Meta partners with Microsoft to combine strengths and integrate enterprise software capabilities.

The company formerly known as Facebook, Meta, announced on Wednesday, October 10, a partnership with Microsoft. The two tech giants, who previously had a high level of competition in the metaverse space, will integrate their strengths in enterprise software applications.

Meta, Microsoft Collaboration

The software integrated this time includes Meta's online collaboration software Workplace and Microsoft's team communication software Microsoft Teams. After the integration, users can conduct Microsoft Teams video meetings while using Workplace, and can also access Workplace's application content while using Microsoft Teams.

This business collaboration not only improves the competitive relationship between the two companies but also enhances the functionality of each other's corporate communication software. Workplace focuses on broad connections within the company, while Teams focuses on real-time communication between employees and their colleagues.

Jeff Teper, Microsoft 365 Collaboration Lead, stated:

There won't be a single communication tool on Earth, and as responsible providers, we have a responsibility to ensure they can integrate and have interoperability.

More Advantageous for Meta?

According to CNBC's report, in terms of user numbers, Workplace announced in May that its paid users reached 7 million, while Microsoft announced in July that its Teams product now has 250 million monthly active users. This means that the collaboration between the two parties is more likely to bring more users to Workplace.

Furthermore, Workplace had previously integrated with Microsoft's SharePoint and OneDrive software, and the addition of Teams' functionality will make Workplace even more powerful.

Both Microsoft and Meta have recently announced their metaverse development plans and have unveiled similar virtual space and meeting visions. Now that they have reached a long-term partnership on some features, there may be a high chance of seeing further cooperation between the two companies in the fields of virtual reality and the metaverse in the future.