With video conferencing software, participants can communicate from anywhere using audio, video equipment, and the internet. There are more options than ever when it comes to video conferencing software. Different businesses have unique requirements, which dictate which video conferencing software will perform best. Here are nine solutions in no particular order that should be on your radar for 2022:
Zoom
Zoom is the go-to platform for reliable and effective video conferencing. It has a free plan and three paid tiers – Pro, Business, and Enterprise – and all four plans can host an unlimited number of meetings (the maximum meeting duration for the Free plan is 40 minutes).
In addition to video conferencing, Zoom’s platform includes a variety of collaboration capabilities, including screen sharing, a “raise hand” option, breakout rooms, and a whiteboard. Paid subscribers can access extra features such as 24-hour meetings, advanced admin controls, and user data analytics.
The solution’s connection with Google, Yahoo, and Outlook calendar apps simplify meeting scheduling. Zoom is available as mobile and desktop applications, or users can access it through the most popular browsers. It also prioritizes security, encrypting meetings with passwords, SSL, and 256-bit AES encryption. To further optimize the Zoom experience, the company has launched the Zoom Phone, enabling secure voice calls across all supported devices.
Microsoft Teams
Through Microsoft Teams’ chat-based collaboration platform, users can plan video and audio meetings with either a single person or a team within one app. It lets users host meetings and webinars with up to 10,000 attendees. With complete Microsoft 365 integration, users can share schedules and invites across the enterprise, and external visitors can access events via a web browser, even without installing the application.
Additionally, Microsoft Teams includes capabilities expected from a premier video conferencing software provider, such as screen sharing and call recording, live captioning, background blur technology, and chat functionality. Since it is natively part of Microsoft 365, the platform has risen to the top of the market for video conferencing and digital workspaces.
The platform’s robust video conferencing software is enhanced by certified hardware solutions that enable users to join calls from their preferred location.
BlueJeans Meetings
BlueJeans Meetings (now Verizon’s video conferencing product after a 2020 acquisition) takes pride in its exceptional audio quality, which is made possible by its Dolby Voice technology. This function enhances audio quality by reducing background noise and maintaining a constant volume level regardless of how loudly or softly individuals speak.
There are three pricing tiers available: Standard, Pro, and Enterprise. Each of the three services includes unlimited meeting length, compatibility with all major operating systems and browsers, Outlook and Google Calendar connections, and mobile apps. The security features include random meeting IDs and passwords, participant removal, meeting locking, and 256-bit AES encryption.
Cisco Webex Meetings
Webex Meetings offers a range of plans to suit the individual demands of each customer, and it is also available to users for free with a limited schedule.
Additionally, there are Starter, Plus, Business, and Enterprise options available. Each of these plans includes a variety of collaboration, administrative, and security capabilities. Users will receive unlimited meetings, usage reports, HD video, several viewing options, and meeting recording capabilities depending on the subscription level they pick.
Since Webex Meetings is a web-based platform, no downloads or plug-ins are required.
GoToMeeting
GoTo guarantees high-definition video, solid security, and simple cloud-based access.
Their Professional and Business plans include several essential features for businesses, including the ability to host meetings with 150-250 participants. Users can host an unlimited number of meetings with no time limit on the duration of the sessions. GoToMeeting is mobile-friendly and allows Apple users to join or start meetings using Siri voice commands.
The workflow integration feature integrates Slack, Salesforce, Office 365, and Google Calendar. Customers can also feel secure with SSL and AES-256-bit encryption and risk-based authentication. Additionally, GoToMeeting offers an Enterprise package that enables clients to bundle multiple communication methods such as phones, webinars, and meeting rooms.
Google Meet
Google Meet, originally Google Hangouts Meet, is a feature of Google Workspace, a platform for office efficiency (formerly known as G Suite). Meet, which was recently rebranded, seeks to provide a first-class conferencing experience.
As an enhanced version of Google Hangouts, Google Meet seeks to make collaboration with external clients easier. It accomplishes this by providing a web app experience, eliminating users’ need to download software. Second, it includes a dedicated dial-in number, which enables employees on the go to participate and ensures line quality and the absence of drop-outs.
Along with dedicated programs for iOS and Android users, users may use Google Meet with existing conferencing devices.
Another significant advantage of being within the Google Workspace platform is the ease with which data from other applications, most notably Google Calendar, can be used to plan meetings and set up event information when users sign in.
Lifesize
Users with last-minute or on-the-go business calls will find Lifesize’s video conferencing helpful software. While there are apps available, no downloads, apps, or accounts are required to participate in meetings.
Subscribers to Lifesize are entitled to unlimited meetings for six months. After this, users must upgrade to the company’s Standard or Plus plans, including features such as one-on-one chat, group chat, creating a meeting ID, and integrating with third-party services such as Slack and Microsoft Teams.
Additionally, an Enterprise plan includes various premium features such as live-streaming events and unlimited meeting recording.
Avaya
Business communications solutions provider, Avaya, offers a wide range of video conferencing solutions, including embedded video capabilities in UC platforms and purpose-built hardware for video meetings.
Avaya Spaces is the vendor’s meeting app for voice, video and chat-based collaboration, while it also has Avaya Cloud Office which is powered by RingCentral technology.
Spaces has three purchasing tiers, ranging from a free subscription up to its Power bundle which includes meetings of up to 1,000 participants, messaging file sharing, task management and integrations with Microsoft, Google and Slack technology.
RingCentral
RingCentral offers video as part of its messaging, video, and phone (MVP) platform, as well as the optional webinar license. The company recently launched RingCentral Video in Australia, following its launch in Europe in September 2021. RingCentral Video offers HD video calling services from a browser-based interface driven by AI. it simplifies user administration via Avaya IP Office and Aura and applies Web RTC standards to ensure superior quality.
Video conferencing technology is a rapidly growing market, expected to reach $22.5 billion by 2026, as per a MarketsandMarkets report published last year. There are options at every price point and use case, providing enterprises with high-quality video experiences.
