Microsoft bars staff from using Slack, AWS and the Google Cloud

It's all about security, not jealousy, Microsoft claims, but urges staff to use Teams over Slack

Microsoft has blacklisted Slack, the Google Cloud and even Microsoft's own GitHub Cloud, arguing that the popular tools do not provide adequate security.

"Slack Free, Slack Standard and Slack Plus versions do not provide required controls to properly protect Microsoft Intellectual Property (IP)," Microsoft told employees in a missive.

It added: "Existing users of these solutions should migrate chat history and files related to Microsoft business to Microsoft Teams, which offers the same features and integrated Office 365 apps, calling and meeting functionality."

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While it reluctantly admitted that Slack Enterprise Grid is acceptable in terms of security, the company would prefer staff to use Microsoft Teams rather than that what it terms "competitive software".

According to GeekWire, in addition to Slack, which went public on the New York Stock Exchange last week, valued at up to $20 billion, the other applications on the "discouraged" list include Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Google Docs, which "require a business justification".

In addition, Microsoft's own GitHub Cloud also makes the list, with the warning that it should not be used for anything confidential.

Also on the list is Grammarly, blacklisted because it can access content that ought to be protected and can even log keystrokes, as well as security software from Kaspersky.

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