Microsoft Teams is taking a platform approach to enhance its competitive edge in the collaboration software market. The move is to position Teams as an open platform where third-party developers can build and sell their applications. Microsoft is betting on this strategy to drive user engagement and to create a marketplace for Teams apps, similar to the app stores for mobile operating systems.
Teams has been evolving since its launch in 2017, adding features and integrations to become more than just a chat and video conferencing tool. The recent addition of Together Mode, which uses AI to place participants in a shared background, and the introduction of breakout rooms are examples of this evolution.
Despite these advancements, Teams still faces stiff competition from Zoom and Slack. While Teams has an advantage with its integration into Microsoft’s ecosystem, Zoom’s simplicity and Slack’s robust app directory pose significant challenges.
Microsoft’s platform strategy for Teams is not without risks. It might create complexity and confusion among users, and there’s a potential for low-quality apps to flood the marketplace. Yet, if successful, this approach could transform Teams into a powerful hub for work, further strengthening Microsoft’s position in the enterprise software market.
Go to source article: https://www.zdnet.com/article/will-a-platform-strategy-help-microsoft-teams-win-the-long-game/