9 Things You Didn't Know About Message Interoperability

Message interoperability is when multiple messaging platforms come together as one.

Through the use of APIs, product development and the pressing enterprise requirement of syncing conversations across messaging platforms, Mio has developed the only enterprise-grade messaging interoperability tool for Slack, Webex Teams and Microsoft Teams.

Here's some key points that you might not already know about.

1. More than just chat
2. Not limited to one to one chat
3. Threaded conversations
4. Security is paramount
5. Fully sync channels and users
6. Non-supported features can be emulated
7. Harder than you think
8. Not just for collaboration
9. You don't have to go it alone

#1 - Message interoperability supports more than chat

The messaging experience is not limited to simply text. Therefore, it's crucial that any messaging interoperability platform supports all forms of content that are shared in messages.

Mio supports file uploads, link sharing, emojis, reactions and GIFs across platform. You can send a message containing any, or all, of the above from the platform of your choosing i.e. Slack, and have it delivered in your colleagues platform, i.e. Webex Teams.

#2 - Message interoperability isn't limited to one to one chat

Just as messages aren't limited to simply text, messages aren't limited to chat sessions between two people. The biggest difference between Skype for Business and Microsoft Teams is the introduction of persistent chat in the form of Teams.

Teams, channels and spaces across Microsoft, Webex and Slack platforms all provide a team messaging experience. So, it's vital that message interoperability includes the collaborative messaging experience too.

Mio supports team messaging through the channel sync feature. Watch the video below to see how Mio sync Google Chat spaces and Microsoft Teams channels below.

#3 - Message interoperability supports threaded conversations

When chats get passionate and there is a lot going on, or simply if your colleagues like to space out their thoughts, threaded conversations save the day.

Message interoperability would not be complete if threads weren't included. Rather than having to switch between apps to go back and check the thread, you can stay in the platform of your choosing and remain up to date with each and every thread to keep track of information.

#4 - Your security is paramount at all times

Mio's approach to security is transparent. This enables your company to have a high degree of confidence when communicating across platforms.

Mio securely integrates with your messaging platforms and never stores messages or files. Protecting your data can be broken down into these key areas:

• Classifying and prioritizing data
• Data encryption in transit and at rest
• Authorizing access
• Network security

You can find out more in our security white paper here.

#5 - Fully sync all channels and users

Admins have total control of the teams, channels, and users that should be synced for cross-platform messaging.

#6 - Non-supported features can be emulated

In a perfect world, all functionality will be supported. However, not all chat platform APIs allow total transparency between features.

Rather than restricting the user experience or requiring the installation and use of another app, Mio emulates features as necessary for a completely native end-user experience.

Below is a feature matrix showcasing the supported, partially supported, not supported, and in development features that Mio emulates to deliver a seamless native experience.

#7 - Interoperability is harder to achieve than you think

We know that collaboration tools are rarely one-size-fits-all. To aid this, there are a few methods in place that you could utilize to connect your messaging apps.

However, these don't achieve total interoperability and you'll likely just have another way of doing what you do today.

Integration between apps does exist across platforms like Slack, Microsoft Teams and Webex. However, this is usually achieved in bit-parts. Integrations like Webex Meetings into Slack provide access to your preferred meeting functionality, but users of Webex Teams are left having to switch between platforms to chat with colleagues that use Slack.

Web hooks and bot integrations provide further functionality. Often, triggers are setup so when a user of Webex Teams performs an action, something is triggered in Microsoft Teams.

Again, these only provide certain functionality and administration is often repetitive and time consuming.

To achieve genuine message interoperability, you need a platform dedicated to providing exactly that.

#8 - Message interoperability isn't the only interoperability in the collaboration space

Last year we rounded up what a great year 2018 had been for interoperability across the collaboration industry. Pexip pioneered video interoperability and both Cisco and Microsoft introduced interoperability between their own platforms.

We've since added to our post with new additions from the likes of Cisco, Google, Microsoft and Slack.

#9 - You don't have to go it alone

Historically, it's been a chore trying to keep teams in sync. When enterprises have distributed teams across multiple locations, or when shadow IT crops up, managing messaging platforms is tough.

In today's fast-paced digital landscape, seamless communication across various platforms is more critical than ever.

Message interoperability with Mio offers a robust solution, breaking down barriers between different messaging tools and ensuring that your team remains connected and productive.

By integrating diverse communication channels, Mio not only enhances collaboration but also streamlines workflows, reduces friction, and maintains top-notch security.

Embrace the future of unified communication and keep your organization ahead of the curve with Mio’s innovative interoperability solutions.