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What is Video Conferencing Software?
Video conferencing software can be utilized by users in diverse locations to conduct live conferences. The solution can transmit text, audio, and video. The main benefit is you can interact with users anywhere in the world and thus reduce travel costs. The software allows users to collaborate and share files. Two participants can use a point-to-point system while a multi-point solution is needed if the number of participants exceeds two. Your computer needs to be equipped with a microphone, headphones, and a web camera to use video conferencing software. Show more Advanced systems offer features such as the capability to record meetings, real-time screen sharing, and remote desktop control. Other useful functionality include mobile access, encryption, and cloud storage. Read our reviews of the leading video conferencing systems in the market for more information and you can give special consideration to RingCentral which our review team rates as the best app in this category. Show less
How was this ranking made?
In order to come up with this ranking of best Video Conferencing Software we have researched 209 different solutions currently present on the market, comparing their features, ease-of-use, client support, offered integrations with other systems and mobile support with our patented SmartScoreTM rating algorithm. This list has been prepared by Nestor Gilbert, our B2B expert dedicated to the Video Conferencing Software category.
List of Top 12 Video Conferencing Software
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1. RingCentral
Our score: 9.7 User satisfaction: 99%RingCentral Office won our Best Phone System award as well as the Expert’s Choice Award. It's a perfect cloud phone system designed to make business communications easier. With RingCentral, you can use just one phone solution for engaging in voice communications, as well as organizing online business meetings and conferences.
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2. Zoho Meeting
Our score: 8.3 User satisfaction: 99%Zoho Meeting is designed for companies with teams in different places or countries so they can collaborate in real time and closely together.
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3. GoToMeeting
Our score: 8.9 User satisfaction: 96%Designed for online business meetings and deployable from the desktop app, mobile app or via browser. The app allows for up to 3,000 participants, among the biggest capacity in the niche.
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4. GoToWebinar
Our score: 8.8 User satisfaction: 91%GoToWebinar is the simple, self-service webinar tool that makes it easy to host large-scale online events. This web conferencing platform has a wide array of applications all geared towards the planning, managing, promoting, and analyzing of effective web events.
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5. Lifesize
Our score: 9.0 User satisfaction: 91%Lifesize is a suite of highly-interoperable video conferencing and virtual meeting room solutions that enhance communication, collaboration, and productivity. Offering the world's first 4k video conferencing capabilities, the software provides seamless and crystal-clear communication that leads to better collaboration and increased productivity.
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6. Skype
Our score: 9.0 User satisfaction: 98%Skype is a software application whose text, voice, and video tools make it simple to share experiences with the people that matter to you, wherever they are. As the flagship communication program of the Microsoft family, Skype brings a level of stability and competence expected from the software giant.
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7. Zoom
Our score: 8.9 User satisfaction: 99%A full-featured web conferencing solution, Zoom becomes one of the most popular business applications for its flexibility, ease of use, and affordability. Aside from regular online meetings and training, Zoom also provides virtual conference rooms, which also double as a collaboration workspace. It also offers other communication options via ZoomPhone. Furthermore, its chat system enables cross-platform messaging and file-sharing, which further enhances communication reliability, especially for remote workers.
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8. Cisco Webex
Our score: 8.9 User satisfaction: 90%Cisco Webex is a web conferencing software that aids users to hold online events and meetings, and serves as a team workspace as well. The software features flexible solutions aimed to accommodate businesses of all sizes, and offers different plans to conform to different requirements. Cisco's expertise in network connectivity plays a large part in providing platform, broadcast-quality audio, and multiple productivity tools to Webex.
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9. BrainCert
Our score: 8.9 User satisfaction: 100%A fully-featured online learning management system with a modern, intuitive user interface. Built-in core platforms for course creation, assessment, and content management ensure that companies and instructors can easily create engaging course material for skills development and training.
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10. Ryver
Our score: 8.8 User satisfaction: 99%Ryver is a free, seamless cloud application that enables companies to become faster and more flexible in how they collaborate and communicate. It offers unlimited users and searchable messages, all in a package that comes with a versatile API.
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11. Webcast
Our score: 8.0 User satisfaction: 81%Webcast is a video conferencing software that provides extensive features, proprietary software platform, and a manager to fulfill this purpose.
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12. Blizz
Our score: 7.7 User satisfaction: N/ABlizz by TeamViewer empowers collaboration through live chat, video, voice, and screen sharing.
