The pandemic has forced many people into confinement. As a result, an increasing number of people are working from home. To maintain contact and successful collaboration between employees, technological tools such as videoconferencing and instant messaging are essential for businesses. They make teamwork easier and promote exchanges between colleagues.
Image credit : © Google Hangouts Meet
It can be difficult for a business to navigate through the different types of software programs on the market today. To help you make an educated choice, Lib. has curated and analyzed 3 instant messaging and videoconferencing applications for you to choose from.
Microsoft Teams
It’s Microsoft’s latest software for business. It aims to replace Skype for Business in the Office 365 suite. Microsoft Teams allows the various software in the suite such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc. to be centralized. It therefore offers a real shared and collaborative workspace for the company. This software offers many features such as an instant messaging system, document sharing, meetings, videoconferences, etc.
Benefits:
o Integration of the Office 365 suite which centralizes all of the company’s work tools
o A fun and customizable interface
o A free version that allows up to 300 users
o Available on computers, tablets and mobile devices
o Over 150 third-party services
Disadvantages:
o Difficult to use if you are not familiar with the Office environment
o A storage capacity limited in the free version to 2 GB per user and 10 GB of shared storage
Google Hangouts Meet
This is the professional version of the Google Hangouts platform. This software is integrated into G Suite, the online office solution developed by Google for businesses. Google Hangouts Meet is an instant messaging and video conferencing service. It also allows file storage and sharing (thanks to Google Drive) and the live broadcasting of conversations on YouTube. It’s important to note that until July 1, 2020, all G Suite customers will be able to use the advanced features of Google Hangouts Meet for free.
Benefits:
o Integrated into the G Suite pack o Possibility to send videoconference invitations by Google Calendar
o Intuitive and original communication (over 850 emoticons)
o Available on computers, tablets and mobile devices
o Skype for Business users can join video conferences
o Possibility to share your location thanks to the integrated geolocation system
Disadvantages:
o Une version gratuite qui permet jusqu’à 25 utilisateurs
o Des fonctionnalités réduites dans la version gratuite
Zoom
It’s a very advanced and powerful solution that offers videoconferencing, audio conferencing, webinars and instant messaging. Designed to facilitate collaboration and telework, this software integrates many features such as annotating screens, presenting and sharing files, etc. The free version of Zoom allows up to 100 participants.
Benefits:
o Ability to create webinars o Possibility to initiate or join a discussion directly from a hypertext link
o Available on computers, tablets and mobile devices
o Simple installation and use
o Possibility of synchronization with Outlook or Google Calendar
Disadvantages:
o Duration of videoconferences limited to 40 minutes in the free version o Reduced functionality in the free version
It is now time for you to choose the video conferencing and instant messaging software that best fits your business needs.