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06 Dec 2019

On-premise Solutions: Benefits for Governments & Enterprises

Albeit knowing the risk, being a highly regulated Government body, do you still risk hosting your sensitive data over the public cloud? It must be a thinkable idea for small and medium-sized businesses to migrate or host their information over SaaS-based applications or on cloud servers. But, the amount of damage that is irrevocable could go unthinkable and unimaginable for data-sensitive enterprises like Governments, Defence Agencies, Medical, Banking, and Large businesses.   Even though self-hosting is considered to be a traditional form of the delivery model while acquiring software or applications, this model is still a big favorite to many large enterprises and Governments where protection of data sensitivity holds a strong foothold in these highly regulated entities with this kind of on-premise solutions. Though Self-Hosting   needs downloading and installation seemed to be a big responsibility has more operating costs is little heavy needs resources to maintain your servers includes application maintenance and up-gradation costs Data ownership, data privacy, customization, and controlled databases, are a few key takeaways of the self-hosting delivery model to be not missed out at all. Table of Contents What is self-hosting? What resources do you need to self-host applications? Why self-hosted delivery model best suit Governments and Big enterprises? Quick Shots to Why? A quick look at Pros and Cons Conclusion: How Troop Messenger helps lock the back door? What is self-hosting? You don’t want any third parties to intrude on your environment? Want to have full-level access and control over your highly confidential and sensitive information? There you go, we say you are on the right page with the right information around you.....   To be precise.....   Self-Hosting is the method of locally hosting and managing software or applications on your own servers and databases. These on-premise chat applications help you store data on your servers instead of renting on SaaS providers. What resources do you need to self-host applications?   For large teams and those who do want to use the application for a higher duration, then considering self-hosted delivery would be an ideal choice. Therefore, let’s see what pre-requites we need to host applications on our private cloud.   Hardware requirements include your server space. Though you can host them on a wide range of can Benefit servers such as Azure, Self-hosting, Digital Ocean, Rack Space, Salesforce, IBM, Oracle, Alibaba, etc, ideally most would go with Google Cloud and AWS. A good DevOps team is essential to go around with the process of docker installation and its maintenance. An installation Guide from the service provider is what you need to follow while hosting the application. And as far as the databases are concerned, it all depends on what databases the application or software has been developed on. Based on this you need to have a database selection. My SQL goes well with the Self-Hosting delivery model.   There are a good number of software applications available in the market that extends both the delivery models; the SaaS version and Self-Hosting. Say, for instance, take Troop Messenger, a rapidly expanding business collaboration application. It has varied delivery models like SaaS, Self-hosting or on-premise applications, Chat APIs, and custom apps. The Troop Messenger’s SaaS and Self-Hosting versions both have the same features in it. It all depends on the size, form, and security requirements of the firms that finally opt. Why self-hosted delivery model best suit Governments and Big enterprises? Are we not responsible for protecting our personal data? Along the same lines, Is it commendable if Governments react slowly if there is any data breach in the country’s national security? Certainly not!   It is noticeable that 50% of the world’s population went online, correspondingly there could be an inadvertent chance of data breach from the hackers if it is stored on the public cloud or server. This could result expensive for Governments and big enterprises.   To achieve the highest degree of security, they surely need to adopt the delivery model of Self-Hosting to avoid eavesdropping. Quick Shots to Why?   Enterprises are worried about the vulnerabilities that exist in the cloud. Hesitant to completely migrate to public servers. Large team-sizes High stakes of migration from local server to public cloud and vice versa. Customizations are allowed Maintenance in a controlled environment   Keeping the above findings in view, most of the Governments Ministries/Departments and Large Enterprises such as telecommunications industries, finance firms, E-commerce portals, manufacturing plants, etc., opt to secure their information on their local servers with self-hosting. A quick look at Pros and Cons Pros: Cloud   Ideal for small teams Cost-effective Pay as you use Application Maintenance staff is not required 24/7 support with technical assistance Automated Software Updates   Pros: Self-Hosting   Ideal for large teams/groups the deal for data-sensitive entities such as Governments, Defence, Large enterprises, and NGOs Your data on your own servers Unlimited Storage Scalable to all the users Within your intra-networks Can access source code 100% data-breach proof Have your own domain name   Cons: Cloud   Restricted storage No access to source code Risk of data theft No access is allowed to your data the moment you cancel the subscription Data is not stored forever   Cons: Self-hosted   Tedious deployment process Hidden infrastructure costs You need a proxy server, databases, and maintenance staff Manual software/application upgrades Instability due to customization   Conclusion: How Troop Messenger helps lock the back door?   “There should be only one main door to your data and its access”, this is the practice that Troop Messenger believes in. To substantiate this concept, Troop Messenger has introduced a robust enterprise security delivery model; self-hosting. The self-hosted Troop Messenger allows you to have access to its full-feature stack like in its SaaS model, to let you collaborate with bigger and larger teams of concurrent users.   Interestingly, it has a few functional features such as a private chat window for confidential conversations(Burnout), sending text and files to multiple users/groups in just one go(Fork out), advanced search to filter images, files, videos, contacts, location, and links, unread messages filter, etc., which you don’t find in any of its counterparts.   Operate Troop Messenger within your on-premise infrastructure for complete data access and control. Redefine data security with it.

