In an increasingly fast-paced environment, businesses are always looking for new ways to streamline their communications. This week, Microsoft has unveiled its new communications app that is designed to offer a mobile alternative to emails. ‘Send’ is specifically targeted at users of Microsoft’s Office software and is set to compete against the likes of WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and various other Instant Messenger apps.
However, unlike other instant messaging software, Send does not require a user to know their colleagues telephone number or username. Instead, quick messages can be sent to any other user with just their email address. With Send, there is no need for subject lines, signatures or salutations.
Send is specifically designed for short snappy messages between colleagues. For example, a user might simply want to say something like “what time are you in the office today?” or “I’m on my way, be there soon”.
Send connects to Office 365 business and academic email accounts to sync conversations with Outlook. This allows users to continue their conversations from any location for an enhanced flow of communications between staff. Messages sent via Send are treated like any other work email, and comply with an organisation’s email compliance policies.
Because the Send app connects to Office 365, it finds frequent and recent contacts for fast messaging. Users will simply need to tap on a contact to begin a conversation and there is a ‘Quick Reply’ option for fast responses.
All Send conversations will be saved in Outlook so that they can be accessed from either platform. However, the app won’t display all of the user’s emails, but just the conversations started in Send for ease of use.
Send is currently available in the US and Canada, as a free iPhone app through the Microsoft Garage. It should soon be widely available for Windows Phone and Android devices with the prospect of additional IT controls. Send currently works with Office 365 business and academic email accounts but Microsoft has suggested that it has plans to make it more widely available in the next few months.
Microsoft’s Send offers a dedicated messenger for work purposes, so inboxes won’t be congested with personal messages or longer emails.
We think Send has the potential to be a success with businesses, as it fits the requirements of the growing trend for flexible, remote and mobile working. In recent years, we have seen become an integral part of most businesses. Employees now commonly work from many different locations, and on multiple devices including laptops, mobiles and tablets. It is, therefore, increasingly essential for them to have smart communication channels to connect with each other whether they are inside or away from the office.
If the app becomes available on multiple devices, then co-workers will be able to send snappy messages to one another anytime and anywhere. Quick and easy internal communications can help to streamline operations, improving productivity and efficiency in the workplace. We look forward to seeing whether the Send app takes off in the UK.