Slack Will Soon Delete Data for Free Users
Slack has revealed plans to delete one year old data for free users.
Currently, free users have access to data up to 90 days old, with older data hidden and accessible only upon upgrading to a paid account. However, Slack has indicated that it “may” delete data that is a year old. According to Slack, this deletion will apply specifically to messages and shared files by its service agreement and compliance regulations.
Slack’s blog post on the topic wrote:
Over the years, we’ve changed our subscriptions and features to maintain the quality of Slack for our customers. As our customer base has continued to grow, so has our mission to make Slack a tool for businesses doing their best work. We will be reducing our data storage offering for the free version of Slack; starting 26th August 2024, we’ll begin deleting messages and files more than one year old from free workspaces on a rolling basis.”
Users on the free plan will have access to 90 days’ worth of data, with older files from the rolling year period hidden but still accessible if they upgrade to a paid account. Slack also mentioned that free users can export their data, which includes all data from public channels and links to all files, though not the files themselves. Paid subscribers are unaffected by this policy, as their data will be stored according to their chosen retention policy.
Microsoft to Add Name Mispronunciation Detector to Teams?
Microsoft has patented a real-time name mispronunciation technology that it may be planning to launch on Teams.
As its name suggests, the feature is designed to detect when a user mispronounces the name of one of their coworkers. According to Windows Report, it operates seamlessly during meetings by cross-referencing participants’ names with spoken dialogue, identifying instances of mispronunciation.
“The use of video in online meetings provides the added benefit of being able to see the expressions and reactions of other people in addition to being able to hear what they are saying,” Microsoft’s patent for the technology says. “Often, being able to communicate and collaborate in real time with an online meeting fosters productivity, participation, and morale. Taking time to pronounce names correctly conveys respect and inclusion, and a willingness to treat everyone how you would like to be treated.”
The patent also includes images of Microsoft Teams as an example of a platform that could integrate this technology.
Zoom Looks to Shed Its Video Meeting Identity
Zoom feels it has outgrown its reputation as a video conferencing service and wants to be known as an “AI-first collaboration platform”.
While Zoom continues to offer its renowned video telephony and online chat services, it has evolved significantly over the years into a comprehensive UC and collaboration solution — and it appears the business wants to expand its identity even further.
The revelations came from a Fortune magazine interview with Graeme Geddes, Zoom’s Chief Growth Officer, who said:
[Zoom is] so much more than just video meetings. Video is our heritage, so we are going to continue to lean in there, push the market, there’s a lot of innovation that we’re doing, but we’re so much more than that. We want to be known as an AI-first collaboration platform.”
Geddes suggested the example of Workvivo, which was acquired by Zoom last year. Geddes highlighted that Workvivo has nothing to do with video conferencing and that through that service, Zoom supports their customers in the same way that those customers support their own through having a chatbot automation service that can escalate into a phone call.
Avaya’s C-Suite Shakeup Continues With New Chief People Officer
Avaya‘s C-Suite shakeup has continued with the appointment of Kamilah Thomas as its new Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer.
Thomas showcases over two decades of global human resources leadership and organisational transformation expertise. She will spearhead Avaya’s worldwide human resources and culture transformation initiatives.
“Kamilah’s extensive experience in transforming organisations and building inclusive cultures is the right fit for Avaya,” said Avaya CEO Alan Masarek. “Her leadership will be instrumental in advancing Avaya’s efforts as we accelerate the evolution of our workplace into a more dynamic environment where every employee can thrive.”
Avaya stresses these efforts are pivotal to its mission to foster a high-performance culture and to progress its “Destination Place to Work” journey. In her multifaceted role, Thomas also oversees the company’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEI&B) endeavours, including steering Avaya United employee resource group communities. Avaya explained that her leadership is instrumental in cultivating an equitable and inclusive workplace culture.