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Table of contents
Industry Report - Video Conferencing Software for 2022
CloudRank™ system is a unique algorithm that our research team uses to evaluate Video Conferencing Software solutions in a detailed and accurate way. The Summer 2022 edition of the ranking was prepared by Jenny Chang, our leading expert in the field of Video Conferencing Software, who has authored 1380+ product reviews in this category. The goal of CloudRank™ is to present an unbiased, multi-layered perspective on Video Conferencing Software, considering a wide range of metrics and factors, and educating potentiala customers about both opportunities and challenges associated with each piece of software.
In order to achieve full objectivity the position in our CloudRank™ is based on:
- Expert Score: which involves extensive analysis by our internal team which carefully examined all key elements of each software and testing it in real-life situations
- User Score: which involves an aggregated opinion of actual users of each product whose identity was properly verified
- Market Position: which involves general recognition of a given vendor on the market and reflects its overall popularity and reach
What do the tiers in CloudRank™ mean?
We’ve calculated a score for each product based on the average experience shared by our users in their product reviews and arranged the list in three tiers. You can see the methodology below on how the calculations were made.
- Leaders: those with a User Score of 8.3 or higher; this tier includes products that are currently leaders on the market and are appreciated by both experts and actual users. They always represent the best of what the Video Conferencing Software market has to offer and are all worth trying out if you’re looking for a reliable solution.
- Contenders: those with a User Score between 7.8 and 8.3; this tier includes high-quality products that still have some minor drawbacks that prevent them from becoming leaders on the market. They always represent well-designed tools that, over time, will most likely develop into market leaders as the missing features are added.
- Rising Stars: those with a User Score between 7 and 7.8; this tier includes products that have high-potential but still lack some crucial features or services expected from a leading solution. They are products with solid foundations and a vision that makes us eager to see what they will become as their solution improves in the future.
Regardless of their tier, all products included in our CloudRank™ are popular, quality products considered top-performers by our team of experts. Make sure you read a more detailed review of each solution to find one that will work best for your specific needs and budget.
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MARKET POSITION
A score between 1 and 10 based on popularity and market reach of each product.
TOTAL score
A score between 1 and 10 based on the average of our Expert Score and User Score.
How does CloudRank™ work?
Market Position
A score between 1 and 10 based on popularity and market reach of each product.
Total Score
A score between 1 and 10 based on the average of our Expert Score and User Score.
CloudRank™ tier
Based on product's total score.
Rising Star
Contender
Front Runners
25 Most Popular Video Conferencing Software
Here is a list of all 25 Video Conferencing Software solutions evaluated with our CloudRank™ analysis. We have compared their features, user satisfaction, market presence and other key factors in an in-depth analysis you can find below:
Our score and features analysis:
} CloudRank™
Score:8.75
Score:8.75
Customers company size
No. of employees:
1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
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} CloudRank™
Score:8.74
Score:8.74
Customers company size
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1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
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Our score and features analysis:
} CloudRank™
Score:8.53
Score:8.53
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1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
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4. Google Hangouts
8.29
Our score and features analysis:
} CloudRank™
Score:8.29
Score:8.29
Customers company size
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1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
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Our score and features analysis:
} CloudRank™
Score:8.19
Score:8.19
Customers company size
No. of employees:
1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
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Our score and features analysis:
} CloudRank™
Score:8.17
Score:8.17
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1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
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Our score and features analysis:
} CloudRank™
Score:8.08
Score:8.08
Customers company size
No. of employees:
1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
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8. Blackboard Collaborate
7.97
Our score and features analysis:
} CloudRank™
Score:7.97
Score:7.97
Customers company size
No. of employees:
1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
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Our score and features analysis:
} CloudRank™
Score:7.96
Score:7.96
Customers company size
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1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
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10. UberConference
7.94
Our score and features analysis:
} CloudRank™
Score:7.94
Score:7.94
Customers company size
No. of employees:
1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
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Our score and features analysis:
} CloudRank™
Score:7.84
Score:7.84
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1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
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12. GoToMeeting
7.83
Our score and features analysis:
} CloudRank™
Score:7.83
Score:7.83
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1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
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13. GoToWebinar
7.77
Our score and features analysis:
} CloudRank™
Score:7.77
Score:7.77
Customers company size
