole organization. The same can be done for specific workspaces. In short, the organization admin has complete control of the security and compliance of any or all workspaces. And If you are looking for a cheaper Slack Alternative… As I mentioned earlier, there are as many as 20+ Slack Alternatives that are offering similar features.   Some of these alternatives are cheaper than Slack while some others are more expensive. One of the best Slack Alternatives I can recommend is Microsoft Teams and Troop Messenger.   If you’re looking for a cheaper team communication tool that helps you automate your workflow as well, then Troop Messenger can be a decent choice.   By the way, you can try out Troop Messenger right now. For free! Just sign up and you get to Experience a 30-Day Enterprise Free Trial. Final Words Slack pricing tiers aren't the best, but with the features and extensive integration it has got to offer, it’d be unfair to say it’s not worth it. The real power of Slack lies in its integrations and apps, which no other Slack-like app can facilitate for its users. With Slack, you can do so much more. If your work requires team collaboration, you must check how much Slack costs and select a subscription plan accordingly, because eventually there’s so much for you and your team. Slack and its integrations will save your team time and increase productivity. So if you are looking to improve the time efficiency and productivity of your team, Slack is the right tool. And if you’re looking for a communication tool, then you can opt for Troop Messenger, and avail of similar benefits.