Slack has always marketed itself as something more than a chatting application. The team communication startup sees its software as a key element in workplace productivity, collaboration, and teamwork. If market response and stats are to be believed, Slack has branded itself effectively.
The team communication service has seen an impressive growth and currently has over 4 million daily active users. It has attracted IBM, TIME, LinkedIn and other 25 Fortune 100 companies; a market that was primarily dominated by Microsoft’s productivity tools.
When Microsoft announced its own version of team collaboration tool “Microsoft Teams”, it was a direct hit on Slack, to which they responded with a full-page ad in The New York Times. However, the more interesting development is how Slack is responding back in the market.
Slack is partnering with Google to bring a tight integration with Google Cloud, allowing the app to be more useful than ever. Now, teams will be able to not only discuss but also complete the tasks without having to jump in and out of different app windows.
What does that mean for your teams?
Starting next year, Google and Slack partnership will bring a number of new features and utilities for your team. We are listing some of those here.
1. Instant access to files
The collaboration is aimed at smoothing the file sharing process. When a file from Google Drive will be shared in a Slack channel or message, the system will automatically ensure that everyone in the channel can access it.
Hence, you do not have to manually grant permission to everyone; instead, all teammates in the channels will see it. In addition, if you want to add another team member or remove a collaborator from a file, a single click will work.
2. Real-time updates, previews & notifications
The files shared in Slack will offer a quick content preview instantly. The tighter integration will allow you to track the changes being made in real-time. Google Drive and Google Docs will send over notifications right in your chat box.
Hence, teammates collaborating on a particular project will be able to instantly see the previews and receive notifications about the changes being made. In addition, this real-time collaboration will enable quicker feedback resulting in speedy output and workflow.
3. Slack channels + Team Drives
Since this is being dubbed as Slack’s deepest integration so far, there will be something more than mere files accessibility. Using machine learning system, Team Drives will create a central place for the shared content and offer a new group-level ownership. It’ll enable people deep integration between Team Drives and Slack channels, offering a synchronized communication and work experience.
Hence, when new files are uploaded on the Slack channel will automatically be uploaded/stored in Drive, and then any update on the document will be made available to the group of people using both products via Slack channels.
4. Slack availability from G Suite
Companies that run on G Suite already run their organizations via the cloud, and soon with just a couple of clicks in the G Suite Admin Console, they can provision Slack for teams or the entire company.
Conclusion:
As a result of this tighter integration between Slack and Google Drive, your team’s productivity will be enhanced and time wasted in switching windows will be minimized. In addition, the services available in one place will ensure that team members don’t miss out any update from the latest projects.
On the market side, it is yet to be seen as to how Facebook, Microsoft, and other players respond to the development. Most probably, it’ll end up leading to more integrations, more joint ventures, and more ease for the customers as a result.
