Microsoft Teams vs Yammer: What are the differences?

Introduction

Microsoft Teams and Yammer are both collaboration tools offered by Microsoft, but they cater to different aspects of teamwork and communication. Understanding the key differences between Microsoft Teams and Yammer will help users choose the most suitable platform for their needs.

1. Integration with Office 365: One of the main differences between Microsoft Teams and Yammer is their level of integration with Office 365. Microsoft Teams is seamlessly integrated with other Office 365 applications like SharePoint, Outlook, and OneDrive, allowing users to access and collaborate on files within the platform. On the other hand, while Yammer also offers integration with Office 365 apps, the integration is not as extensive as in Microsoft Teams.

2. Real-time Communication: Microsoft Teams provides real-time communication capabilities, making it an ideal tool for quick and instant messaging with team members. It offers features like chat, video calls, screen sharing, and file sharing, enabling teams to collaborate and communicate effectively. In contrast, Yammer focuses more on asynchronous communication, allowing users to post messages, share updates, and have discussions within groups.

3. Team vs. Network Orientation: Microsoft Teams is designed for small teams or groups within an organization. It provides a dedicated space for teams to collaborate, share files, and communicate in real-time. In contrast, Yammer is more suitable for larger networks and communities within an organization. It enables employees to connect and share information across departments, business units, and locations.

4. Document Management: Microsoft Teams offers robust document management capabilities with integrations to SharePoint and OneDrive. Users can create, edit, and store files within Teams, and all changes are synced and accessible to the team members. Yammer, on the other hand, focuses more on discussions and conversations, with fewer document management features. While users can share files in Yammer, the document management capabilities are not as comprehensive as in Microsoft Teams.

5. Privacy and Security: Both Microsoft Teams and Yammer prioritize privacy and security, but there are differences in their features and controls. Microsoft Teams allows users to set up private channels within a team and control access to specific conversations and files. It also offers advanced security features like data encryption, multi-factor authentication, and compliance standards. Yammer, on the other hand, has a more open and public nature, with limited options for controlling access and privacy settings.

6. User Interface and User Experience: The user interface and user experience in Microsoft Teams and Yammer differ significantly. Microsoft Teams provides a more modern and intuitive interface, with features like tabs, channels, and customizable layouts. It offers a unified and organized view of conversations, files, and shared resources. Yammer, on the other hand, has a less structured interface, with a feed-like layout that emphasizes discussions and updates from different groups and users.

In summary, Microsoft Teams is focused on real-time communication, small team collaboration, and extensive integration with Office 365, while Yammer is more suitable for larger networks, asynchronous communication, and broader organizational conversations. The choice between Microsoft Teams and Yammer depends on specific collaboration needs and the scale of communication within an organization.