Microsoft is allegedly creating a Slack competitor

If you can't buy them, compete with them.

That seems to be Microsoft's motto, since recent reports from MSPowerUser speculate that the company is working on creating a Slack competitor -- with the help of Skype, of course.

Microsoft planned to buy the messaging app for $8 billion back in March, but backed out after opposition from founder Bill Gates and current CEO, Satya Nadell.

Now, rather than purchase Slack, Microsoft is teaming up with Skype for a face-off.

According to MSPowerUser, the direct Slack competitor -- called Skype Teams -- will resemble and include a lot of familiar and beloved group messaging features that people are used to in Slack.

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

"Skype Teams will allow you to chat in different groups within a team, also known as 'channels.' Additionally, users will be able to talk to each other via Direct Messages on Skype Teams," MSPowerUser reported.

Reports indicate that the Microsoft product will also include "Threaded Conversations," a convenient feature similar to Facebook comments that Slack has yet to include in its app.

Like Slack, Skype Teams will allow users to make video calls in the app, and include other useful features like the ability to share files and notes, schedule meetings and make use of Office 365 integration to incorporate Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, etc.

We know what you're thinking: What about the beloved Slack GIFs? Don't worry ... MSPowerUser states that Skype Teams will have a feature called “The Fun Picker,” which allows you to choose from a slew of fun emoji, GIFs and memes.

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Microsoft plans to release Skype Teams as a web and Windows app, the report said, in addition to apps for Android, iOS, and Windows Phone devices.