What it does
Slack is a team messaging workspace built around channels for ongoing topics and direct messages for one-to-one or small-group conversations. Channels can keep work visible to people who need the context, while replies and integrations connect conversations to other services. Its Free plan keeps messages searchable for 90 days; paid plans extend searchable history and add broader collaboration options.
Give a project a shared home
For a hypothetical product launch, use a channel for the team’s ongoing updates and keep a decision-specific exchange in a thread so it does not take over the main conversation. Slack’s channel page describes channels as searchable team workspaces and documents collaboration with people outside the company through Slack Connect. Huddles provide audio and video meetings, including screen sharing, when a written exchange needs a live conversation.
Before making Slack the long-term archive for decisions, check the plan. The pricing page lists 90 days of searchable message history on Free; Pro includes full searchable history. The Free plan also limits app connections compared with paid tiers. Slack is useful when a team wants chat connected to other work tools, but the free-history window matters for teams that expect to search old project discussions.
Strengths
- Channels keep team discussions organized around continuing topics.
- Slack Connect supports communication with people outside the company.
- Huddles add audio or video calls and screen sharing to the messaging workspace.
Watch out for
- The Free plan retains searchable message history for 90 days; older history requires a paid tier.
Best for
- Teams coordinating projects through persistent channels and searchable conversations
- Organizations that need to message external partners in shared work contexts
Sources
- Team Chat | Slack (Oct 25, 2026)
- Slack Channels: Team Group Chat for Work | Slack (Oct 25, 2026)
- Slack Pricing Plans: Find the Right Fit for Your Team | Slack (Oct 25, 2026)