One of the best ways to stay connected with customers and colleagues while maintaining social distance is to turn a face-to-face meeting into a virtual video conference. There is plenty of technology available, both for free and at a cost, to be able to create a virtual space to come together while we’re apart. Our Top 5 Virtual Conferencing Tools
Here are 5 of our favorite tools:
SKYPE
A messaging and conferencing tool from Microsoft with flexibility for teams large and small.
Benefits: Built into Office 365, with versions for PC, Mac, and most mobile devices
Drawbacks: Features vary across different platforms
Cost: – Free for teams up to 20 – Paid version supporting up to 250 people at $2 per person, per month
Website: http://www.skype.com
ZOOM
A remote conferencing service often used by educators and trainers for virtual classes.
Benefits: Interactive features allow the audience to participate without taking over the conversation
Drawbacks: Video quality is unpredictable, and can be expensive for larger teams
Cost: Available for free for 1-to-1 conversations only – Paid packages starting at $14.99/month for up to 100 participants
Website: zoom.us
FACETIME
An Apple® video chat app designed for the mobile user.
Benefits: Freely available on Apple devices, supports up to 32 participants at once
Drawbacks: Works only on Apple® devices (i.e. iPhone and iPad)
Cost: Free with an Apple® device
Website: www.apple.com
HANGOUTS MEET
A business-oriented videoconferencing application, part of the G Suite of collaboration tools.
Benefits: User-friendly and supported on most mobile devices
Drawbacks: Limited features for those without a Google account
Cost: – Included with G Suite service bundles, starting at $6/month
Website: gsuite.google.com/products/meet/
BRAND.LIVE
A video live-streaming platform ideal for hosting virtual events or large-scale training.
Benefits: Interactive features allow the audience to participate and ask questions live
Drawbacks: No free options available
Cost: – Paid pricing based on platform and usage needs Website: www.brand.live
