Slack Software

What is Slack Software?

Overview

Slack is a cloud-based project collaboration software designed to help businesses streamline communication and enhance team productivity. The platform offers a wide range of features, such as direct messaging, group messaging, file sharing, video conferencing, and integration with other tools and services. Teams can also create channels on Slack, which serve as centralized communication hubs for specific projects, topics, or departments.

Over the last several years, teams across organizational verticals and industries have consistently ranked Slack software among the top digital communications tool available within the project management space.

What is Slack best for?

Slack is widely acclaimed for streamlining efficient organizational/team communications within one incredibly easy-to-use interface. These interactions are best categorized/understood along the following conceptual tiers:

Direct Messages

A direct message comprises a one-to-one conversation between workspace members. These are private messages privy only to the interactors.

Engagements on Public and Private Channels

Public Slack project management channels are open for all members of particular Slack workspaces to join. Anything posted in them is searchable by others, making it easy for team members to find information and stay up-to-date on important topics. In this way, public channels are great for sharing general announcements, company news, or updates on ongoing projects.

Private channels – enabled by the platform’s advanced identity management protocol – can only be accessed by people who have been invited to join them. This makes them ideal for discussing sensitive or confidential information that shouldn't/cannot be shared with everyone in certain workspaces or the entire team. Private channels are also useful for smaller groups within a team who need to collaborate on specific projects or tasks/send private messages (or engage in direct message prompts; inclusive of screen-sharing and video calls).

Slack Workspace Arrangements

A Slack workspace is a digital hub where team members can communicate and collaborate in real-time. It's a platform that brings together all the tools and resources needed to get work done efficiently, from messaging and file sharing to project management and app integration. Here, teams – under the oversight of workspace administrators – can organize their conversations into channels based on topics, departments, or projects, making it easier to find information and stay up-to-date on progress (even spanning multiple workspaces). 

Additionally, Slack offers advanced security features to protect sensitive data and ensure compliance with industry regulations.

Slack Teams

Slack Teams make for the best platform approach for facilitating both paired team-member and broader team communication interactions. Whether it’s a workspace tailored for small teams or a company-wide setup customized for large teams to work in unison, this software offering – with its unique offering of features – is the reason why the interface continues to best its niche competition.

Slack Pricing & Trial

Slack offers four different pricing plans, ranging from a free plan to paid plans with advanced features and support. These offers are designed to meet the needs of teams of all sizes, from small businesses to large enterprises. 

Free Plan
This free version introduces you to the best of everything Slack with basic functionality (inclusive of ‘general channel’ conversations). 
Pro Plan 
Suitable for small teams; complete with a range of sophisticated communication tools to facilitate routine tasks.
Business+ Plan
Tailored for larger teams/entire, multi-layered, business operations; packed with advanced features, Slack messaging app functionality, data-loss prevention, and priority support (along with everything in the Pro tier). 
Enterprise Grid Plan 
Ideal for companies looking for a custom plan arrangement pulled from Slack's large repository of communications and project management tools; requires individual appraisals of organizational requirements (with differing price tags).  

Slack project management tool free trial versions, for each of its paid subscription deals, are also available.

To get quick, custom Slack price figures suited to your organizational setup/needs, please click Get Pricing. You can also view Slack cost ballpark figures in the table below, along with a more thorough overview of each Slack paid subscription plan.

Slack Demo

The Slack demo offers a novel – highly recommended – opening for buyers interested in a paid subscription to see the platform in action/determine how best they could integrate it into their existing workflows. This can also help them in identifying which of their favorite apps could work well, concurrently, via the Slack integrations option (discussed below).

To start screening our Slack software demo feed, click Watch Demo.

Slack Integrations

Slack integrates with a wide range of third-party services/apps. The vendor also provides a variety of APIs, which enable users to build 'custom connects' with the platform. 

Here are some of the many programs that Slack works with (many of which are considered among the ‘best apps’ for efficient networking within their domains): 

  • OneDrive 
  • GitHub 
  • Zoom 
  • Salesforce 
  • Google Drive 
  • Gmail 
  • Microsoft Teams 
  • Jira 

In addition to these prominent mentions, Slack app integrations for niche-specific workflow concerns are many and far between. To gain a solid understanding of these other apps, please reach out to our helpline executives at the phone number listed at the top of the page.

