Google Chat is no longer going to fight Microsoft Teams and Slack

Major interoperability update coming to Chat

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Googlehas announced game-changing interoperability between its own Chat app and rival services likeSlackandTeamsin a move that’s set to bring a much-welcome simplification to the way workers communicate.

Many larger organizations typically use more than one messaging service, not to mention others used for external communications with customers and clients, which Google says is a major cause for conversation silos.

The company has now teamed up with collaborative interoperability solutions provider Mio, a company that works withGoogle Chat,MicrosoftTeams, Slack,Webex, andZoomChat on tackling interoperability.

Google Chat set to get major interop overhaul

Google Chat set to get major interop overhaul

In anannouncement, the company confirmed that the feature is currently available for beta testing and is hoped to reach general availability in early 2024.

Eligible accounts include Google Workspace Business Starter/Standard/Plus, Essentials Starter, Enterprise Essentials/Essentials Plus/Standard/Plus, Frontline Starter/Standard, and Nonprofits customers.

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Companies looking to benefit from the beta version are being advised to speak to their account rep or tospeak directly with Mio.

The up-and-coming interoperability may even play into the hands of not just customers - who are likely to be much happier with their communications setups - but also providers, who may be less likely to battle it out amongst themselves to win exclusive patronage.

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This isn’t the first time that Google has made a big step toward working with other competitors - at the start of this year, it confirmed that Meetvideo conferencingusers would be able to join Zoom calls and vice versa.

Then, at the start of the summer, it announced that its ownCalendarwould be compatible withOutlook’s counterpart.

With several years’ experience freelancing in tech and automotive circles, Craig’s specific interests lie in technology that is designed to better our lives, including AI and ML, productivity aids, and smart fitness. He is also passionate about cars and the decarbonisation of personal transportation. As an avid bargain-hunter, you can be sure that any deal Craig finds is top value!

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