Earlier this month it was reported that Facebook was testing out a new chat platform called Workplace Chat that from what we can tell, wants to be a competitor to the likes of Slack. For those who are interested in exploring new options and platforms, you’ll be pleased to learn that Workplace Chat has since been launched and is no longer in beta.
In case you’re learning about this for the first time, Workplace Chat is basically an extension of sorts to Workplace which was launched last year. With the launch of the chat feature, users will be able to chat with users on Workplace over multiple platforms such as their PC, Mac, or mobile device.
Granted this sounds like it could basically be Facebook Messenger, but there will be productivity features such as screen and file sharing, and there are also plans to eventually include group video calling. This will also allow users to create virtual rooms of up to 50 people at once for interactive video conferences.
Given that Facebook can’t just concentrate on regular users, catering to professionals with Workplace and Workplace Chat just seems like a natural evolution. So far the company has managed to successfully get Walmart as a customer, and it remains to be seen if they’ll be able to attract other big companies to its platform in the future.