No. of employees:
1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
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14. ClickMeeting
7.73
Our score and features analysis:
} CloudRank™
Score:7.73
Score:7.73
Customers company size
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1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
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15. RingCentral Video
7.68
Our score and features analysis:
} CloudRank™
Score:7.68
Score:7.68
Customers company size
No. of employees:
1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
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Our score and features analysis:
} CloudRank™
Score:7.61
Score:7.61
Customers company size
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Our score and features analysis:
} CloudRank™
Score:7.58
Score:7.58
Customers company size
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18. Townscript Live
7.43
Our score and features analysis:
} CloudRank™
Score:7.43
Score:7.43
Customers company size
No. of employees:
1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
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Our score and features analysis:
} CloudRank™
Score:7.33
Score:7.33
Customers company size
No. of employees:
1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
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Our score and features analysis:
} CloudRank™
Score:7.30
Score:7.30
Customers company size
No. of employees:
1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
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Our score and features analysis:
} CloudRank™
Score:7.21
Score:7.21
Customers company size
No. of employees:
1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
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Our score and features analysis:
} CloudRank™
Score:7.07
Score:7.07
Customers company size
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23. Cisco Unified Communications Manager
7.00
Our score and features analysis:
} CloudRank™
Score:7.00
Score:7.00
Customers company size
No. of employees:
1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
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Our score and features analysis:
} CloudRank™
Score:6.98
Score:6.98
Customers company size
No. of employees:
1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
Best features
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Our score and features analysis:
} CloudRank™
Score:6.30
Score:6.30
Customers company size
No. of employees:
1-10 11-50 51-100 100+
Best features
Worst features
Our report covered 25 most popular products from the Video Conferencing Software category. We’ve analyzed their features, performance, integration, customer support, pricing, and several other key buying factors and combined it with feedback from user reviews to come up with the current list of best solutions:
- 2022 Video Conferencing Software Leaders: Zoom, Slack, Samepage
- 2022 Video Conferencing Software Contenders: Google Hangouts, RingEX, Skype, Cisco Webex, Blackboard Collaborate, Fuze, UberConference, Flock, GoToMeeting, GoToWebinar, ClickMeeting, Join.me
- 2022 Video Conferencing Software Rising Stars: RingCentral Video, BlueJeans, Townscript Live, Ryver, OnSIP, HighFive, Lifesize, BigMarker
Zoom is a cloud video-conferencing platform that can be used for video conferencing meetings, online classes, and webinars. The platform features a simple interface with high usability regardless of the users’ tech background. Its tool set includes HD audio and video conferencing, one-on-one meetings, group video conferences with up to 100 participants on the free version, screen sharing, the ability to record meetings, and automatic transcriptions. Zoom offers integrations to over 1,000 business apps to extend Zoom’s business functionalities. The platform also provides bot integrations that can be programmed to automate tasks such as setting up online meetings and generating links, sending summaries of meetings and recording links, and handling chat queries from attendees.
Zoom offers cross-platform messaging, allowing users to attend meetings on the desktop client, the mobile app, or the browser client. Zoom meeting rooms and breakout rooms work as holding areas for meeting attendees and smaller meeting rooms to break larger groups into. Other features that have garnered high ratings for CloudRank include Telepresence used with Immersive View, giving participants the look and feel of being in the same room. The mobile app is also well-loved by users getting high ratings for its responsiveness.
Zoom is free to use with meetings set at a 40-minute limit on the free plan. Subscription plans are available in four tiers — Basic Plus, Pro, Business, and Enterprise. Monthly rates start at $39 per month per user while Enterprise plans are quote-based.
Most users of Video Conferencing Software solutions confirm that in most cases these tools allow them to reach the following business goals:
- It allowed users to see and interact with people, and view their body language even if they are geographically apart. [ 86.6% of users ]
- It eliminated expenses entailed in traveling, such as plane tickets, gas, hotel accommodations, etc. [ 87.4% of users ]
- It enabled businesses to gather or meet without the need to leave their office and travel to different locations. [ 86.4% of users ]
- It made collaboration, presentation, and file sharing quick and easy. [ 86.1% of users ]
- It made training and onboarding of new hires who work remotely less expensive but still effective. [ 87.0% of users ]
How did we select products for this Video Conferencing Software report?
The Summer 2022 version of the report includes a total of 25 Video Conferencing Software products that were compared and analyzed by our team. We selected them based on the following factors:
- Popularity of a given brand in the SaaS market (based on our own market research)
- How popular a given brand is among FinancesOnline users (based on number of mothly readers for each review page)
- Availability of statistical data generated from user reviews of a particular product (we excluded products with not enough data to draw meaningful conclusions)
- The current listing reflects the state of our database and research as of July 2022. An updated version of the report will be released quarterly to keep data fresh and incorporate information about shifts and changing trends in the market.