Albeit knowing the risk, being a highly regulated Government body, do you still risk hosting your se...

team chat software

11 Nov 2022

Top 13 Self-Hosted Messengers for Better Team Communication

You need a self-hosted server to host your enterprise work conversations! Indeed, self-host...

collaboration in the workplace

12 Mar 2019

Music and Productivity in the Workplace: How Music Can Help You Be More Productive

Music in the workplace is seen as one of the most important aspects of Workplace. Without it, work can be a bit dull and monotonous. While entertainment is mainly the purpose of music, recent studies and research attest that music impacts many things in one’s work, including focus and productivity.   Benefits of Music  For many years now, music has been seen to offer numerous benefits to people who listen and utilize music. Aside from stirring emotions and memories, music can enhance mental performances and even cognitive functions. And this is probably one of the main reasons why parents send their kids to music lessons as young as possible.   There also studies today that state that music can help heal certain conditions. And this is why music is now used in therapies, hence, the so-called music therapy.   It is important to note that music is therapeutic in nature. So, it is only logical why music is linked with many healing properties and wonders. But, in terms of mental performances, both experts and scholars are certain that music can help people become more productive. This is why organizations should encourage employees to listen to curated playlists on Spotify for instance. To enable employees to access these playlists, companies can create a dynamic QR Code using an online QR Code generator that links to a Spotify playlist which can be updated as needed.   How Listening Music Can Help You Be More Productive          If you aren’t convinced yet, or you haven’t experienced the wonders of music in terms of your productivity, here are some points that you may ponder on as to how listening to music may help:   Ambient Noise May Be the Creative Sweet Spot According to studies, ambient noise helps people become more creative. It is found that music at this level allows the mind to produce its “creative juices.” The way it works is through the processing difficulty. Based on studies, it shows that music at the ambient noise level helps the brain in increasing its processing ability. This is what you will need in order to promote abstract processing. As a result, you become a lot more creative.   Repetitive Task Are Made More Pleasurable Repetitive tasks are some of the reasons why people get tired or lazy easily. Aside from its monotonous nature, the task becomes boring, which negatively impacts productivity. But, thanks to music, experts learned that listening to music makes repetitive tasks more pleasurable.   The conclusion has been presented by Daniel Levitin, who happens to be a neuroscientist and the author of the popular book titled, This Is Your Brain OnMusic. A study was also conducted before which showed the same angles. It focused on surgeons and doctors who take on repetitive surgeries. And with music, it made the whole experience a lot more pleasurable and fulfilling.   Acts as a Motivational Factor Another reason why music helps people become more productive is because it acts as a motivational factor. Based on general reception, it seemingly appears that almost everyone can relate to this point. This is also probably the basis why people tend to prefer to listen to music when they feel low and stressed. As it happens, it boosts one’s motivation and determination to do tasks and perform activities. And the more motivated you feel, the more you become productive.   Helps Improve Cognitive Ability Whether you simply listen to music or utilize it like those individuals who take guitar lessons and piano lessons, it is found that these activities can improve cognitive functions and abilities. For some reason, music has the ability to improve brain functions in totality.   Accordingly, when one’s ability is improved, such as a better thinking process, faster analysis, greater comprehension, productivity easily follows through.   Improves Abstract Reasoning In relation to improving cognitive functions and ability, music is also found to improve abstract reasoning and logical thinking. This is why music is encouraged to young ones, especially those who are intending to improve their academic performances in math and science.   There is also a study linking music with creating abstraction. In the study, it is explained how abstraction is different from abstract reasoning. Even so, music is still seen as a great training ground for both entities.   It is worth noting that people who have better abstract reasoning and have better abilities to work with abstracts are great in solving and analyzing complex problems. Accordingly, when certain tasks get even more challenging, productivity can be widely observed as it will not induce any struggle that may hamper one’s ability to accomplish the task at hand.   Type of Music For Productivity It has been already established how music can help you with your focus and productivity. While it is preferred and recommended to utilize and work with your favourite music or tracks, studies and research suggest that there are those types of music that are more beneficial in improving productivity. These are the following   Classical Music Classical music is said to help every individuals’ concern about mental performance and cognitive functions. But, in terms of productivity, classical music is also found to be very effective. Some of the best tracks under this genre that are great for improving productivity include: III. Rondo-allegro – Piero Barbareschi Piano Concerto in B-Flat Major – Ewa Kupiec Brandenburg Concertos – Bach Four Seasons – Vivaldi   Ambient Soundtracks Ambient soundtracks have a special point given above as to how this type of music can help you with your productivity. But, if you are looking for specific tracks and materials, here are some of the best ambient sounds you may want to try: Rain or Forest sounds Night, Cricket, and Swamp Sounds Water Sounds Office and Traffic Sounds   Epic Music Epic music is one of the most underrated genres. As it happens, only a few people are familiar with this. But, epic music is simply the type that evokes certain moods. While it features elements of classical music, it’s pretty different as it tells a story in its course. We Stand In Silence – Twelve Titans Music Arrival To Earth – Steve Jablonsky Neon Paradise – Ivan Torrent   Final Thoughts All in all, here are the points as to how music can help you become more productive. Although these things are pretty theoretical, you can try it on your own with the tracks given in this piece. If you’re feeling too tired to go on with your tasks, try listening to the sample tracks and see it for yourself.

