TEAM MESSAGING
Slack runs on AWS under Salesforce, a US company — so the US CLOUD Act applies, and there is no self-host option. Polybase gives you EU cloud, your own VPC, or air-gapped self-host, with the encryption keys in your hands.
Polybase combines team messaging with built-in video calling, native Kanban task management, and collaborative documents — all sharing a single real-time data layer. Every conversation can instantly become a task, and every document lives alongside your discussions.
Slack is a best-in-class team messaging tool with an excellent API ecosystem and thousands of integrations. However, it focuses exclusively on chat. Task management requires Asana or Jira integrations, video calls need Zoom or Huddles (basic), and document collaboration means switching to Google Docs or Notion. Each added integration fragments your data and context.
Review how Polybase and Slack approach the work your team needs to do.
A practical sequence for planning the change, moving the useful material and introducing the new workspace.
Use Slack's built-in export functionality (Workspace Settings → Import/Export Data) to download your message history and file uploads as a ZIP archive.
Create your workspace in the browser, invite your team, and configure your settings. Setup takes minutes and doesn't require any technical expertise.
Recreate your Slack channels in Polybase. If you had channels for #engineering, #design, and #general, create the same structure. Polybase channels support the same public/private visibility model you're used to.
Instead of re-adding Jira, Asana, or Trello integrations, use Polybase's built-in Kanban boards and task management. Turn messages into tasks with one click — no third-party app required.
Send invite links to your entire team. The familiar channel-based interface means zero learning curve. Most teams are fully operational within the first hour.
The additional workspace capabilities to consider when comparing Polybase with Slack.
No need for Jira or Asana integrations. Create, assign, and track tasks in Kanban boards directly from any chat message. Task status updates appear in the conversation automatically.
Slack Huddles are bare-bones. Polybase includes HD video conferencing with screen sharing and live captions — all without leaving your workspace.
Stop switching between Slack and Google Docs. Polybase's block-based document editor lives right inside your channels, with mentions and rich embeds.
Slack runs only on Salesforce's servers. Polybase lets you self-host on your own infrastructure for complete data sovereignty and compliance with strict regulatory requirements.
Slack can only forward email into a channel. Polybase gives channels shared inboxes and every teammate a personal mailbox — send, receive, and triage email inside the workspace, or connect existing Gmail and Microsoft 365 accounts.
Common questions about switching from Slack to Polybase.