What are the current Video Conferencing Software trends?
Video conferencing changed the way people meet across the globe. It made the world a little bit smaller and now more than ever due to the Covid-19 crisis, the demand for robust video conferencing software is needed. With video conferencing, businesses can cut travel costs by 30%, while 92% of B2B marketers use these tools in their core marketing tasks.
On-the-go access to video chat is a huge convenience for a lot of businesses, whether online or in the office. Video conferencing technology is making mobile usage a priority now more than ever. Below are some of the top trends in video conferencing technology.
Live Video Editing
New streaming software offers live video editing, allowing users to create post-production effects during a live video call.
Video conferencing solutions such as Zoom and Skype already offer features supporting green screen and virtual backgrounds and are actively adding more live editing capabilities. Expect to see more basic video apps that will support live video editing in the future.
Source: Owllabs.com
Video Conferencing Integration with Productivity tools
Since the average meeting runs for about an hour, companies can’t afford to have ineffective meetings. Although there are various non-technical ways employers can improve the productivity of their meetings, we will most likely see more video meeting solutions that offer productivity tools integrations such as video clipping, translation, video clipping, and file sharing in order to help their users to maximize their video conference meetings.
In fact, the most beneficial communication between virtual teammates includes face-to-face meetings (93%), conference calls (93%), and video conferencing (84%).
Source: SearchUnified Communications
Hardware and Software tie-up in meeting rooms
Software vendors introduced room versions of their desktop and mobile apps while hardware vendors similarly designed devices and bundles designed to run these room apps.
Users want to make calls in their meeting and huddle rooms using the same service, workflow, and interface they use every single time. They don’t want to have to learn how to use a new meeting room system. In 2022, expect vendors to work harder on a deeper development level to improve meeting experience.
As remote work operations have become part of the normal work environment, video conferencing software solutions serve as the enabler that undergirds the arrangement, a technological necessity rather than an option, for corporate communication and business continuity. While video conferencing is definitely not a new concept and the technology that enables it has been around for decades, the adoption and usage of software solutions with video conferencing capabilities have skyrocketed to record-breaking levels as revealed by various video conferencing statistics.
Despite the vast number of available video conferencing applications—some specifically designed for business purposes and some for general video communication use—choosing the right application that suits your business operations can be a daunting challenge. This is where we can help you as we guide you through the fundamentals of video conferencing software and some of the best applications in this category.
Get to Know Each Product with Free Trial
The majority of popular video conferencing software solutions come at a price but they also usually offer new users a free trial or free demo. We recommend that you take advantage of these offers from video conferencing software providers in order to get a firsthand experience of the app’s interface and features.
It is, however, important to note that free trials often come with limited tools, but enough for potential users to get a feel of how a video conferencing solution works and determine if it is worth upgrading to a premium plan. One of the leading video conferencing software solutions that offer free trial is RingCentral, an application that has received high marks from our SaaS experts as well as its actual users in our video conferencing software reviews.
Targetted Businesses
Video conferencing software solutions cater to the following types and sizes of businesses:
- Small business. This includes startup companies that need reliable video conferencing software for virtual meetings with clients.
- Mid-sized business. Growing businesses of this type typically have less than a hundred employees and can utilize video conferencing programs for conducting team meetings and presentations.
- Large enterprises. Corporations that have multiple offices in different locations and investors from different parts of the globe rely on video conferencing communication.
- Remote businesses and freelancers. Businesses with partial or fully remote operations as well as remote freelancers benefit the most from video conferencing solutions. Considered part of the remote work essential tools, video conferencing apps serve not only as communication tools but also as collaboration and training platforms.
Examples of Video Conferencing Software
Below are some of the leading video conferencing software:
- RingCentral: This is a cloud-hosted platform that is both user-friendly and affordable, making it an ideal video conferencing solution for small to mid-size businesses. This comes with an interactive video conferencing interface and other tools teams can use for presentation and collaboration.
- Zoho Meeting: Zoho Meeting is another leading video conferencing tool that especially caters to SMBs and freelancers. This has a completely free version that you can install on your desktop and your mobile device or embed in your favorite web browser.
- GoToMeeting: GoToMeeting is designed for business use and prioritizes the online security and privacy of users with its AES-256 bit encryption and compliance with HIPAA and SOC 2 Data Center standards.
