Zoom, Google Meet, and Skype are today trending more than ever, with millions of people sent to work and study from home. Read here if you want to know which tools are best for video calling and conferencing.
With the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), people all around the world are being advised on physical social distancing. Aimed towards impeding the spread of the virus, and avoiding worst-case scenarios as much as possible. In doing so, many businesses have to now rely on technology to keep in touch and run their usual meetings.
However, if you are not already adapted to working on the go and being tech-savvy, video conferencing can be frustrating and confusing. You with think that by now we are collectively used to video calls, but the truth is we’re not, at least not all of us. There are settle things you need to ensure, to come off as professional as possible, while working at home – remember to distract your kids before they distract you during your virtual meeting for example.
There are endless choices when it comes to video calls and conferences, such as Microsoft Teams, Amazon Chime, BlueJeans, and WebEx. We have also found some people that leveraged other daily apps, such as facetime and Facebook messenger instead.
Here are the top three apps that we have used and thought can help you regardless of the type of call:
Zoom Meetings
Zoom Meetings has a range of video conferencing and messaging options for both desktop and mobile devices. It’s easy to set-up and use and most importantly it is scalable.
Here is a list of some key features:
- Up to 1,00 participants per call
- HD video and audio
- 49 videos on a single screen
- Transcripts and meetings can be saved (locally or on a cloud)
- Screen sharing option available
- The basic version is free
Read more about Zoom here.
Google Meet
To avoid confusion there are two versions of Google Meet, there is Hangouts Chat and Hangouts Meet (aka Google Meet). The main difference is one is for free, Hangouts chat, and the other Google Meet is only available for Gsuite customers.
If your company already is using Google Services, then this is probably your best option. It is already seamlessly integrated with all your other Google services, such as calendar, drive, and email. It will allow you to easily schedule meetings and add them to your Google Calendar with joining instructions for first-time users.
Here is a list of some key features:
- Up to 250 participants
- Live stream to 100 thousand users
- You can use it with people outside your company (people that are not on G suite)
- Screen sharing option available
- Transcripts and meetings can be saved (locally or on a cloud)
Read more about Google Meet here.
Skype Business
You have probably heard about Skype unless your living under a rock, and if your company is already invested in Microsoft solutions, you probably use Skype already.
Skype for business is very similar to the free version of Skype for personal use, yet it has many more features and functions that make it ideal for business use.
Here is a list of some key features:
- Schedule Meetings from Outlook
- Screen sharing option available
- Up to 250 participants
- Conferencing Tools
- Transcripts and meetings can be saved (locally or on a cloud)
Read more about Skype here.
Conclusion
There are many application to choose from that can help your run your business from home. The main issue usually isn’t with the applications themselves but rather with our devices and internet connections (read here how the coronavirus affected the streaming quality in Europe).
Ensure you have the right workspace, and that your devices (microphones, speakers, and camera) allow you to hear and be heard crystally.
Finally, whatever application you choose to conduct your meetings, whether it is Zoom, Google Meet or Skype, remember its all about creating the connection, especially at these times.
If you need help with setting up your workflow from home, Miklagard is here to help. Just leave a comment below or click here.
PS: Remember no one wants to see your laundry or kitchen mess during professional video conferences.
PSS: Stay safe and take care of each other.
