Video Conference Software Comparison

4 Video Conference Software to Increase Productivity During WFH and Its Comparison

Collaboration is one of the keys to organizational success. You may often hear the statement during seminars or community meetings. 

Not without reason, these words are echoed, especially when the world is facing the Covid-19 pandemic that crippled various sectors that cause all workers to work from home (WFH).

Survive by Relying on Technology

The pandemic that has been going on for several months forced companies from various fields to find alternative ways to maintain business. 

In this case, video conferencing is an activity that began to be relied upon to run collaboration for the organization.

Actually, video conferencing is not something new because it is already used by some companies, especially technology-based ones. However, the application of new normal that encourages many parties to work from home makes its use more normal.

Although the number of video conference platforms is quite large, there are a number of criteria that need to be met to form maximum work collaboration, among others:

• Easy to operate for various backgrounds and skillsets required by the company concerned
• Compatible with various operating systems such as Windows, Mac, and Linux
• Can be installed on various electronic devices such as personal computers, laptops, smartphones, tablets, to smartwatches
• Has a minimum capacity of 100 people and has no time limit for meetings
• Provide communication support features such as persistent chat, work/team space management, breakout session, to the webinar
• Can connect with PSTN
• Provides encryption for the corporate level

Software Recommendations for Video Conferencing

Based on the criteria above, there is at least four software that can help companies to hold video conferences, including:

Cisco Webex

 

Recognized since 2007 by Cisco, Webex has grown into a video and web conferencing company that many companies rely on. 

They even provide hardware that you can use as needed. Cisco Webex, meanwhile, has emerged as an alternative option for organizations and companies looking to collaborate online.

There are two types of services offered by Cisco Webex Meetings, including the free and paid versions. Some of the fundamental differences between the two versions include the number of participants, the storage capacity to record, to the analytic.

Excess

1. Compatible for various operating systems (Windows, Mac)
2. Can be installed on various electronic devices such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets
3. Already provides virtual workspace management
4. In the free version, the duration of the meeting is unlimited and provides 1GB of the free cloud for recording needs
5. Can deploy with Hybrid Methode and integrated with PTSN Call
6. Analytic and can be connected with both Exchange and Google Calendar
7. The highest security standards for encryption
8. Video on screen sharing can reach 30fps

Deficiency

1. Cisco Webex purchases in Indonesia can only be made to their partners, such as Edavos.com
2. Webex Meetings and Webex Teams are two separate platforms
3. Fairly 'heavy' compared to other platforms due to the high-security system

Zoom

Founded by Eric Yuan, Zoom was developed in 2011 before being introduced to the public in 2013 and provides a free version. There is also a paid version for members who need premium features. 

Despite the security controversy, Zoom is still in demand for its convenience. The advantages and disadvantages are:

Excess

1. Free version available for members who want to try without spending money
2. Compatible for various operating systems (Windows, Mac, Linux)
3. Can be run on smartphones to laptops
4. Can be integrated with other video conferencing devices
5. Provides breakout sessions and webinars
6. Intuitive and friendly interface for beginners

Deficiency

1. The maximum capacity for the free version is only 40 people
2. To hold a meeting room, you must connect the platform with various devices such as cameras, audio-video, display, controller, and OS Zoom Room
3. The minimum payment must be 10 hosts
4. Not yet provide virtual workspace management
5. Requires IT, team, to standby during an online meeting
6. Still having problems with security systems.

Microsoft Teams

 

Since the implementation of work from home, the use of Microsoft Teams has increased significantly. It's only natural that this Microsoft-built platform provides advanced features such as bundling for those of you who subscribe to Office 365. That way, you and your coworkers can share documents in online meetings through Microsoft Teams.

However, unlike other platforms, Microsoft Teams does not yet present a free version. Nevertheless, you can take advantage of the trial promo during Covid-19. Distant from a number of sources, the trial lasted for a maximum of six months or 180 days.

Excess

1. Compatible for multiple operating systems, including Windows and Mac
2. Can be installed on a number of devices such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets
3. Provide screen sharing for presentation needs
4. Has presented virtual workspace management

Deficiency

1. Has limited theme (light, dark, and high contrast)
2. Only supports integration to 150 apps (including Office 365)
3. The price of the paid version is quite expensive compared to similar platforms

Google Meet

Next, there is Google Meet that the company can use for web conferences. Because it is under the auspices of Google, this software can be easily accessed for users who have already created an account in Gmail. 

By default, you also get the free version of Google Meet under the name Google Hangout.

The features provided by Google Meet are fairly simple. Among others call (audio and video), chat, and screen sharing. There are also other features that can be obtained through Gsuit Preference, such as Calendar. 

It was later rumored that Google would update google hangout to have a look like Meet.

Excess

1. Provide a free version via Google Hangout
2. Compatible for various operating systems (Windows, Mac, Linux)
3. Can be installed on a variety of devices (smartphones, laptops, tablets)
4. Can help presentations with screen sharing

Deficiency

1. The maximum capacity for the free version is only eight people, in contrast to the paid version which reaches a maximum of 250 people
2. Can't be integrated into larger meeting rooms yet
3. Not yet provide virtual workspace management
4. Limited layout selection
5. Screen sharing is often problematic, so the display must be set manually

Conclusion

From the short review of the four video conference platforms above, here are some things you can consider making a final decision:

1. Novice users who are not familiar with the feature should first try the free or trial version provided by the platform
2. Small organizations that need a platform that supports large-room meetings can use Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Cisco Webex
3. While Microsoft Teams and Cisco Webex are recommended for team management
4. Zoom and Cisco Webex are the venue options for breakout sessions and webinars
5. Google Meets and Cisco Webex excel in security systems, especially with regard to users' personal data

Regardless of our assessment, whatever your choice depends on the requirement you need, we use Webex because this software is not just web conferencing, but a platform that can combine call, chat, and video meetings, and team management.

Hopefully, you find video conference software as needed to stay productive during the Covid-19 pandemic!

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