- Lifesize: This is an award-winning platform and the first one to launch 4K UHD video conferencing capability. An enterprise-grade solution, Lifesize enables businesses to create virtual meeting rooms ideal for boardroom meetings and large-scale conferences and forums.
- Zoom: Zoom is another software widely used not only by businesses but also for academic purposes. It provides users with a straightforward interface and easy-to-use tools for one-on-one interactions and small to large meetings and webinars.
Types of Video Conferencing Software
The different types of videoconferencing systems can be categorized based on their deployment and the type of service provided by the vendor:
- Cloud-based video conferencing systems – These are software solutions that you can access and launch directly from a web browser or through an application downloaded to your computer or mobile device. Some require new users to sign up and create an account, while some allow for guest logins.
- Hard codec video conferencing systems – Unlike web-based video conferencing software, this type of video conferencing system is installed on hardware or physical equipment and requires other peripherals, such as a microphone, camera, display monitor, etc. Hard-coded systems are also connected to dedicated servers and do not require an Internet connection to work.
- Telepresence video conferencing system – This provides an immersive videoconferencing experience. It simulates the environment of actual boardrooms and meeting rooms projected through screens to make remote participants feel they are in the same room.
Key Features of Video Conferencing Software
Different video conferencing software may have their unique sets of tools to offer, but here are some of the core features a good video conferencing solution must have:
- Electronic whiteboard – This tool allows participants, especially the presenter, to draw or type on a virtual whiteboard that is viewed by other participants in the meeting.
- Two-way video and audio streaming – This enables both presenters and participants to interact and collaborate in real time on a live video conference.
- Chat or text –Through this feature, participants and presenters can also interact via an embedded chat tool. This function is useful when audio interaction is not allowed or limited only to the presenter or specific participants.
- Electronic hand raising – This helps participants join the meeting and make their point
- File- and application-sharing – This enables presenters to share relevant documents, apps, and other files with the participants directly on the video conferencing platform.
- Virtual background – This is helpful for presenters and participants to replace their backgrounds with a more meeting-appropriate view during meetings and presentations.
- Record and playback capability – This feature allows participants to record the conference or meeting and play it whenever necessary.
Benefits of Video Conferencing Software
Video conferencing solutions offer business organizations tons of benefits, such as the following:
- Efficient scheduling and inviting participants – There is no need to manually send invitations to participants one by one. You can send the schedule and the link to the meeting and the participants can join by simply clicking on the link.
- Improves communication – While chat, emails, and phone calls make business communication easier and more efficient, nothing beats delivering and exchanging messages face to face where you can read both verbal and non-verbal cues. This is what video conferencing solutions provide businesses with, especially when in-person meetings are not possible.
- Streamlines collaboration – Modern video conferencing solutions are equipped with tools and functionalities that allow employees and teams to work together on a single platform. These tools include file-sharing options, centralized storage, and integration capabilities with existing software systems.
- Saves time and money – Using video conferencing software eliminates the need for meeting/conference participants to travel to different locations.
Latest Trends
The latest trends in video conferencing focus on elevating user experience to further simulate in-person communication, as well as leveraging technology to further enhance productivity and collaboration.
- Immersive telepresence. This emerging trend is bringing the future of video conferencing to the present. It revolves around creating a lifelike presence in virtual meeting rooms to improve engagement, collaboration, and productivity. This involves incorporating high-end technology such as holograms, 3D technology, interactive audio and video, etc.
- Gamification. One of the most effective ways to boost engagement among attendees and make the meeting more fun is by adding game-like elements to virtual meetings, especially virtual training sessions. There are different ways this can be done, such as using interactive event platforms, etc.
- Live video editing. This trend often involves adding graphics, text overlays, filters, and other video effects on the fly during live streams.
Potential Issues
Just like other forms of technology, video conferencing software has its vulnerabilities. Here are some of them:
- Standard encryption is no longer enough. Although the majority of videoconferencing solutions are designed with standard encryption in place, only some of them provide end-to-end encryption to enforce an advanced level of data protection.
- Privacy risk. Unethical collection and sharing of personal data remain among the top worries of app users and for valid reasons as there are applications that harvest user data to sell to advertisers.
- Additional cost. Some video conferencing systems require additional payments for certain features, such as event hosting, extended video calling, etc.
Cost of Video Conferencing Software
The cost of video conferencing platforms varies and caters to all business types and sizes. Depending on the vendor’s pricing model, users can opt for a standard subscription-based service or a one-time purchase. Some vendors also offer more freedom and flexibility by allowing their clients to tailor their own video conferencing software based on the available tools, features, and add-ons they offer.
