3 Video Conference Tools To Help You Work Remotely
Working from home has become a hallmark of 2020. The resources used by tech-savvy remote workers have now become common business essentials. One of the most valuable and utilized resources has been video conferencing.
Here we’ll check out 3 widely-used video conferencing tools to help you work remotely.
Each platform reviewed offers similar options, including screen and document sharing, IM and white-board functionality. There are a few features that set these tools apart from one another, including your personal preference for the user experience and perhaps even history with each platform. Let’s take a fresh look at a few of the options available to you. (And every one of them has a free package or a trial option, so why not give a new platform a try?)
Skype
Familiar | Microsoft Office Suite-compatible
One of the first options for connecting virtually with friends and family, Skype has been making video calls available since 2005. After more than a decade of being used in business settings, too, Skype for Business Online service announced it’s ending its service in the summer of 2021, and encouraged customers to begin using Microsoft Teams service instead. Although Skype for personal video conferencing still exists, businesses will need to migrate to Teams.
Teams combine instant messaging, video conferencing, calling, and document collaboration into a single, integrated app. For those already using Office 365, the migration should be relatively seamless, and users will enjoy a cohesive experience that rounds out a complete online business platform.
A relatively frequent concern of Skype users is the video and sound quality, which is expected to improve as the Microsoft integration progresses.
There is a free trial period available and then subsequent monthly costs are configured per user, or per account with a commitment.
Fight the isolation blues by reading the Scriptures together. Learn more on the .BIBLE blog.
Zoom
Breakout Rooms | Friendly UX
Zoom is a cloud-based video communication platform that people are using for virtual gatherings.
In 2020, during the time of social distancing amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Zoom has seen twenty times more daily user counts than pre-pandemic. “The video conferencing service skyrocket to 200 million, up from 10 million in December” of 2019.
The company has become a hero among friends and family who are desperate to connect, forgiving their typical time limits on calls and offering extra features to unpaid users.
For day-to-day business operations, Zoom is a user-friendly tool for video meetings with a favorable user experience (UX). A standout feature is the breakout room option which allows the host to “send” individuals on the call to virtual rooms to conduct a meeting within the meeting. Imagine the benefit of this tool for conducting sub-group meetings, or holding Bible studies, deacon meetings or church committees online.
Zoom offers limited free plans and also paid plans which include additional features like lengthier call durations and role assignments to users in the call. Also available is a Large Meeting add-on that welcomes up to 1,000 participants.
Recently, Zoom has encountered some growing pains. Security and privacy concerns have become an issue, but these are flaws they report are being addressed. The platform has also been criticized for its unpredictable sound and video quality.
You just took your whole business online - now what? Check out 4 creative ways to stay connected with your audience online.
Google Meet
Easy to Join | Google Suite Integration
Google Meet is Google’s cloud solution for a secure video meeting option. You’re likely familiar with Google Hangout; Meet is the business version of the platform. Part of G Suite, Meet supports more participants than Hangout, and offers additional features like extra Google Drive storage space.
Rated well for its ease of use, meetings are joined via a simple link. In fact, each meeting includes its own dial-in details, so guests can join video calls quickly via smartphone. Easily integrated with G Suite, Meet can also seamlessly work with other meeting platforms by utilizing Pexip interoperability.
As described on the Church Communications blog:
“Google recently announced that users who subscribe to their Education services are now allowed to use their advanced Google Hangouts tools, which enables video hangouts of up to 250 participants and access to the video call through live-streaming to up to 100,000 people. If your concern is the number of participants, Google Hangouts can handle your needs. Participants first need to have or set up a Google Mail account to join the call.”=
Package prices vary in cost and user limits, from free to $25 per month.
In today’s remote business setting, utilizing a video call platform is critical. Seeing your team via a live video, and possibly customers, can breathe life into an uncertain time. You won’t be disappointed with any of the tools referenced here, so we encourage you to choose one and begin conducting chats and meetings virtually.
We’d love to know what kind of resources you’re using while you work remotely. Leave us a comment and share your favorite tools.