Microsoft Bot Framework vs Userlike in 2025: Best Tools for Customer Support and Chatbots
In an era where customer expectations are at an all-time high, startups and SMEs rely heavily on technology to deliver outstanding customer support. The rise of AI-powered chatbots has changed the game, enabling businesses to provide real-time assistance, capture leads, and even increase customer loyalty. Two major players that have remained prominent in 2025 are Microsoft Bot Framework and Userlike.
But if you're building a startup or managing an SME, the big question is: which tool is the better choice for customer support and chatbot creation in this evolving landscape? Let's dive into the details and help you make the best decision.
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Why Chatbots Are the CORE of Modern Customer Support
Chatbots are no longer a "nice to have." They're a necessity, especially for startups and SMEs operating with lean budgets and teams. A report in 2025 from Reve Chat Blog states that 60% of customer interactions are now handled by AI-driven chatbots. Why? Because chatbots:
- Save up to 40% in operational costs.
- Answer inquiries 24/7 without human involvement.
- Seamlessly integrate with customer relationship management (CRM) tools.
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Microsoft Bot Framework: Best for AI Flexibility and Scalability
The Microsoft Bot Framework is built for those who know their way around coding and are tech-savvy. With the framework, enterprises and advanced SMEs can create complex, highly customizable chatbots. Let's break it down:
Key Advantages
- Deep Microsoft Integration: Perfect for businesses already locked into the Microsoft ecosystem (Azure, Teams, Dynamics 365).
- Highly Scalable: Whether you're building for 100 users or millions, the open-source platform grows with your business.
- Advanced AI tools: Backed by Azure Cognitive Services, the bots can handle natural language processing, image recognition, and even speech conversion.
Limitations
- Requires strong developer support, which could be costly for cash-strapped startups.
- The flexibility can be overwhelming for businesses looking for a plug-and-play solution.
Case Example: Merck uses Microsoft Bot Framework for multilingual customer service according to Bitcot. Their system manages thousands of health-related inquiries daily.
Best Fit: Established SMEs or startups with technical teams focused on customer experience automation and scalability.
Userlike: Best for Simplicity and No-Code Setup
Let's flip the coin. Userlike caters to startups and SMEs with smaller budgets or limited coding skills. Its no-code, intuitive platform is a lifesaver for teams that prioritize speed over customization.
Key Advantages
- Easy to Set Up: You can have a chatbot live in minutes, without writing a single line of code.
- Built for Customer Support: Combines AI bots with live chat for a seamless handover when human interactions are needed.
- Cost-Effective: Has flexible pricing tiers that cater to growing startups, keeping ROI high.
- Perfect for Small Teams: Automatic lead capturing and FAQ routing help scale customer engagement without hiring new support agents.
Limitations
- Less flexibility in customization compared to developer-first frameworks like Microsoft’s.
- Not ideal for businesses needing deep system integrations beyond CRMs and communication tools.
Case Example: An e-commerce brand reduced average response times by 47% using Userlike's chatbot system, propelling sales growth by 22% in under six months.
Best Fit: Startups and smaller SMEs that need fast, affordable, and easy-to-deploy chatbot solutions.
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Most Common Mistakes When Choosing a Chatbot
- Ignoring long-term scalability: Many startups pick "easy" solutions today only to realize they don’t scale with increased customer demands.
- Overcomplicating Features: Don’t waste resources building a complex bot no one knows how to use.
- Skipping Marketing: Remember, even the best bot won't help if no one visits your platform. Leveraging tools like F/MS Marketing Directories can instantly boost web traffic so customers actually interact with your bot.
How to Choose Between Microsoft Bot Framework and Userlike
Step 1: Evaluate Your Team's Skills
Do you have developers on hand? If yes, Microsoft Bot Framework is a better choice for its flexibility. If not, Userlike’s no-code setup might save time and money.
Step 2: Define Use Cases
Do you need chatbots primarily for FAQs and lead generation? Then go with Userlike. If your bot needs to handle advanced workflows (like integrating with supply chain systems), Microsoft Bot Framework is your go-to.
Step 3: Consider Budget and Growth
Startups with tight budgets should opt for Userlike, but if you're investing for the next five years and anticipate major growth in demand, Microsoft Bot Framework may be worth the investment.
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Conclusion: Which Tool Wins in 2025?
