Top 10: Intranet Chat software

2019. Facebook Workplace got reboot to boost activity and cut down on noise



Facebook has introduced a significant redesign of its Workplace service. In terms of the user interface, the new design brings two important Workplace features, namely Groups and contacts for Chats, from the less frequently visited right-rail section (where users tended to ignore ads) to the left column. Previously, the left column provided a menu of tools and additional information about the user's organization. Additionally, Notifications now has its own dedicated "inbox" where users can view a comprehensive list of relevant actions that have occurred. By clicking on each notification, users can access the corresponding content separately from the main default page. Another noteworthy update is the introduction of a "focus" mode in sections like Groups within Workplace. This mode removes the left navigation column, allowing users to concentrate solely on the content they are working on, without distractions from alerts originating from other groups, individuals, or the entire company.


2018. Group chat Crew launched enterprise version



The recently funded messenger app, Crew, has secured a significant investment of $35 million. Catering specifically to businesses employing shift workers who are not typically desk-bound, Crew introduces a new feature known as Crew Enterprise. This feature aims to enhance messaging management across large groups of these workers, providing businesses with improved communication capabilities. With a customer base of 25,000, including prominent names in the food industry such as Domino's Pizza and Burger King, Crew has garnered substantial engagement. While numerous messaging apps exist in the market today, most are designed for knowledge workers who utilize multiple apps throughout their workday and are predominantly stationed at desks using computers, phones, and tablets. In contrast, Crew sets itself apart by targeting the extensive segment of the workforce that prioritizes efficient communication outside traditional office settings.

2018. Slack added search filters



Slack’s search capabilities are receiving an additional update that focuses on enhancing the overall search experience by introducing filters. These filters allow for more precise searches, enabling users to find the most relevant answers efficiently. Moreover, the company emphasizes that searches will now be personalized, further tailoring the results to individual users. These improvements aim to address the challenge of swiftly locating specific files or conversations within Slack—a platform known for its extensive collection of group chats and channels that can become overwhelming. As companies expand in size, the volume of information within Slack grows rapidly, making it increasingly difficult to access the right information. To maintain its simplicity as an internal communication tool, Slack relies on behind-the-scenes improvements and subtle user-facing changes. The company reports that the back-end optimization has resulted in a 70 percent increase in search speed.


2018. Stride hits general availability



Atlassian's group chat tool, Stride, which was initially launched as a beta version in September, is now available for all teams to explore and utilize. Based on feedback gathered during the beta period, the company reports that users have collectively spent approximately a quarter of a million hours in Stride's Focus Mode. This mode aims to provide respite from the constant influx of notifications by allowing users to disable all incoming messages and alerts. Since the closed beta release, Atlassian has introduced around 50 new features and enhancements to the service, including improved chat list organization, enhanced search functionality, and various upgrades to the platform's video meeting capabilities. Notably, the team takes particular pride in the advancements made in the realm of video chat features.


2014. Unison - virtual rooms for collaboration and discussions



The newly introduced service, Unison, offers an intriguing amalgamation of features encompassing intranet chat, an internal social network, and video conferencing. It provides a platform to create virtual rooms where colleagues can be invited to engage in communication through activity streams, voice chats, and video chats. The sidebar displays a list of coworkers currently present in the room or online across other rooms. Personalized one-on-one conversations with coworkers are also facilitated through a chat interface akin to Gmail. Unison extends its functionality to mobile devices, allowing seamless communication and collaboration from smartphones. The service offers a free version for up to 5 users, including audio and video calls. A paid version is also available, starting at $8 per user per month. Additionally, users have the option to acquire the system as a standalone package for installation on their own server.