How does Slack work?

Slack works - technically - via a combination of programming languages, including PHP, JavaScript, and Python; responsible, structurally, for all the benefits mediated by the utility. The backend of Slack is built on top of Amazon Web Services (AWS), which provides the infrastructure for storing data and running quick applications in the cloud (with the software’s ‘acclaimed four-hour response time’, as alluded to by Business Insider and other services).

Slack APIs/Integrations Architecture

Slack also offers a range of APIs for developers to build custom bots and apps that can automate tasks or provide additional functionality within the platform. These APIs include the Web API, Real-Time Messaging API, and Events API.

In addition, the platform provides a range of SDKs (Software Development Kits) for Python, Java, Ruby, and Node.js, among other languages. These make it easier for developers to build custom integrations by providing pre-built libraries and tools.

These software-linking options also make it easy for users who may consider leaving Slack for migrating to other interfaces (via data exports).

Who is Slack for?

Slack project management tool is designed for businesses and organizations of all sizes. Its range of features and integrations, further, make it an ideal solution for both remote and distributed teams. 

Here are some typical teams and departments that tend to use Slack in droves: 

  • Engineering 
  • Financial Services 
  • Education 
  • Retail 
  • Media 
  • IT 
  • Sales Teams 
  • Project Management 
  • Human Resources 
  • Marketing Teams 
  • Customer Service 

As such, it is difficult to provide a full list of all the other organizations that continue to use Slack, regularly, to communicate.

Slack Features

Here’s a listing (plus explanations) of top Slack features based on user accounts aggregated/narrowed for this filter:

Channels

Slack's channels feature allows users to organize conversations into public or private channel arrangements based on team, project, or topic. This streamlines communication by reducing clutter and enabling workgroups to easily find relevant conversations. Additionally, users can collaborate in real-time, share files, create new channel frameworks, deploy Slack Huddles (for informal, large-scale, conversations), and stay up to date on project progress.

Workflow Builder

This function empowers users to create custom workflows and automate repetitive tasks using an intuitive and user-friendly visual interface. With Workflow Builder, teams can automate a wide range of processes, from scheduling meetings and onboarding new employees to collecting customer feedback and more.

Sharing Files

Slack software file-sharing feature allows users to easily communicate files, documents, photos, and videos with team members. With this option, users can share files from their mobile device, computer, or cloud storage service of choice, all within the Slack app, without having to switch between tabs or windows.

Search

The search function enables users to find messages, files, and people with ease. With clickable filters, subscribers can quickly locate important information, whether it's a conversation from years ago, a comment made yesterday, or a thread deep within a particular message history. This helps streamline the process of retrieving vital data/narrowing in on searchable messages efficiently. 

Slack Connect

Slack software Connect equips users to collaborate with external partners, vendors, and customers within a single platform (via channel or direct message facilities). Through this offering, they can send direct messages, share channels, and even make voice or video calls with people outside their organization. Additionally, Slack Connect offers advanced security and compliance features, ensuring that confidential information remains secure and compliant with regulatory requirements.

Is Slack right for me?

Slack project management comes highly accredited for any organization looking for a free or paid utility that provides workgroups with the ability to communicate/collaborate without any lags.

Our review experts encourage you to sign-up for the solution via this platform for a smooth onboarding experience.

Slack Pricing Guide

Click Get Pricing to access instant, accurate quotes, the full listing of applicable Slack software offers/pricing plans, plus ‘live rep’ platform onboarding/free trial sign-up facilitation. The figures listed here are ballpark figures.

