Communication is one of the key aspects of keeping your work process effective and your work relationships conflict-free. You might have encountered various group chat apps while working. One of the most popular platforms utilized in internal company communication is Slack.
In this article, we will look at how Slack compares to Teams and how you can integrate Slack in your workspace, thanks to its integration into the eM Client desktop app.
Where to download Slack & the costs
Slack can be opened in a browser, but it offers a desktop app as well - Slack for Mac and Slack for Windows.
To download Slack for Windows or to get your Slack Mac download, make sure to always do so via the official Slack website.
You might want to know more about Slack cost and whether is Slack free. Slack is available in both free and paid versions.
In case you do not require specialized features such as Slack Connect or Workflow Builder, the free slack plan will suffice. If you do want to take advantage of the more advanced Slack features, make sure to check out Slack’s pricing page to find out more about their paid plans.
Slack vs Teams
Both Slack and Teams are intended for company communication, and both offer a handy set of tools.
Their main difference is the target audience - Slack has a flat organizational structure with channels and direct messages. Small or medium-sized companies and teams will make the most of it since it allows for straightforward communication.
Teams, on the other hand, provides hierarchical communication with teams and channels, so organizations looking for larger-scale collaboration might find it more suitable for their needs.
Slack supports many third-party applications, so it is adaptable. Its interface is convenient and intuitive to use.
Teams is more “Microsoft-centric” - it works best within the Microsoft ecosystem. However, this makes it quite expensive, so it tends to be preferred by larger corporations. It also might take longer to get acquainted with Teams compared to Slack since it is not as effortless to master its functionalities.
Slack Integration in the eM Client
Viewing your Slack chats in a browser or desktop app works just fine until other communication platforms are added to the mix.
You might want to send some emails from your desktop email client, then reply to a Slack message from a colleague - then back again to emails - and so on.
Constantly switching between different windows could get repetitive. However, thanks to Slack API integration, you can now view your Slack messages - including group chat and multichat messages - with one simple click right there in the eM Client interface!
In the eM Client app, you can manage your email, calendar, contacts, tasks, and notes-all in one application. It is possible to combine different providers for each service, ensuring your workspace contains the exact tools you need.
Slack API allows developers to build applications that interact with Slack. External applications, such as the eM Client desktop app, can connect to the Slack platform and perform actions - send messages, create new channels, or synchronize data from Slack workspaces. The Slack API allows real-time communication, so your updates and notifications from Slack will appear in the connected app in real time as they happen.
How to use Slack in the eM Client desktop app
To start using Slack in the eM Client desktop app, start by adding Slack as a new account in Menu > Accounts and follow the automatic setup wizard.
Check the full guide on how to add Slack here.
Once you have added your Slack account, you will find your Slack messages under the eM Client “Chat” section in the left bottom corner of your eM Client app interface:
The Slack integration in the eM Client desktop app enables you to use the Slack chat, including multichat. It also includes any channels you are a part of and your threads:
By right-clicking the Channels, a drop-down menu opens, with the option to create new channels and browse channels:
The options to access your profile, pause notifications, change your online status, and other basic Slack features will show up in a drop-down menu if you right-click the left panel:
The top bar offers a search feature, so you can easily search through either the current channel or all channels:
After selecting a message, Reply in thread or reaction can be added to it.
Slack has become the go-to communication platform in many companies. While its vast range of features and tools can stand independently and enhance your team’s effectiveness, sometimes, simplicity is key. With Slack integrated into your favorite email client - eM Client - you won’t have to switch back and forth between platforms. All your Slack conversations and channels will be neatly packed in one place for your ultimate convenience.