Music in the workplace is seen as one of the most important aspects of Workplace. Without it, w...

comparison

16 Aug 2022

Zulip Chat vs Mattermost Review : Which Open Source Chat Server is Better

In 2016, Uber made an unexpected move and left Slack for Mattermost. The ridesharing company needed an enterprise-grade collaboration tool which Slack couldn’t provide. Hence, Uber decided to create its messaging solution on Mattermost.  In 2017, both Uber and Mattermost joined hands to implement an upgrade of Mattermost platform, and it eventually met Uber’s need for an uber team communication application.  Uber’s Shift from Slack makes one question its status as ‘the pioneer of collaboration tools’ and also look for leading alternatives like MatterMost.  Facing a similar issue of asynchronous chat management, Akamai – the world’s leading content delivery network service provider – was also looking for a better alternative to HipChat, Slack, and Microsoft teams until they tried Zulip. Akamai’s search for a perfect application for their organization ended with ‘Zulip’ because of its exclusive ‘threading features,’ which was a massive win for a large organization like Akamai. Uber and Akamai’s Shift to Mattermost and Zulip are the testimony to the fact that they both are the next-gen team communication application – yet to be exploited by the masses, but promising enough to make one anticipate of the uber-cool features that will make communication easy and collaboration too much fun!   Disclaimer: We are moving Troop Messenger to self-hosted for larger enterprise and government corporations. Since there are so many self-hosted chats applications out there, we’ve started this to perform an in-depth analysis of our competitors with their pros and cons from a customer’s perspective and tried to come up with a better, cleaner and more user-friendly chat alternative. We have an entire article with the results of competitors’ research, covering our feedback on various alternatives. However, this time we would like to focus on two rivals: the well-known Zulip and Mattermost. Zulip and Mattermost: NextGen Team Chat applications   Zulip Zulip is an emerging leader of business collaboration tools. Known for its killer email threading model, Zulip assures its user to efficiently catch up on the important notifications and conversations while muting the irrelevant ones. Zulip has made a mark among great many collaboration applications and known for providing the advantages of real-time chat. No other application is known for handling synchronous and asynchronous communication as intuitively as Zulip does.    Mattermost  Mattermost, as open-source messaging software, has earned the trust of millions of users. Not only does it allow the users to create an intuitive workspace but also collaborate across teams without worrying about data privacy or security. A great number of high-security enterprises have been working through Mattermost by connecting their team and deploying automation for maximum benefit. Why are we comparing Mattermost with Zulip?  There are plenty of team communication and collaboration apps. And Slack is already ruling the charts. It’s apparent for readers to wonder why we are discussing Mattermost and Zulip when there are bosses like Slack, HipChat, Skype and RocketChat.   Every organisation is different in terms of functionality, collaboration requirements, team engagement. ‘One Size fits all’ is a myth and definitely not applicable to business collaboration requirements.   People today need greater choice, and that is where the one-size-fits-all approach comes to an end.   Slack and other similar tools of the same calibre are indeed great but they lack certain specific features that can be accomplished through employing either Zulip or Mattermost.   Hence, there’s an imminent need to try out different tools, compare their features, understand how they can be utilised to their full potential, and find the one that fits your business requirements to the fullest.  Mattermost Vs.   Zulip: Unbiased Analysis of all features Since these two emerging tools are locking horns to compete and win the tag of ‘Next-Gen Team Collaboration Tools,’ a lot of users fail to decide which one is worth their money and time.   Hence, we decided to ease the problem by conducting an unbiased review of both these tools, reflect on all their pros and cons to give prospective users a reflection on what to expect with Zulip and Mattermost.   Mattermost vs Zulip chat   1. Implementation 2. Messaging and Communication 3. API and Integrations 4. Pricing and Plans 5. Supporting OS and devices 6. Notification 7. Search 8. Security   1. Implementation  Onboarding and implementation of Zulip for enterprise use are simple. It can be done in a few simple steps. The users need either a Debian or Ubuntu system to meet installation requirements.   Zulip Step 1: Zulip users can install the latest version from the website. The pre-release version can also be installed using codes provided in the GitHub repository. Step 2: In order to set up Zulip, a user will need to run the installer and Zulip’s dependencies. There are multiple installer options, using which one can choose whether or not they want to obtain an SSL certificate for the server.  Step 3: After the install, you can either import data from the Slack, HipChat, or similar server or simply follow the prompts to set up a Zulip organisation and an admin account as well.  Step 4: Get the collaboration started through the tutorials provided on setting up outgoing emails, adding team members, maintaining Zulip server, and configuring other third-party applications.   Mattermost For Mattermost Implementation, there are multiple steps to follow-through. The steps are longer as compared to Zulip but easier to follow. Here’s what you need to do for installation: Step 1: Create a System Architecture Document including server, IP addresses, and network diagram.   Step 2: Collect the required documentation and software for proper implementation.   Step 3: Build the deployment environment including staging, development, and staging.   Step 4: Install Mattermost and all it component software including MySQL, Nginx, and PostgreSQL.   Step 5: Test the deployment by creating and automating tests provided.   