Microsoft Teams has established itself as the go-to collaboration tool in the enterprise world. But its dominance is being challenged by more privacy-respecting alternatives, like Infomaniak\'s kChat. Which one should you choose for your organization?
Overview of Both Tools
Microsoft Teams
Launched in 2017, Teams is Microsoft\'s collaboration platform, integrated into the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. It combines instant messaging, video conferencing, file sharing, and integration with Office applications.
kChat (Infomaniak)
kChat is Infomaniak\'s team messaging tool, integrated into the kSuite collaborative suite. Hosted in Switzerland, it offers a sovereign alternative to American tech giants with a focus on simplicity and data protection.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Microsoft Teams | kChat |
|---|---|---|
| Instant messaging | Yes | Yes |
| Discussion channels | Yes (public and private) | Yes (public and private) |
| Direct messages | Yes | Yes |
| File sharing | Yes (SharePoint/OneDrive) | Yes (kDrive) |
| Built-in video conferencing | Yes (up to 1,000 participants) | Via kMeet (up to 100) |
| History search | Yes | Yes |
| Reactions and emojis | Yes | Yes |
| Message threads | Yes | Yes |
| Third-party apps | Yes (hundreds of apps) | Limited |
| Desktop apps | Windows, Mac, Linux | Windows, Mac, Linux |
| Mobile apps | iOS, Android | iOS, Android |
The Crucial Question: Where Is Your Data?
Microsoft Teams
Data hosted in Microsoft datacenters (USA, Europe depending on the contract). Subject to the American Cloud Act, which allows US authorities to access data even if stored in Europe.
kChat
Data hosted exclusively in Switzerland, in Infomaniak\'s datacenters. Protected by Swiss legislation, outside Cloud Act jurisdiction. Native GDPR compliance.
Ecosystem Integration
Teams + Microsoft 365
Teams shines through its integration with the Microsoft ecosystem:
- Collaborative editing of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents directly in Teams
- Integrated Outlook calendar
- Access to OneDrive and SharePoint files
- Planner for task management
- Power Automate for workflow automation
kChat + kSuite
kChat integrates naturally with other Infomaniak tools:
- kDrive for file storage and sharing
- kMeet for launching video conferences
- Infomaniak Calendar for meeting invitations
- Online office suite (OnlyOffice)
A Note on Third-Party Integrations
Teams has hundreds of third-party apps (Trello, Asana, Salesforce...). kChat is more limited in this regard, but covers essential needs. If you depend on specific integrations, check their availability before migrating.
Pricing Comparison
| Plan | Microsoft Teams | kChat (kSuite) |
|---|---|---|
| Free version | Yes (limited) | Yes (My kSuite) |
| Pro plan / user / month | From €3.70 (Teams Essentials) | From €5.54 (kSuite) |
| With office suite | €12.50/month (Microsoft 365 Business Basic) | Included in kSuite |
| Included storage | 10 GB to 1 TB depending on plan | 3 TB shared (kSuite Standard) |
Worth Noting
Microsoft offers Teams for free to attract users into its ecosystem. But advanced features (meeting recordings, compliance, advanced administration) require paid licenses.
Strengths of Each Solution
Teams\' Strengths
- Native Microsoft integration – Perfect if you\'re already on Microsoft 365
- Rich app ecosystem – Hundreds of integrations available
- Powerful video conferencing – Up to 1,000 participants, webinars
- Mass adoption – Your partners probably already use it
kChat\'s Strengths
- Data sovereignty – 100% Swiss hosting
- Guaranteed GDPR compliance – No legal risk
- Simple, clean interface – Less complexity than Teams
- Eco-friendly – 100% renewable energy datacenters
- French-speaking support – Team based in Switzerland
Who Should Use Each Tool?
Choose Teams if...
- You\'re already on Microsoft 365 and don\'t want to switch
- You need integrations specific to the Microsoft ecosystem
- Your partners and clients mostly use Teams
- You host events with more than 100 participants
Choose kChat if...
- Data protection is a priority for your organization
- You need GDPR compliance without gray areas
- You\'re looking for an alternative to Big Tech
- You prefer a simple and efficient interface
- You value French-speaking support and eco-responsibility
Migrating from Teams to kChat
The migration is possible but requires preparation:
What You Can Migrate
- Shared files (to kDrive)
- Channel structure (manual recreation)
- History export (limited format)
What You Can\'t Migrate
- Complete conversation history with formatting
- Specific integrations and workflows
- Complex permissions and configurations
Migration Support
InfoSwitch assists businesses with their migration from Teams to kChat. Audit, planning, team training: we manage the entire process.
Verdict
Teams remains the default choice for businesses already deeply embedded in the Microsoft ecosystem. Its rich features and mass adoption make it a powerful tool.
kChat is the smart choice for those who want to regain control of their data without sacrificing collaboration. Simpler, more ethical, more respectful of your privacy.
The question isn\'t "which tool is the best?" but "what are your priorities?" If data sovereignty matters to you, the answer is clear.
Ready to migrate to Infomaniak?
Contact us for a free 15-minute audit. We will analyze your situation and provide you with a personalized quote.
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