  • Free
  • Pro
  • Business+
  • Enterprise Grid
$
0 user/ month
$
7.25 user/ month
$
12.5 user/ month
N/ A
What’s included
(Basic Access)
What’s included
(Suitable for Small Teams)
What’s included
(Advanced Team Communications)
What’s included
(Ideal for Enterprise-level Organizations)
  • Up to 10 integrations with other apps
  • Message history from last 90 days
  • Files from the last 90 days
  • 1:1 voice and video calls
  • Two-factor authentication
  • Unlimited searchable message archive
  • Unlimited number of integrations with other apps
  • Group voice and video calls
  • 10GB file storage per team member
  • Guest accounts for external collaborators
  • Priority support
  • Single-channel and multi-channel guest accounts
  • Advanced usage statistics
  • ‘Switching Tabs’ option
  • SSO and user provisioning
  • Compliance exports of all messages
  • 20GB file storage per team member
  • Guaranteed uptime SLA
  • 24/7 support with a 4-hour response time
  • Advanced administration tools, such as bulk user actions
  • Usage and security reporting
  • Enterprise-level security and compliance features
  • Enterprise mobility management integration
  • 1TB file storage per team member
  • Dedicated customer success and account management
  • Enterprise-wide authentication and authorization policies
  • Enterprise-grade support, including 24/7 coverage and a dedicated support team
  • Support for third-party data loss prevention (DLP)

Slack Software Features

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Access Controls/Permissions

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Budget Management

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Data Import/Export

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Employee Management

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Milestone Tracking

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Planning Tools

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Strategic Planning

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Task Management

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Visual Workflow Management

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Workflow Management

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Process Modeling & Designing

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Real Time Reporting

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Timeline Management

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Activity Tracking

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Remote Support

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does Slack have a free trial?

Yes - Slack comes with free trials for all its paid subscription plans, as well as a free plan with limited functionality.

How is Slack different from texting?

Slack is different from stand-alone texting services in that the platform not only provides this facility but also other modes of instant, online communication for teams in the workplace.

Is Slack software free?

Yes. Slack offers a free version with basic/limited features in addition to three paid subscription plans.

What is Slack messaging?

Slack messaging allows deploying organizations to enable seamless online communications – inclusive or real-time multimedia sharing – between their various teams.

What is the Slack app used for?

The Slack app allows users to operate the platform on their mobile devices – allowing for easy remote communications.

Why is Slack so popular?

Slack’s popularity is attributed to a range of factors, including the platform’s remarkable user-friendliness/interface intuitiveness, cost-effectivity, effortless cloud hosting, and dedicated support services; among a large number of other subscription benefits that render the software many organizations’ go-to for streamlining workplace communications.

Slack Software Pricing

Small Organization

Within Budget

Medium Organization

Within Budget

Large Organization

Within Budget

Slack Software reviews

Overall Rating

10 Reviews

Excellent
50%
Good
50%
Average
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%

Who hasn’t heard of Slack? Best task management option around

March 2023

Haley S. Johnson

Revolution Repairs, CT

Pros:
If you’re in the repair business and rapidly scaling your operations, look no further than Slack for task management and one-page project communications. I switched to another platform for while and instantly regretted it. Staying put with this.
Cons:
Zero in my book.

Don’t look other than Slack for workplace communications!

February 2023

Preston H. Ryand

Digital Marketers Connection, NJ

Pros:
If it’s a powerful, easy, and fun workplace communications/collaborations tool you’re looking for, don’t commit to any other cloud service than Slack. This platform is the tops, people - hands down!
Cons:
Sometimes, it’s difficult to access the account when multiple teams send audio or video on the same network - needs a permanent workaround.

Slack redefined how we communicate!

October 2022

Brian H.

Information Technology and Services

Pros:
It does exactly what you expect it to do and improves collaboration between users who are situated miles apart and even across cities and countries. We have been more and more reliant on it, and it has become an essential part of the project toolbox. All the developers, project managers, and clients have a single platform to communicate effectively in a productive environment. A lot of third-party apps can be integrated, which unlocks a whole new level of interactivity and creativity. These integrations mean a lot of communication taking place in different apps can be had in one location, making it easier for a global workforce to stay up-to-date with each other.
Cons:
It is not recommended for use on a laptop or mobile app because the app is very resource intensive and quickly drains your battery. Thankfully, the desktop version is more than enough that we just use the mobile apps as a last resort or for on-the-go updates. Adding new channels is a bit tricky, so you have to learn it separately. It also becomes fairly pricey when more paying members are added to the group. If you are unaware of all of your paying members, or if you add guests as paid, it can soon go way above your budget.