Step 6: Bulk load data from a JSON file through bulk loading feature. You can import teams, users, channels, posts, and direct messages.   Step 7: Implement a backup feature to protect all your data by storing it in Mattermost database.   Step 8: Enable multi-factor authentication for robust security and data encryption.   Step 9: Train the administrators on managing matter most.   Step 10: Onboard the users.  Our Verdict Zulip Implementation: 4/5  It’s easy, not exhaustive, and very simple. Zulip implementation doesn’t require thorough technical knowledge.   Mattermost Implementation: 5/5   Mattermost sure has an exhaustive protocol for implementation but it’s the encryption and multi-factor authentication guaranteed at the forefront that earns a user’s trust. 2. Messaging and Communication Messaging and calling are the most important features of business collaboration tools, and thus, cannot be neglected.   Zulip   When it comes to messaging, Zulip sure is a surprise. With multiple messaging features, it leads the collaboration in a very intuitive manner. Some of the exciting features of Zulip’s messaging include: Markdown optimized threads for chat Inline image, tweet previews, and videos Quote and Code blocks Customised and automatic linking     Mattermost   Mattermost ensures a modern communication platform for organisations that are privacy-conscious. Its speciality lies in being able to assure a highly secure messaging platform.   Real-Time Messaging and data sharing through the DevOps Lifecycle Discussion, bots, files, and tools together in a shared and central workspace  Have complete control over the data No third-party monitoring of messages sent over Easy-to-deploy solution for managing communication    Our Verdict Zulip Messaging: 5/5   Mattermost Messaging: 4/5    3. API and Integrations Through APIs and Integrations, the teams can use either of these platforms as an all-in-one application to cater to diverse communication and collaboration needs.   Zulip Integrations Zulip supports over a hundred native integrations with third-party applications and simultaneously allows the users to integrate many more services, making the platform an all-round tool:   Integrations: Receive update and alerts from selected services with off-shelf integration for GitHub, Jenkins, Nagios, and many more. Integrations from a great many categories including communication, marketing, HR, monitoring, and productivity tools. API: Zulip ensures RESTful API associated with python binding that makes integration receiving and sending very easy. Zulip’s Zapier Integration: Allows integration of new services without the need to write specific code.     Mattermost Integrations  Mattermost ensures powerful and seamless integrations that accelerate workflows by helping the teams to do more and get things done faster. Some of the popular categories under which Mattermost supports integrations are:   Business Operations: Analytics plugin, Antivirus plugins, Bitbucket, and etc. Deployment and Configuration: Ansible Playbook Installer Communication: Amazon AWS SNS Plugin and BigBlueButton Plugin Design: Watermark Plugin and Draw Plugin File Management: File List, Cloud App, and Gyazo plugin Project Management: BotKube and BitBucket Productivity: Appear.in, Autolink Plugin, and Auto Translation Plugin Security & Compliance: Profanity Filter Plugin    Our Verdict Zulip Integrations: 4.5/5  Mattermost Integrations: 4.5/5    4. Pricing and Plans Both the applications have free plans that interest users to opt for a free trial and analyse how effective each can be for their organization’s communication and virtual collaboration needs.  Zulip has plans to suit the requirement of various teams. Plans made for small teams are cheaper and has limited features, and plans designed to curate the needs of large enterprises meet the full-fledged requirements for virtual collaboration.   Zulip Cloud Pricing   Free Plan: Allows unlimited access to Zulip with a file storage capacity of 5 GB Standard Plan: Priority commercial access to Zulip with a file storage capacity of 10 GB, priced at $6.67 per user per month.     Zulip On-Premise   Community Support: Self-service installation, LDAP directory integration, and all standard features of Zulip. This plan is open source and free. Enterprise Plan: Self-service installation, LDAP directory integration, and all standard features of Zulip with high availability assistance. For an enterprise plan, pricing varies depending on the support required.     Mattermost Mattermost has two plans dedicated to serving both small and large scale companies, and each plan offers state-of-the-art scalability and security standards.   Enterprise E10: E10 package, available at $3.25 per user per month, is ideal for small-scale companies needed data security. Enterprise E20: E20 package, available at $8.50 per user per month, is ideal for high-trust enterprises and organisations from regulated industries.    Our Verdict Zulip Pricing: 4.5/5  Mattermost Pricing: 4.5/5    5. Supporting OS and devices   Zulip With Zulip, the users get to seamlessly switch from different devices, operating software, and web-based operation.   Mobile Application: Zulip is available as a mobile application for Android, iOS, and Windows devices. Desktop Application: Zulip is available as a desktop application for android, macOS, Linux, and Windows devices. Browser: Zulip works great in a pinned browser tab and also multi-desktop chat applications like Franz and Rambox.      Mattermost Mattermost is an open-source and self-hosted application that can be accessed on multiple devices.   Mobile Application: Mattermost is available as a mobile application for Android, iOS, and Windows devices. Desktop Application: Mattermost is available as a desktop application for android, macOS, Linux, and Windows devices.    Our Verdict Zulip Supporting: 5/5   Mattermost Supporting: 4/5    6. Notification Notifications are pop-ups that appear and notify a user of any event, mentions, or activities in the application. In both these tools, notifications can be configured as required by the end-user.    