Zoom Expands Beyond Video Calls to Challenge Microsoft Teams and Slack

When you think of video calls, Zoom is likely the first name that comes to mind. Since the pandemic accelerated the shift to remote work, Zoom has become a household name for virtual communication. With its user-friendly interface and reliable video conferencing features, Zoom quickly rose to dominance in the online meeting space.

However, while Zoom has cornered the video call market, when it comes to complete workplace collaboration, platforms like Microsoft Teams and Slack have traditionally taken the lead. Their deep integrations with productivity tools, file sharing, task management, and team messaging features have made them go-to solutions for internal business communication.

But that might be about to change.

Zoom is now expanding its offering, making an aggressive push to evolve from a video platform into a full-fledged collaboration suite, aiming to directly compete with Microsoft Teams and Slack in the business productivity arena.

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Zoom’s New Suite of Collaboration Features

Recognising the limitations of being seen as just a video tool, Zoom has unveiled a number of strategic updates and new features intended to make it a true competitor in the unified communications and collaboration (UCC) space.

1. Built-In Email and Calendar Integration

One of the most significant steps in Zoom’s evolution is the introduction of Zoom Mail and Zoom Calendar, enabling users to manage their day without needing to switch platforms. This move mirrors the seamless functionality users experience within Microsoft Teams, which integrates natively with Outlook and the Microsoft 365 ecosystem.

Now, users can:

• Send and receive emails within the Zoom app
• Schedule and manage meetings with an integrated calendar
• Reduce context-switching between multiple apps

This development helps Zoom move from being a meeting tool to becoming a central workspace hub, where productivity is streamlined in one location.

2. Zoom Spots: The Virtual Co-Working Space

Another innovative feature is Zoom Spots—a virtual co-working space designed to recreate the spontaneity of in-office interactions in a remote setting.

Zoom Spots creates a persistent video connection that allows team members to drop in and out throughout the day. It's intended to replicate the "watercooler moments" that foster casual collaboration and keep distributed teams connected. While Microsoft Teams and Slack offer chat-based coworking and video huddles, Zoom Spots leans more into the visual presence element, bringing a unique flavour to remote engagement.

3. Upgrades to Zoom One Platform

The Zoom One platform now includes enhanced tools for:

• Persistent team chat
• Collaborative project spaces
• File sharing and threaded conversations
• Automated workflows and meeting recaps

These features bring Zoom closer in functionality to Slack’s chat interface and Microsoft Teams’ all-in-one collaboration environment. With these additions, Zoom One aims to become a single source of truth for business communication, reducing reliance on multiple disconnected tools.

Why Zoom’s Expansion Is a Logical Evolution

From a strategic standpoint, Zoom’s move makes perfect sense. Businesses are increasingly seeking integrated collaboration environments where their teams can chat, meet, manage tasks, and share content—all in one place. Zoom already has the video foundation, and by layering in communication and productivity tools, it aims to reduce app fatigue and centralise digital workflows.

It also addresses a key pain point in many organisations: the constant toggling between email, calendars, video apps, and project management tools. Zoom’s new features allow users to stay within the Zoom ecosystem, eliminating the friction of working across multiple platforms.

But Can Zoom Really Rival Microsoft Teams and Slack?

Zoom's ambition is clear—but the big question is whether businesses will adopt these new tools, or continue relying on established platforms like Microsoft Teams and Slack.

Here are several key factors that businesses will consider:

1. Reliability and Uptime

While Zoom has built a reputation for stable video calls, introducing new features increases the complexity of the platform. Businesses will be watching closely to ensure the new tools perform reliably, without causing glitches or downtime during critical tasks.

2. Security and Compliance

Security remains a top concern. As Zoom shifts into new domains like email and calendar management—handling sensitive data—it must demonstrate robust encryption, compliance with international data regulations, and proactive security updates.

Microsoft, for example, offers enterprise-grade security and has invested heavily in features like Microsoft Purview, Defender, and Zero Trust architecture. Zoom will need to match or exceed these standards to win over cautious IT teams.

3. Customer Support and Scalability

Adoption often hinges on customer service quality and the ability to support large teams. Microsoft and Slack have well-established support infrastructures and onboarding pathways for businesses of all sizes. Zoom will need to offer equal levels of training, onboarding, and enterprise support to remain competitive.

4. Ecosystem Integration

Microsoft Teams integrates natively with Word, Excel, Outlook, OneDrive, and other apps that most businesses already use. This tight ecosystem is hard to beat. Slack also offers thousands of third-party integrations, making it highly customisable.

Zoom must demonstrate that its platform can either match this ecosystem or provide standout experiences that justify switching from competitors.

Zoom vs Microsoft Teams vs Slack: Which One Should You Choose?

Ultimately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best collaboration platform for your business will depend on several factors:

• Current toolsets – Are you already invested in Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace?
• Team structure – Are you fully remote, hybrid, or office-based?
• Security requirements – Does your industry require strict compliance measures?
• Preferred workflow – Do your teams communicate primarily via chat or video?

Here’s a quick comparative breakdown:

FeatureZoomMicrosoft TeamsSlackVideo ConferencingExcellentStrongModerateChat & MessagingImprovedRobustMarket-leadingEmail & CalendarNewFully integrated (Outlook)LimitedThird-Party IntegrationGrowingExtensive (MS ecosystem)ExtensiveSecurity & ComplianceImprovingEnterprise-gradeStrongEase of UseHighModerate (learning curve)High

Each platform has its strengths. Zoom is positioning itself as a lightweight, video-first platform now evolving into a broader tool. Microsoft Teams continues to be the go-to for fully integrated Microsoft environments, while Slack is still popular with tech-forward and agile teams that prioritise fast communication and app customisation.

What This Means for Your Business

Zoom's expansion gives businesses more choice in how they want to build their digital workspace. The rise of Zoom as a full collaboration suite means companies can now re-evaluate their tools, particularly if they’re already using Zoom for video.

However, before adopting any new platform—especially one still rolling out new features—it’s crucial to:

• Evaluate your team's workflow needs
• Consider licensing and subscription costs
• Review your existing tech stack
• Audit your current security policies and requirements
• Trial the new features in a controlled environment

Sonar IT Can Help You Make the Right Choice

At Sonar IT, we stay ahead of the curve when it comes to emerging business technologies. Whether you're considering Zoom's expanded collaboration tools, Microsoft Teams, or Slack, we can help you:

• Assess the pros and cons of each platform based on your business model
• Migrate your existing data and users with minimal disruption
• Ensure your chosen platform is secure, compliant, and properly integrated
• Train your staff and provide ongoing IT support

We believe that the right collaboration platform should make your team’s life easier, not more complicated. With the workplace continuing to evolve rapidly, now’s the perfect time to review your tools and make sure you’re using the best-fit solutions.

Ready to Explore Zoom, Teams, or Slack for Your Business?

Whether you’re interested in exploring Zoom’s new features, switching to Microsoft Teams, or integrating Slack into your workflows, Sonar IT is here to help. Let’s future-proof your collaboration strategy together.

👉 Get in touch with our team today to book a free consultation.

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