Slack's Evolution: Beyond Text Messaging

Slack's Evolution Beyond Text-Based Communication

As Slack prepared for its virtual Frontiers conference last October, the company initiated exploration into novel communication methods within its platform. Having established a reputation for integrating numerous services into a unified workspace – mitigating the inefficiencies of constant application switching – Slack’s functionality had primarily centered around text-based interactions.

New Features in Development

Recently, Slack has been actively developing several new features designed to diversify interaction possibilities. CEO Stewart Butterfield discussed these advancements on Thursday with Josh Constine, formerly of TechCrunch and currently an investor at SignalFire, during a Clubhouse discussion.

The conversation focused on the evolving landscape of work, and Slack posits that these new communication modalities will facilitate stronger connections among employees in a shifting, increasingly hybrid work environment. The pandemic has significantly accelerated this transition, and a widespread expectation exists that many companies will maintain a hybrid model even after the pandemic subsides.

Introducing Video Communication

Initially, Slack intends to incorporate video communication capabilities. However, rather than directly competing with established platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams, Slack envisions a user experience akin to Instagram Stories.

Consider a CEO delivering a crucial company-wide announcement, or disseminating information traditionally shared via email. This new feature allows bypassing the inbox and delivering the message directly through video. This approach adapts a successful consumer social media strategy for application within an enterprise context.

Slack’s chief product officer, Tamar Yehoshua, clarified in a blog post earlier this week that this will be an asynchronous experience, distinct from a live meeting.

“We are piloting methods to transition meetings towards an asynchronous video format that integrates seamlessly with Slack. This allows for the expression of nuance and enthusiasm without the need for a scheduled meeting,” she stated.

Voice Chat Functionality

Concurrently, Slack is developing a voice chat feature. As Butterfield explained to Constine during the Clubhouse interview, this functionality essentially replicates Clubhouse (or Twitter Spaces) within the Slack environment.

This again represents the adaptation of a consumer social concept for business application, aiming to retain users within Slack rather than requiring them to utilize alternative tools like Zoom, email, or phone calls.

Future Possibilities: Asynchronous Audio

Butterfield also alluded to the potential introduction of asynchronous audio – a feature enabling users to leave voice messages. A Slack representative confirmed that this feature is under development, though specific details remain undisclosed.

Impact of the Salesforce Acquisition

These features are particularly noteworthy in light of Salesforce’s $27 billion acquisition of Slack late last year. Collectively, these tools provide a versatile suite of communication options tailored to individual preferences.

Combined with Slack Connect DM, a recently released feature for external communication that sparked debate regarding spam and harassment controls, the concept extends beyond organizational boundaries.

As an integral part of Salesforce, these tools could prove valuable across sales, service, and marketing departments, facilitating diverse communication methods both internally and externally. They substantially enhance Slack’s value proposition as its integration with Salesforce progresses later this year.

Pilot Program and Availability

Slack initiated piloting of these new audio and video features last fall, and the testing has continued throughout this year. Currently, the company has not announced a definitive timeline for general availability of these features.