Zulip   Zulip is known for it’s highly configurable and easily-ordered notifications. Users can change notifications and push-ups texts as per their preferences, schedules, and office hours. Exciting notification features of Zulip include:   Audible notifications Do Not Disturb mode Stream-Wide announcements Emails for the missed and important messages Alert words @-mentions for specific tasks or users Optional weekly emails Desktop Notifications     Mattermost    Notification Configuring with Mattermost is easy. There are different types of notifications including mobile push notifications, a browser tab notification, email notifications, and muted notifications. When a user joins a team, Mattermost will notify them for the following things:   Direct messages sent to the user Use of any specific keyword or mentions Mention of the user’s name in a channel Notification when using @all and @channel    Our Verdict Zulip Notifications: 4/5  Mattermost Notifications: 3/5    7. Search With search features, application users can find specific texts that match the search terms entered in the search bar of a channel or thread.     Zulip   With Zulip, Search within a synchronous and an asynchronous chat is made simple through the multiple keyboard shortcuts. It assures effective communication through the use of text editor, and promote the use of keyword through keyboard shortcuts. Mastering a few shortcuts can totally change a Zulip user’s experience:   The basics: Commands for sending a reply to a message, new private message, new unread topic. Navigation: Commands for searching messages, previous message, first message, text message, scroll up and search people Narrowing: Commands for narrowing to an unread topic, private messaging, PM conversation, and unread PM conversation. Composing messages: Commands for replying only to the author, new stream message, and quote to the author. Message actions: Commands for editing last message Drafts: Commands for toggling to drafts view Menus: Commands for toggling the shortcuts and gear menu Streams settings: Commands for scrolling through the stream and creating a new stream.     Mattermost    Search features in Mattermost can be used for finding messages and specific replies that match the search terms entered by the users. Exclusive Mattermost search terms are:   Search modifiers like ‘from: username’ to return results from a certain user Search from Archived channels Multiple-word search terms Before and After tags to find messages from a specific date Quotation marks for finding search results for exact terms Exclusion features to exclude certain post from search results. Hashtags for a post containing that hashtag    Our Verdict Zulip Search: 5/5  Mattermost Search: 4.5/5    8. Security   Zulip Zulip’s security system covers all aspects to ensure the information is protected and treated as the highest priority. Some of the security basics include: Zulip clients need TLS encryption and also authentication over HTTPS The on-premise offering of Zulip can be hosted behind a firewall All Zulip authenticated API has a built-in rate that prevents DoS attacks Zulip ensures configurable access control policies Integrated single-sign-on with GitHub, Google, and Active Directory Admins can configure a user’s ability to edit or remove a sent text.     Mattermost  Mattermost is known for its secure, regulated, and encrypted platform. It’s one of the tools security-conscious companies can easily rely on. It’s so secure that a large number of influential countries have been using it for safeguarding their national security. Mattermost Security features include:   Internal data storage on MySQL and PostgreSQL, which means the database a user owns TLS encryption with 2048-bit RSA Multi-factor authentication Single-sign-on Certificate-based authentication without and with SAML Secure installation in the user’s data center with advanced security options The operation behind the firewall No need to share Active Directory over the public network    Our Verdict Zulip Security: 3/5   Mattermost Security: 5/5    Zulip Vs. Mattermost: key takeaways   Zulip Specialty: Extraordinary efficiency at managing both synchronous and asynchronous chat through highly effective email modelling.   Mattermost  Specialty: High-trust messaging tool and most-compelling software for security-conscious companies and developers Over to You Now And if you’re looking for an all-rounder application, try Troop Messenger.   Indeed, both Zulip and Mattermost qualify as great team collaboration tools, but with Troop Messenger, you get the specialty features offered by both these applications, and also the ones that are missing.   With Troop Messenger, you can do a lot more than simple collaboration. For instance, look at these killer features:   Burnout: Chat with your team member's confidentiality within a private chat window. Your chats are not stored anywhere, which allows users to have privacy for a stipulated time period.   Orange Member: Have a hassle-free chat with external members like vendors, customers, who you can add to your Troop Messenger ID, and make them a part of an organization, with features and control access only admin can decide.   Recall Message: Regret sending a message or wanted to send it to someone else? With Troop Messenger, you never have to worry about this, because recall features allow you to delete sent messages.   Forkout: Pick different teammates and groups to share a message in just one go.   Splashboard: A board where you can find all the functional features of Troop Messengers and learn how to use it best.   Troop Messenger surprises its users with great features and enhancements with its every latest version updates. The recent release has come up with interesting feature updates; those including wallpapers, advanced notifications, font-size selections, the complete application help seen and accessed from the app itself, TM Bulletin that sends app news, respond later feature, with few UI changes. Check out the app today to experience the change.   We’ve aligned three leading team chat apps for you, with an unbiased analysis of all features of Zulip and Mattermost, and simultaneously briefing Troop Messenger has it all, alongside the above 5 distinctive features.   Take a close look to understand which one suits them best, and has the potential to do the required job for your office collaboration needs. You are the best judge, after all!   

