Microsoft Teams

Slack

Slack is a messaging program designed specifically for the office, developed by Slack Technologies and now owned by Salesforce.

Skype

Microsoft retired Skype on 5 May 2025 and now redirects skype.com to Microsoft Teams; new sign-ups are no longer available and this entry is kept for reference. Skype is a versatile telecommunications application that specializes in providing video chat and voice call services between devices. Users can communicate across the globe through internet connections with features designed for both personal conversations and business meetings. Owned by Microsoft, the platform also offers instant messaging, file sharing, and affordable international landline calling options. It remains a staple tool for long-distance communication, remote work collaboration, and virtual family gatherings.

Quip

Quip combines documents, spreadsheets, and chat into a single collaborative workspace, allowing teams to create, edit, and discuss content in real time. Integrated tightly with Salesforce, it streamlines business processes by keeping data and conversation together. The platform works across web and mobile devices, offering offline access and version history, while providing granular permissions and analytics to help managers track adoption and productivity.

Zoom

Zoom is a video communications platform known for reliable, low-latency video calls that scale from one-on-one meetings to large webinars and virtual events. It became a household name during remote-work adoption and remains a default choice for external client calls and conferences. Beyond core meetings, the Zoom Workplace suite bundles team chat, whiteboarding, and Zoom Phone for VoIP calling, positioning it as a broader collaboration platform rather than just a meetings app. AI Companion, Zoom's built-in assistant, provides meeting summaries, smart chapters, and follow-up task suggestions automatically after calls end.

Google Meet

Google Meet is Google Workspace's video conferencing tool, designed for quick, browser-based meetings without requiring any software installation. It is deeply integrated with Gmail and Google Calendar, so meetings can be started or joined directly from an event invite in one click. Meet includes noise cancellation, live captions, and virtual backgrounds, plus adaptive layouts that automatically adjust the video grid based on the number of participants and who is speaking. For Workspace customers, Meet also offers meeting recording to Google Drive, breakout rooms, and polls, making it a capable option for both internal syncs and larger training sessions.

Discord

Discord is a communication platform organized around servers and channels, hugely popular with gaming and online communities but increasingly used by all kinds of groups. It combines text, voice, and video with rich bots and integrations.