Having trouble communicating with people across different platforms and tired of using emails as your primary method of communication? No worries ! That’s when Slack comes in. It is the all in one solution for all your communication problems. 

It has smart features that allow easy, speedy and swift communication that has changed the way companies connect. 

Slack is a Cloud-based communication platform that allows you to connect with your work buddies. It was developed by Slack Technologies and was released a decade ago in August 2013. 

 

What is Slack?

Slack is used as a Business-to-Business service that is used by almost every organization and provides amazing features to make work easier and hastle free. It is a messaging applications that allows you to collaborate and connect with you work buddies. 

 

Slack & Third-Party Services 

Slack offers third-party integration that supports community-built integrations.

This includes: 

• Google Drive
• Trello
• Dropbox
• Box
• Heroku
• IBM Bluemix
• Crashlytics
• GitHub
• Runscope
• Zendesk
• Zapier 
• Google Calender

 

Special Features 

Unlike the other messaging applications Slack provides it’s users with amazing features that enhances your work productivity making it easier for you to connect with people. 

• Interface – Slack offers a user friendly interface that allows you to focus on your work efficiently. It offers effortless navigation through it’s abundant features. The interface includes sidebar, main chat window, right side bar, top navigation bar and thread. 

       The interface offers customization so users can arrange the UI that fits with their needs.

• Direct Messages (DMs) – Private one-to-one or small group conversations
• Channels – One very amazing feature that Slack offers are channels. Channels are centered around a specific topic, discussion or project that allows you to connect with your team and discuss. Some channels are open to the public (anyone can join them) or are private ( you need an invite to join them). 
• File Sharing – Allows users to upload, share documents, pictures, files directly with other users.
• Workspace – You can create your very own workspace with your own custom URL and allow your team to join it. Workspaces are used by small businesses to big organizations, and also offers multiple workspace option.
• Integration – Slack offers 150+ integrations that users can install. That allows you to connect with your clients across various platforms making communication faster and easier.
• Slackbots – Slack offers their very own chatbot that is your very own virtual assistant that assists you in sending notifications, reminders or even send auto messages to your chats. It also assists you in performing various functions. 
• Video Conference – Slack introduced a new amazing feature known as “Huddles” that allows you to call others, share your screen, draw on a screen and much more. It’s like being in a conference room with your team members but virtually.

 

How to use Slack? 

Slack offers an easy UI that allows users to effortlessly use and access all it’s features. With tons of features and integrations this is your basic “How to Use Slack” to facilitate and grow your business.

 

Signing Up

1. Start on by creating you very own Slack account by heading up to Slack.com.
2. Enter your email and get started with Slack.
3. Choose a perfect name for your Slack Team.
4. Create your very own Slack URL for your team.
5. Choose your Username.
6. Invite your team by entering their Emails.
7. And that’s how you sign up to Slack, after a brief tutorial you will be all ready.

 

Slack Workspace

Slack offers an extensive workspace for it’s users to work on with their teams. The workspace allows you to send and receive Direct Messages and create Public and Private Channels which are centered around a specific topic. Type in “#” and look for channels that interest you.

 

Commands

A grip on some interesting Slack commands can allow you to access amazing functions. Commands are the basic “Slack How to” you need to know in order to fully enjoy all the Slack features. 

 

Pricing Plan

Slack offers multiple pricing plans for it’s users to meet their different needs ranging from plans for small businesses to large enterprises. 

 

Free Plan

• Provides 90 days of message history.

• Provides up-to 10 third-party integrations.

• One-to-One video and voice calls.

• 5 GB of storage data.

• Self Service Resources.

• Search across workspace.

 Pro Plan

• The pricing for this plan is around $7.25 per user per month when billed annually and for monthly bills the amount is $8.75.

• Unlimited access to all the messages in the whole Workspace.

• Unlimited access to all third-party integrations.

• Access to group video calls.

• 10 GB storage access for every user.
• Access to advanced search options.
• Access to a 24/7 support.
• Business + Plan
• The pricing for this plan is around $12.50 per user per month when billed annually and for monthly bills the amount is $15.

• Unlimited access to all messages.

• Access to tools for managing and securing workspace.

• Access to video calls.

• 20 GB per user storage.

• Integration with SSO.

• Data Retention.

• Access to a 24/7 support.

 

1. Enterprise Grid Plan 

• The pricing for this plan is custom, according to your own specific needs.
• Unlimited access to message history.
• Access to advanced level security.
• Supports multiple interconnected workspaces.
• Access to advanced tools.
• Upto 1000 GB file storage per user.

• Access to a 24/7 support.

Choose the right plan for your organization. The Free Plan is suitable for small teams, Pro Plan is ideal for Small to medium businesses, Business + Plan is for larger teams and Enterprise Grid Plan is for large organizations.

 

Slack App

The Slack application is supported by various platforms and operating systems with full features. 

• Operating Systems

• Windows
• MacOS
• Linux

• Mobile Devices

• iOS
• Android

• Web Browsers

• Chrome
• Firefox
• Safari
• Edge

• Other Environments

• Chrome OS
• Virtual Environments

 

Slack Download

To download Slack you can access the official Slack website .

Mobile

For mobile download open App Store for iOS and for Android open Google Play Store.

Browser

Slack can also be used directly via the Slack.com website. Simply visit the website and “Sign In” to your workspace.

Microsoft

Slack can also be downloaded from the Microsoft Store.