In 2016, Uber made an unexpected move and left Slack for Mattermost. The ridesharing company ne...

comparison

28 Oct 2019

Skype vs Slack: The best or the better! Which one would you choose?

In 2011, Microsoft acquired Skype for $8.5 billion and turned it into a terrific program for voice and video communication and a winning investment.   In 2018, Slack signed a contract with AWS to spend at least $250 million a year for five years to enrich the Slack platform and take the ‘business collaboration software market’ by storm.   Now, Slack and Skype are locking horns to win the title of ‘best office communication and collaboration tool,’ and their target users are to decide their fate.    A major shift is coming up for businesses that were using collaboration tools like Flock and Microsoft Teams, and whether they're ready or not, Skype will be taking over Microsoft Teams by 2021.   The rivalry for domination is so strong that it took us a long time to analyze all the aspects of these ultimate business collaboration tools. We have made the comparisons and announced our verdict.    It’s time for you to check it out!    With Skype, users can talk, collaborate, and chat   Before virtual collaboration tools came into the picture, Skype was the most popular business collaboration software. Its main function is video calling. For remote business meetings, quick roundups, and any sort of communication with remote clients, Skype was a go-to application. Businesses and employers all over the world were heavily dependent on this tool for instant team communication.    With Slack, there is a guarantee for efficient teamwork, seamless collaboration, and streamlined integration.     In 2013, Slack evolved as a promising business collaboration and communication tool, and within a couple of years, the tool changed the team chat scenario altogether. It was not the first application of its kind because, by the time Slack was launched, HipChat was already competing with Skype. But Slack sure managed to create the buzz by creating a powerful network of people, and in no time, it became the office chat app everyone was talking about. Slack vs Skype   1.  Implementation 2.  Messaging and calls 3.  Integrations and File Sharing 4.  Pricing 5.  Supporting OS and Devices 6.  Notification 7.  Search What’s the Fuss all about: Why we are comparing Slack with Skype? Since both these bosses are ruling the office chat app market and earning reputable reviews, businesses that are new to remote collaboration, often find it difficult to make a choice and pick one out of these two stalwarts.    Finding appropriate internal communication software for your team depends mainly on the type of business, company size, and the collaboration features your team will need.    Through this article, we aim to give readers a clear picture of what to expect from which tool. We plan to do this by sharing a brief analysis of each feature of both Skype for Business and Slack.    This breakdown of how Slack compares to Skype in terms of all important features is the only thing you need to make a final decision with respect to your business collaboration needs.    Let’s get started! 1.  Implementation One common thing with the deployment of both Slack and Skype is that the overall project can be broken down into small and manageable phases, and an easy transition from one stage to another. It is important to remember that both these tools require three basic components for effective deployment: people, process, and technology.  Skype An admin can decide whether they should make the Skype app available to all users.    To control whether or not all company members should get Skype, the admin needs to sign up to Microsoft 365 admin center and choose the software they want to be available for users.   Admin can then ask the team members to Install the Skype for Business application on their PCs or their local network. Using the Office Deployment Tool, they can also download Microsoft 365, and Microsoft 365 pro-plus to control certain aspects of implementation like version and language.     Slack  Onboarding with admin and team members on Slack can be done in eight simple steps, including: Build a launch team, where the admin decides the role of each user. For example, the project manager, workspace owner, change team, business owner and etc.  Set up the workplace by changing settings and preferences before the app is launched company-wide. The Slack ‘settings and permission’ page has a full menu of settings that can be used to create a customized Slack desktop for users.  The third step involves creating a channel guide that manages all the channels and ensures everyone stays on the topic.  The next step involves training the users by onboarding them in a small group, explaining all the features, and then gradually expanding the teams or departments.  The final step involves inviting everyone on the board and getting started.   