If you’re looking for power, flexibility, and scalability, the Microsoft Bot Framework is the best tool for long-term growth, especially for medium-to-large enterprises or tech-savvy startups.
On the other hand, for startups and SMEs that need quick success without a large team, Userlike is the better choice. Its simplicity, affordability, and customer support focus make it ideal for businesses that want to deploy fast and remain cost-effective.
Still unsure? Test both platforms and see which one clicks with your team’s strengths. Just make sure you don’t overlook marketing, because without visibility, even the smartest chatbot can’t shine.
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FAQ on Microsoft Bot Framework vs. Userlike for 2025
1. What is Microsoft Bot Framework best suited for?
The Microsoft Bot Framework excels at building complex, scalable solutions for enterprises already using Microsoft tools like Azure and Teams. It offers advanced flexibility for developers. Learn more about Microsoft Bot Framework
2. Where can I submit a guest post about my startup?
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3. Is Userlike suitable for SMEs?
Yes, Userlike is perfect for SMEs and startups due to its no-code setup, affordability, and ease of use when deploying chatbots quickly. Learn more about Userlike
4. Is Microsoft Bot Framework only for large businesses?
While it is ideal for enterprises, startups can utilize Microsoft Bot Framework if they have developer expertise and want advanced scalability and integrations. Explore Microsoft Bot Framework capabilities
5. Can Userlike integrate live chat and chatbots?
Yes, Userlike combines AI bots with live chat to provide seamless handover between automated chat functions and human agents. Discover Userlike's features
6. What is one mistake startups make when selecting chatbot tools?
Many startups fail to consider long-term scalability when choosing an initial chatbot solution, often opting for simplicity over growth potential. Learn how to plan effectively
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8. Which tool is best for non-technical teams?
Userlike is ideal for non-technical teams, as it enables easy and no-code chatbot setup for customer support. Learn about Userlike's no-code platform
9. How does the Microsoft Bot Framework integrate with other tools?
It integrates seamlessly within the Microsoft ecosystem (Azure, Dynamics 365, and Teams), making it highly suitable for businesses using Microsoft products. Explore Microsoft integrations
10. How affordable is Userlike for startups?
Userlike offers flexible pricing tiers, making it highly cost-effective for startups and ensuring a strong ROI. Understand Userlike's pricing options
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond and launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks.
Violetta Bonenkamp's expertise in CAD sector, IP protection and blockchain
Violetta Bonenkamp is recognized as a multidisciplinary expert with significant achievements in the CAD sector, intellectual property (IP) protection, and blockchain technology.
CAD Sector:
- Violetta is the CEO and co-founder of CADChain, a deep tech startup focused on developing IP management software specifically for CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data. CADChain addresses the lack of industry standards for CAD data protection and sharing, using innovative technology to secure and manage design data.
- She has led the company since its inception in 2018, overseeing R&D, PR, and business development, and driving the creation of products for platforms such as Autodesk Inventor, Blender, and SolidWorks.
- Her leadership has been instrumental in scaling CADChain from a small team to a significant player in the deeptech space, with a diverse, international team.
IP Protection:
- Violetta has built deep expertise in intellectual property, combining academic training with practical startup experience. She has taken specialized courses in IP from institutions like WIPO and the EU IPO.
- She is known for sharing actionable strategies for startup IP protection, leveraging both legal and technological approaches, and has published guides and content on this topic for the entrepreneurial community.
- Her work at CADChain directly addresses the need for robust IP protection in the engineering and design industries, integrating cybersecurity and compliance measures to safeguard digital assets.
Blockchain:
- Violetta’s entry into the blockchain sector began with the founding of CADChain, which uses blockchain as a core technology for securing and managing CAD data.
- She holds several certifications in blockchain and has participated in major hackathons and policy forums, such as the OECD Global Blockchain Policy Forum.
- Her expertise extends to applying blockchain for IP management, ensuring data integrity, traceability, and secure sharing in the CAD industry.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about best hotels in Italy to work from.
About the Publication
Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch. The Fe/male Switch team is located in several countries, including the Netherlands and Malta.
Mission and Purpose
Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.
Key Features
The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:
- Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
- Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
- AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
- SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
- Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
- Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials
Impact and Growth
Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:
- 3,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
- 100+ startup tools built
- 5,000+ pieces of articles and news written
Partnerships
Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.
Recognition
Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.
