26March 2020
Are you working from home for the time being? The adjustments to your norm can be frustrating and confusing, especially when you are trying to figure out the best way to maintain your productivity.
As COVID-19 affects day to day life, our team has compiled a list of different platforms for virtual meetings so that your work life can be as normal as possible.
Prices are based on the platform’s most popular or suggested option.
Zoom
Zoom has become one of the more popular and well-known services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Your children may be using it for school, or you may know a business already utilizing it. Zoom Meetings allows users to host unlimited meetings, includes HD video, and has a unique feature allowing for breakout rooms for group meetings to allow for separate session discussion.
Pro: $14.99/month/per host, up to 100 participants.
Google Hangouts Meet
If your organization is already utilizing a G Suite account for your email and cloud services, you already have access to Google Hangouts Meet. This video conferencing tool allows participants to join quickly through a link that can be shared directly from a Google Calendar or email invite.
Business Plan (G Suite): $12.00/User/Month, up to 150 participants
Microsoft Teams
If you are utilizing Office 365 for your business, you may already be familiar with Microsoft Teams. As the replacement for Skype for Business, this is Microsoft’s online meeting option. Similar to G Suite, it allows for instant messaging, video conferencing, calling, and document sharing.
There is a free version of teams available if you are not utilizing Office 365.
Slack
You may be familiar with Slack – this service has taken over companies across the globe as a quick and efficient way to communicate. Slack sorts conversations through channels. They also include voice and video calls, essential for work-from-home meetings.
Slack is a free service! However, if you want more features, they have options in paid plans. Standard: $6.67/month/per user billed annually
Discord
Created for gamers, Discord is being seen more and more in traditional office settings. Operating in the same space as Slack, Discord is an app that allows for voice, video, and text chat. You can create separate servers for dedicated topics, teams, or whatever you may desire. However, be prepared that features and languages are geared toward the gaming community.
Discord is a free service!
GoToMeeting
According to their website, “GoToMeeting is an online meeting software and web conferencing tool that enables businesses to collaborate with customers, clients or colleagues via the Internet in real-time.” Explicitly designed for meetings, it allows for real-time screen sharing
Business Plan: $16.00/Organizer/Month, up to 250 participants.
Cisco Webex Meetings
If your company is looking for a free option, Webex has a relatively good package. According to their website, “The free Webex Meetings plan gives you meetings with 100 participants, HD video, screen sharing, and a personal room. Use it as long as you like.”
Webex is free! If you are looking for more features, their Starter plan is $13.50/month/per host.
Adobe Connect
Did you know Adobe has a web conferencing software? With Adobe Connect Meetings, you can have up to 25 participants who can easily interact and engage in the discussion. You can additionally store your documents with ease for presenting and set up your meeting room to be optimized for your meeting.
$50/Month, Up to 23 participants.
Amazon Chime
A part of Amazon Web Services, Amazon Chime, is Amazon’s premier meeting feature. A unique selling point is their pay-per-use pricing model, allowing you to pick and choose what it is your business needs. However, hosting and scheduling meetings is a pro feature, which requires further cost.
$3/day/user, up to $15/month/user
Need more help? Contact us and we will help you get set up.