Amazon launches its own business communication service Chime

Amazon Web Services has released its own business communications service. The service is called Chime and allows users to participate in conversations and meetings, for example via video calls. There is a free version in addition to the paid versions.

In the announcement, Amazon writes that there are versions of the software for Android, iOS and desktop systems such as macOS and Windows. There is no Linux version on the download page. In addition to the usual functions of a business communication service, Chime offers, among other things, the possibility to receive a call at the start of a meeting. This should make it easier to participate in a conversation.

There are several options for users. For example, it is possible to use the free ‘Basic’ version, which allows chat, audio and video conversations for a maximum of two participants. The ‘Plus’ version costs $2.50 per user per month and adds support for screen sharing and remote desktop functions. The ‘Pro’ variant is priced at $15 and expands the number of participants to a maximum of 100, along with other additional features such as meeting recording.

Amazon’s service will compete with other business communication services, such as Skype for business, Cisco’s WebEx and Slack, which has a video chat function since late last year.