Verdict on Implementation: Slack indeed won us over for a very simplified process of onboarding, which not only helps admins to train the users but also allows flexible addition of entire groups. 2. Messaging and calls   Skype The best thing about Skype is that users can send a text or call a member or colleague at work, directly, with Skype credit. It’s a useful function considering the expensive international and roaming plans for communication with colleagues working remotely.    Skype is known for smart messaging and calling features: One can call mobiles and landlines at great low rates through Skype Credit.  Skype offers local numbers for 26 countries at a flat fee for unlimited incoming calls.  Users can send direct texts anytime and anywhere with Skype. @mentions feature is available to grab a user’s attention  Skype is known for its crystal clear and unmatched audio and video calls. Skype has a background blur feature that blurs a user’s background, leaving them on a focal point during video calls. Skype has a call-forwarding option as well.  Users can enable captions and subtitles during the video or audio conference.   Slack   Slack allows both face-to-face and also face-to-screen communication features. Users can collaborate and communicate from anywhere and get work done faster.    Collaboration over the internet from anywhere.   Screen sharing during video calls and conferences for easy communication of complex ideas. One-to-one messaging  Group Messaging via multiple channels  Slack allows users to create their own channels where they can set reminders, organize tasks, and create to-do lists as well.    Verdict on Messaging and Calls: If your business demands frequent calls to international mobile and landline numbers, Skype has to be the pick here. Slack lacks this feature. Furthermore, the features like background blurring and call forwarding are also missing in Slack.  3. Integrations and File Sharing  Skype Skype allows easy collaboration through documents, photos, and video sharing in different formats.     Using Ctrl+F (on Windows) and Command+F (on Mac) users can search within the conversation. File sharing up to 300 MB Drag and Drop into the conversation window. Skype extension feature for sharing articles, news, and favorite pages with Skype contact. Since Skype comes under Microsoft Office 365 plan, the integration will all MS Office tools are only one click away. It includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Outlook.   Slack Slack is the collaboration master. When a user shares files within a channel, they can add details and captions, and do a lot more than sharing.    Add context and details you don’t get while browsing the folders Photos, Videos, Files, documents, and cloud storage (Google Drive and Dropbox) can be shared anytime, anywhere within desktop apps and mobile. Teams can collaborate on large files and finesse the product with document sharing. File and conversations, in Slack, flow in searchable spaces. Drag and Drop sharing  Safe and secure file storage  The Enterprise plan of Slack allows integration with Salesforce, Zendesk, ADP, G-Drive, and many more tools.   Verdict on Integration and File Sharing: Slack takes the lead here. Features like adding context to files and collaboration on larger files make it a better option for teams that rely heavily on document sharing.  4. Pricing Skype  Skype is a part of the Microsoft Office plan. It is also available as a free communication tool for personal use, but businesses need to purchase the paid plan for remote collaboration and communication needs.    Free trial for 30 days  Office 365 Business Essentials plan starts at $5.00 per user per month Office 365 Business Premium plan starts at $12.50 per user per month Online Plan 2 starts at $5.50 per user per month     Slack Slack has packages for small to medium-sized companies.  It also has a free plan for small teams willing to try Slack for an unlimited period of time.    Free plan available for a team of ten members  For teams willing to make Slack the hub of all communication, the Standard plan starts at $2.67 per user per month (India) For businesses that require SSO and guaranteed uptime, the Plus plan is available at $5 per user per month (India)   Verdict on pricing Slack is indeed cheaper than Skype. It is cost-effective and appeals to small businesses and medium-sized teams.  5. Supporting OS and Devices  Skype Skype is available for both Desktop and Mobile use. Supporting OS and devices of Skype include:   Skype for Mac Skype for Linux  Skype for Windows 10 Skype for Linux RPM Skype for Linux DEB  Skype for Alexa  Skype for Web Skype for Mobile Skype for Tablet Skype for Xbox   Slack Slack is available as a desktop app, mobile app, and web browser application as well.  1. Desktop Apps OS:  Mac OS X  Windows  Linux  2. Mobile App OS: iOS Android  3. Web Browser: Chrome  Firefox  Safari  Microsoft Edge   Verdict on supporting devices and OS: It’s a tie. Skype can be a great pick since it can be accessed from Xbox, Alexa, and Tablets as well. Slack is great too because apart from mobile and desktop apps, it can also be accessed directly from the browser.  