ByteDance plans Google-like office tools, report says

ByteDance is preparing an overhaul of the Lark app with a focus on cloud-based file management and document and spreadsheet editing.

TikTok owner ByteDance is preparing to roll out a Google-like suite of office collaboration tools as soon as this month, Bloomberg reported Tuesday citing people familiar with the plans.

ByteDance became the world's most valuable startup because of popular apps like TikTok and news aggregator Toutiao, but in April last year it quietly released a remote-work app called Lark (Feishu in China) that combined elements of Slack, Dropbox, Google Docs and Skype.

Now the company is preparing an overhaul of the app with a focus on cloud-based file management and document and spreadsheet editing that is similar to Google's G Suite, the report said, adding the rollout will begin in China.

The global market for collaborative apps grew from $14.8 billion in 2018 to $16.5 billion last year, according to IDC data.

Even with strong incumbents like Microsoft Corp. and established players like Slack Technologies Inc., it has room for growth and ByteDance has the added incentive of a sudden spurt in demand in its home market.

Last month, Feishu announced that it is open to all enterprises and organizations in the country free of charge, regardless of size and duration, and all users can use all the features of Feishu suite.

In addition, Feishu provides enterprises with free services such as regular online training courses, online live sharing of latest practices, product new feature training, and occasional return visits.

For companies that have previously paid for Feishu, the company said it will give back to customers through relevant subsidies.

Feishu is a Slack-like remote collaboration platform developed by ByteDance. Earlier in Feburary, it announced that it will provide free use of its commercial version for three years for all SMEs and organizations that are fighting the current epidemic.

A large number of enterprises will resume work on Monday, and we also hope to be able to contribute to SMEs and society, Xie Xin, Vice President of ByteDance and Head of Feishu, said.

Feishu is a self-developed office suite product by ByteDance, and it is also its core efficiency tool for achieving home office work for 50,000 people worldwide.

Affected by the new coronavirus pneumonia epidemic, the Spring Festival holiday was extended. On February 10, a large number of enterprises officially resumed work and resumed operation. To reduce crowd gathering, telecommuting may become the mainstream choice.