In the world of corporate communication and enterprise collaboration, Yammer has long been recognized as a popular social networking tool designed to connect employees within an organization. It allowed teams to share updates, engage in discussions, and foster a sense of community in a professional environment. However, as digital collaboration tools continue to evolve, many users have wondered what Yammer is called now and how its branding and integration have changed over time. Understanding the current status of Yammer, its integration with Microsoft products, and how it fits into modern workplace communication is essential for businesses and employees alike.
The History of Yammer
Yammer was founded in 2008 as a social networking platform for businesses. Its main goal was to provide a private network where employees could communicate, share files, and collaborate on projects without relying solely on email. The platform quickly gained popularity for its user-friendly interface and its focus on enterprise social networking. Microsoft recognized its potential and acquired Yammer in 2012, integrating it into the Microsoft ecosystem to enhance productivity and collaboration tools.
Features of Yammer
- Internal CommunicationYammer provided a platform for employees to post updates, share information, and participate in discussions across departments.
- Groups and CommunitiesUsers could create groups based on projects, departments, or interests, enabling targeted communication and collaboration.
- File SharingDocuments, images, and other files could be uploaded and shared within the network, improving accessibility and teamwork.
- Integration with Microsoft 365Following the acquisition, Yammer integrated with Microsoft Office tools like Outlook, Teams, and SharePoint, enhancing its utility in the corporate environment.
The Transition of Yammer
As Microsoft continued to streamline its suite of productivity tools, Yammer underwent several changes. While it retained its name for years, its functionality and positioning within Microsoft 365 began to evolve. Microsoft aimed to create a more unified experience for workplace communication, integrating Yammer features into other platforms like Teams. This evolution raised questions about branding, user interface changes, and the role of Yammer in the broader Microsoft ecosystem.
Integration with Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams has emerged as the central hub for communication and collaboration within Microsoft 365. With Teams offering chat, video conferencing, file sharing, and app integration, Microsoft began integrating Yammer into Teams to ensure that community-driven communication could coexist with real-time collaboration tools. While Yammer continued to exist as a standalone app, much of its social networking functionality was gradually being made accessible within Teams channels and communities. This integration aimed to reduce the need for employees to switch between multiple apps and create a more cohesive user experience.
What Is Yammer Called Now?
Despite changes and integrations, Yammer has largely retained its original name. However, in recent updates and communications from Microsoft, it is often referred to as Yammer Communities or simply as part of Microsoft Viva Engage. Microsoft Viva is a broader employee experience platform that includes tools for communication, learning, wellbeing, and knowledge management. Within this framework, Yammer functions as the social networking component, allowing employees to engage in community discussions, share ideas, and collaborate beyond immediate teams.
Microsoft Viva Engage
Microsoft Viva Engage represents the modern evolution of Yammer within the Microsoft ecosystem. While the Yammer app itself still exists, its rebranding under Viva Engage emphasizes its role in fostering community and employee engagement. The platform continues to offer familiar features such as discussion feeds, groups, and announcements but with deeper integration into Microsoft 365. This ensures that employees can participate in communities while accessing other tools like Outlook, Teams, and SharePoint without disruption.
Key Features of Viva Engage
- Community InteractionUsers can join and participate in communities across the organization, promoting cross-departmental collaboration.
- Enhanced CommunicationViva Engage integrates conversation threads, polls, and Q&A features to make employee interactions more dynamic and meaningful.
- Integration with Microsoft 365Seamless connectivity with other Microsoft apps allows for file sharing, notifications, and collaborative work without leaving the platform.
- Employee RecognitionViva Engage includes features to acknowledge contributions, celebrate achievements, and foster a positive work culture.
Why the Rebranding Matters
The rebranding of Yammer under Microsoft Viva Engage reflects Microsoft’s strategy to consolidate its communication tools and position them within a larger employee experience framework. While some long-time users may still refer to it as Yammer, the new branding signals a shift toward integrated, holistic engagement rather than isolated social networking. This change also aligns with the growing emphasis on employee wellbeing, knowledge sharing, and organizational culture in digital workplaces.
Benefits of Using Viva Engage
For organizations, the transition from Yammer to Viva Engage brings several advantages. First, it unifies communication channels, allowing employees to participate in discussions, access information, and collaborate in one place. Second, it improves visibility across teams and departments, fostering a stronger sense of community. Third, integration with Microsoft 365 ensures that tools like SharePoint, Teams, and Outlook work seamlessly with Viva Engage, enhancing productivity and reducing workflow disruptions. Finally, features focused on employee recognition and engagement help build a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
Impact on Employees
From an employee perspective, the change from Yammer to Viva Engage means access to a more modern, streamlined, and integrated communication platform. Employees can engage with communities, share knowledge, and stay informed about organizational updates without having to navigate multiple applications. The enhanced social networking features within Viva Engage also make it easier to connect with colleagues, participate in discussions, and contribute to corporate initiatives.
Yammer, once a standalone social networking platform for businesses, has evolved significantly since its acquisition by Microsoft. While the app itself retains the Yammer name in some contexts, it is now commonly referred to as part of Microsoft Viva Engage. This rebranding reflects Microsoft’s strategy to integrate social networking into a broader employee experience platform that combines communication, wellbeing, and knowledge sharing. By understanding what Yammer is called now and how it functions within Viva Engage, organizations and employees can better navigate the modern workplace, leveraging integrated tools for collaboration, engagement, and productivity. The transition represents not just a name change but a shift toward a more connected, engaged, and unified digital work environment.