Smooth communication is essential for every business. If issues crop up that result in a communication breakdown, this can lead to time-consuming delays and costly mistakes. As a result, it’s critical that businesses find the right software and strategies to support clear, consistent communication among their teams.
However, with the rise of online conferencing platforms and tools, there has been a new challenge in producing effective communication. Fortunately, with the points mentioned above firmly in mind, it’s possible to meet optimum communication standards with the right video conferencing software.
To make this a reality, company leaders must first start by doing their research and analyzing the various virtual conferencing tools available to them. Below is a quick synopsis of the best video conferencing tools and software on the market. It’s wise to take some time to consider each of these and how they can support a business’s efforts to achieve successful communication.
Zoom
There are many reasons why people around the world quickly adopted Zoom during COVID-19. It rapidly emerged as arguably the most popular web conferencing software available. This cloud-based service is easy to set up for any business and easy to use. Additionally, there’s a feature-rich free version that allows up to 100 people to participate for a period of 40 minutes.
If you’re willing to pay extra, however, you receive an even greater selection of tools. For instance, Zoom is great for large organizations. Pro Zoom plans can support 1,000 participants and allow up to 49 videos to appear on one screen. It has functionality for virtual events like webinars. The interactive tools like polls and chat that Zoom offers can help keep participants and audiences engaged.
One large benefit in favor of Zoom is that it offers accessibility to participants. Verbit and its Zoom captioning solution integrates into the platform to help offer more accessible meetings, events and more. Real-time transcription and live captioning can be produced within the Zoom software to offer equity to participants. Not only that, but a live scrolling transcript is available in a side window. The transcription feature is ideal for users who can search and reference everything participants say during a call.
When you throw in HD video and audio, a waiting room feature, easy file sharing, and much more, it is easy to see why many consider Zoom as the best virtual meeting platform around. However, there are a plethora of other options that many people prefer over this video conferencing giant.
Cisco Webex
Telecommunications expert Cisco created this software making it no surprise that Webex is one of the most professional and impressive video conference platforms available. Cisco also offers a free version of its platform, which packs in a large number of features, including HD video meeting capability. Still, many professionals find that the paid options for Webex are typically worth the additional price of admission.
Webex has a reputation for being easy to use. The simple interface and processes mean that even those who are a bit less tech-savvy can work their way around the software without issues. Additional perks like breakout sessions, screen sharing, and sophisticated security features make Webex one of the best online meeting tools you can download.
In addition, as with the aforementioned Zoom, one such additional feature is that Webex captioning is simple as it integrates seamlessly with Verbit. This means that users have options for live transcription services and it’s possible to caption videos in real-time. These features help improve communication and avoid a lack of access for participants. Also, for many companies, offering these accessibility features is non-negotiable as they are common accommodations under relevant accessibility legislation.
Google Meet
It isn’t a shock that the Internet giant Google has one of the most sophisticated pieces of online meeting software on the market today. Google Meet, previously known as Google Hangouts Meet, is another popular platform that has plenty to offer. Additionally, Google Meets has the advantage of being associated with the company’s many user-friendly, and often free to use tools.
Since Meet is integrated into Google Workspace, this video conferencing software is particularly useful and accessible if Workspace is already part of your business setup. Furthermore, Meet is simple to use and provides competitive pricing when matched up against other online meeting platforms.
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is another fully loaded virtual video conference package. It includes various features that outshine others on this list. For instance, large meetings and webinars can be organized with up to 10,000 participants in total.
As expected from one of the leading video conferencing software tools, Microsoft Teams incorporates a full range of features like screen sharing, live captions, call recording and chat functionalities. However, what makes it distinctive from the others is that Teams boasts full integration with Microsoft 365. For some businesses, this one-stop-shop approach is the key to simplifying work processes and communication.
What is the most popular virtual meeting platform?
Zoom is the most well-known of the many online video conference platforms, and still reigns as the leader in the industry. The platform saw massive growth in the beginning of the pandemic, when it became a household name almost synonymous with video conferencing. The app is still downloaded more often than that of any other video conferencing platform.
Part of the success of Zoom has to do with its ease of use. It’s possible to invite anyone to join a meeting with a URL. It’s not necessary for them to have the application. While there are many other players on the field, Zoom is still a dominant force.
What’s the best platform for video conferencing?
Although Zoom remains the most common video conferencing tool, it might not be the best choice for every situation. Different video collaboration platforms each have their strengths, and the right choice will depend largely on the user. For instance, free accounts with Zoom have a 40-minute meeting time limit. Google Meets and Microsoft Teams are both a little more generous with a maximum time of 60 minutes.
All of the above options have relatively high levels of quality when it comes to video and sound, so the best option may depend on other factors. Microsoft Teams, for example, has translation features that are useful for international businesses. Additionally, if a company is already using Microsoft products, Teams makes it easy to share documents. Similarly, a business that uses Google Suite may find it simpler to stick with Google Meet.
Regardless of your needs, budget and business size, there’s a video conferencing software package that’s right for each business. It can largely depend on the different platforms a company is using for its other needs and integrations. Finding tools that work in concert is potentially the best way to make the workflow seamless.
Whichever video meeting platform you choose, remember that video fatigue is very real. Having access to engagement tools to keep audiences, employees and consumers more engaged is key. Verbit is working with many businesses utilizing Zoom, Webex and others to help provide close captions and transcriptions as one engagement tool, but there are so many others already built-in for your use. Verbit’s interactive transcripts and other accessibility features are useful additions for all online meeting platforms. Additionally, Verbit connects with video hosting platforms to make captioning Panopto or Vimeo videos quick and simple.
Reach out to Verbit for more information on making your calls, meetings and events fully accessible and inclusive to your participants.