No one comes close to how good Slack is!

October 2022

Jenna S.

Research

Pros:
I love using Slack so much that I could write a whole blog about it, but to keep the review short and actually helpful, the following are some of my favorite features: A single sign-on for multiple workspaces, the "magic link" to sign in with your email, and custom animated emojis the emojis may not seem like a big deal, but it’s very important in the way we communicate with each other. It is very easy to create as many workspaces as we require, and all of them can be neatly organized by adding separate teams with their own channels to communicate on. I have been able to work more smoothly and effectively thanks to slack.
Cons:
It is great that I have access to Slack on various platforms, but I have noticed that the sync between these platforms is not happening in real-time. For example, if there’s an alert on my computer that requires my immediate attention and I open it, there is still a popup number on all of my other devices that remains there until I open slack on each device individually and mark them as "read." This isnt a major issue, but imagine seeing your phone from afar, which still has that old notification, and you stop whatever you’re doing just to be greeted with disappointment. I find it quite annoying.

Amazing for managing multiple communication channels

October 2022

Jennifer S.

Construction

Pros:
Slack is great for both serious and casual conversations. It provides all the tools necessary to properly segregate channels for management conversations from daily chat groups where we share all sorts of stuff that has nothing to do with our work. I have done it so that the employees know where to go to report on their daily progress, share an idea, or ask a question. It also has a very unique bot feature that is useful for setting automatic reminders for the sales team or notifying managers to remove topics for the next meeting.
Cons:
The software is extremely simple to use once it is set up, but that happens once you go through the implementation process, which is difficult to say the least. The team helps you a lot, but it all comes down to how much effort you’re willing to put into the integration, which was a difficult step for us. However, once its set up, it’s just like texting or using any other messenger app. Which means you will definitely find it intuitive. The layout sometimes seems a little cluttered, and I wish there was a way to organize it just a bit more.

Realtime notifications

July 2022

Karen H.

Accounting

Pros:
I use slack all the time instead of emails to get rapid responses from the clients. Rapid responses are really appreciated in the accounting world.
Cons:
Switching from one business to the other is somewhat confusing.

To us, this is the only way of communication within a team

July 2022

Goran S.

Leisure, Travel & Tourism

Pros:
I use it for quick huddles to solve a mini-problem my employee has or for proper meetings with the entire team. All the time!
Cons:
It is just that Slack can be very intrusive sometimes but that can be solved by just muting it.

The ultimate tool for collaborations!

June 2022

Meraz H.

Information technology and Services

Pros:
It simple rocks! We have so many channels live to keep everything separate and all works so flawlessly together. It connects to all our apps which helps in file sharing as well.
Cons:
Slack calls dont terminate immediately and makes you feel your system is slow while it isnt.

Best tool for team management

June 2022

Abhinav J.

Information technology and Services

Pros:
We totally depend on it for any sort of team collabs. All our files are shared using Slack and meetings are solely done on it.
Cons:
Support team is slow. Maybe they get overwhelmed by the huge userbase. But we hardly face any problem.

The best communication you can get!

November -0001

Danny

Information Technology and Services

Pros:
If you have to manage a team of diverse, international members, Slack is the best method you can use. I love how simple it is to create new workspaces with so much detail and control. I can have as few or as many members as I want, and everything will go very smoothly. Once the workspaces are up and running, we can immediately have a better connection with everyone we work with. And all the data is synced up and available to everyone, which is great. This is especially useful to communicate with team members in different countries.
Cons:
Slack is amazing at video calls and sharing data through screen sharing, but it consumes a lot of data while doing so. It is especially concerning when a team member is on a site visit abroad and using a roaming connection, which limits the data resources. I would appreciate it if there was an option to reduce the data usage. And then there are the controls that are always in the way of what youre doing, whether it’s a video call or just navigating around the software. It would be very helpful if they could be minimized into a floating button or at least be able to move out of the way until needed.

Call us at

(661) 384-7070

Call us at

(661) 384-7070