Why we're not implementing another inbox

Let's keep communication focused, contextual, and aligned with your workflow.

At Atono, we’re not trying to reinvent how you communicate. While some tools aim to be all things to all people, we focus on simplifying workflows and reducing cognitive overload. That’s why we’ve made a deliberate choice: no Inbox.

One less channel, a bit less

The more places you have to check for updates, the more likely you are to miss something important. Adding an Inbox would only create another channel to monitor, adding complexity instead of reducing it.

Instead, we meet you where you already are. For direct messages, tools like Slack and Teams work well. Atono integrates with Slack today, and we’ll expand support to platforms like Teams in the future. Email will still be an option for teams that rely on it, but we’ll be designing it thoughtfully – with granular controls and an easy way to unsubscribe.

Communication in context

Whether you’re refining a story, resolving a bug, or deploying a feature, Atono keeps communication tied directly to the work it relates to. By embedding conversations into your workflow, Atono helps you stay focused on what matters most – without redirecting you to an Inbox.

We’re not your operating system

Some tools attempt to replace everything else in your stack, embedding chat features to compete with Slack or positioning themselves as the hub for all communication. That’s not our goal.

Atono isn’t here to replace Slack, email, or any other communication tool your team already uses. We’re here to work alongside those tools, helping you stay productive without asking you to rethink your entire communication strategy.

Thoughtful notifications

Email is still a critical tool in many organizations, but it often creates frustration for the people who have to use it. Too many tools overuse email, flooding inboxes with notifications that are more distracting than helpful.

We want to do better. When we introduce email notifications, they’ll be designed with care. You’ll have control over what you receive and how often, so every notification adds value instead of stress. And if email isn’t required for your workflow, opting out will be as simple and hassle-free.

Building smarter, not louder

Atono isn’t about adding more to your plate – it’s about making software development less stressful. By keeping communication where it belongs – contextual, focused, and in sync with your workflow – we’re here to help you do your best work, your way.