6. Notification Notifications keep users informed about events that need their attention. When implementing the tool for team collaboration, notifications are an important feature to consider: Skype   Skype notifications can be managed from the settings tabs. Users can control push notifications as per their preferences. Missed chat or call reminders sent as the Email notification  Do Not Disturb setting for chat and call notifications  Scheduled call notification  In-app sounds can be change  Notifications can be muted for specific chats Poll-Notifications   Slack    Slack notifies users of messages that are directed to them. You get a notification when the user gets a DM, is mentioned by someone in a channel, receives a reminder from the Slack bot, or when someone uses their keywords. Key notification features to consider: Notifications can be configured  Users can change their preference for notification appearance and sound  A badge appears before an unread notification  Notification in the taskbar means a teammate has sent a DM Notifications can be set for DM-specific and group-specific Users who are inactive on Slack receive email notifications     Verdict on Notifications Skype wins over Slack. Both these apps can be customized in terms of notifications and a lot can be managed. A lot of users complain about Slack’s notifications, which sometimes can be overwhelming. Skype’s DND saves a great deal of annoyance.  7. Search Accessing adequate information is key to working faster and smarter and increasing productivity, and hence it is an important feature to consider.  Skype   Search the messages or specific text in windows Using Ctrl+F  Search the messages or specific text in Mac with Command+F  To find a file, just click the gallery in a chat name, and see segregated files, links, videos, and photos in the conversation.    Slack    In Slack, once you can start a search by clicking on the search icon in the top right corner of the chat or bar. Search modifiers can be added for narrowing the search. For example: to search for a specific conversation, use modifiers like channel name in the search bar. Search results can be filtered on the basis of relevancy and dates.    Verdict on Search: Slack takes the lead. Where Skype’s search features are very basic, Slack has an advanced search feature which is a must-have for all business collaboration.  Skype vs Slack: key takeaway As we said before, both these tools are the bosses. Skype shines when it comes to audio and video calls and Office 365 tools, and Slack wins us over with integration options.  Nobody knows your business better than you. So, we are going to let you decide the best, considering the features compared above.  And if the information was mind-boggling, and left you overwhelmed, here’s the condensed verdict as the key takeaway: An ideal Skype Customer could be a company that relies heavily on audio and video-call conferences, where calls need to be made irrespective of internet connectivity. And it’s a perfect pick for businesses that need real-time access and collaboration on Office 365 applications. For businesses that function through Excel, Powerpoint, and Outlook, Skype is a preferred choice.    A typical Slack client could be companies that rely on integrations with third-party tools. Since Slack allows over one thousand integrations, it can be the right choice for businesses needing additional features or functionalities. If your team members need to chat on diverse topics and projects, Slack is the best choice. With Slack’s ability to create multiple channels, the team can collaborate on multiple projects and also access references faster through advanced search filters.    And if you want a tool that offers everything including quality video calls, video conferencing,  file sharing, desktop sharing, work scheduling, and integrations, you should definitely consider Troop Messenger - an indigenous communication app for worldwide use. With Troop Messenger, you get all the contemporary features for addressing your business needs and necessities. Not only can you make unlimited groups, and send one-on-one messages, but also recall the sent messages, use advanced single search filters, retrieve messages across time, make favorite users, and create a splashboard.    This business collaboration software also has features like live location sharing, confidentially chat windows, and data recording features. There are a lot more great things that you can do with Troop Messenger.    At Troop Messenger, we strive to enhance the user experience through our robust R&D.  We invite you to give Troop Messenger a try and see how this new-age ‘slack and Skype alternative’ ends your search for the best team collaboration tool. 

In 2011, Microsoft acquired Skype for $8.5 billion and turned it into a terrific program for voice a...

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