Furthermore, there are free video conferencing solutions like ZohoMeeting, but please bear in mind that free versions often come with limited functionalities. Paid monthly subscription plans can start for as low as $2/user per month (Skype) or as high as $50 (Zoom).
Remote Work and Video Conferencing
Video conferencing takes the center stage when it comes to technology that helps improve the remote work experience. While this technology is definitely not new, businesses and professionals are incorporating modern video conferencing solutions to further improve the communication, collaboration, and productivity of those working remotely during the pandemic.
In a post-pandemic world, the adoption of video conferencing platforms continues to grow as remote work has become part of the new normal business operations. But with growing demand also comes growing expectations. Because of this, software developers and vendors work restlessly to continue to improve the functionality and security of video conferencing software and deliver top-grade service to businesses and remote workers.
List of Video Conferencing Software Companies
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Things to consider when you invest in a SaaS
First, be clear about the reasons why you want to use a SaaS product. You should also have a good understanding of your existing infrastructure and business processes. This information will assist you to easily integrate the SaaS software with your existing infrastructure without any problems.
The second consideration is a follow up to the first one. Ask yourself what you want the SaaS solution to do for your firm. Then, be clear about the functionality the software should have. For instance, if you want enhanced data collaboration between different business sections you need a system that can be accessed by multiple users. However, if you want a resourceful system that is similar to an on-premise program, you need to invest in a SaaS software that can be accessed by only a few users at a time.
After you select a suitable vendor, do not sign an agreement before you take a good look at the Service Level Agreement (SLA). The SLA will clearly describe what the SaaS vendor is offering and the reimbursement they will pay if they do not deliver the agreed services. Read and understand the SLA thoroughly to recognize what you are getting into and to avoid issues later.
Frequently asked questions about Video Conferencing Software
What is the best video conferencing software?
The best video conference software is RingCentral Video, which gives users all the web conferencing needs that they would need, from screen sharing to team messaging, on top of its core video conferencing services.
RingCentral Video allows you to host HD video conference calls for up to 500 people. No matter where you’re from, you can easily hold virtual meetings using your smartphone, computer, tablet, and telepresence room systems. With its ability to host up to 10,000 attendees, RingCentral Video can also work effectively for webinars and conference presentations.
Cost-wise, RingCentral Video offers a free version that supports unlimited 1-to-1 meetings and group meetings of up to 40 minutes. Paid subscriptions provide 24/7 call support and free minutes for its Call Me and Call Out features.
What are the benefits of video conferencing software?
Video conferencing software has proved to be a viable alternative to in-person meetings. It also offers a number of tangible benefits. These include the following:
- Lower costs. It cuts up-front meeting costs while keeping productivity high. Video conferencing reduces or removes travel requirements for meetings, so it accords you savings not just in cost but in time as well.
- Efficient collaboration. Video conferencing software enhances collaboration. Gathering up concerned team members over video is far simpler to organize and much easier to start. In addition, a single meeting can cover a maximum area.
- Managing meetings becomes easier. With video and audio, leaders have access to a flexible system of communication as well as presentation tools to communicate, present data, and share findings instantaneously.
What are the features of video conferencing software?
Video conferencing software features a number of functions that make it easier and more convenient to
Whiteboard. This feature provides a medium where participants can write, draw, elaborate, and present supporting ideas for their points.
Video streaming. This ensures meetings are streamed in real time via the internet so everybody stays on the same page.
Two-way audio and video – Helps participants to interact easily as they both can hear and see input and broadcast output similarly.
Record & playback ability. Like regular meetings, recording the entire meeting for transcription and minutes is a convenient feature that lends support to notes.
Private text chat. This lets one participant communicate discreetly with another participant for any clarifications or questions during meetings.
Presentation streaming. Provides the ability to broadcast a presentation in real time that everybody can see.
On-demand webcasting. This option allows real-time webcasting of the meeting when the occasion demands.
Electronic hand-raising. This addresses the situation where everybody wants to talk at the same time. An alert is flashed to show whenever a person wants to take center stage.
Chat /messaging. This lets you communicate with individuals or the entire group via text simultaneous with the video meeting.
Application sharing. Same as file sharing, the software lets you share apps to get everybody on board.
Virtual background. This handy feature lets you replace your actual background (which may not be presentable at the moment) in favor of ready-to-use backdrops that are more befitting for conference calls.
What is the easiest video conferencing software to use?
Gone are the days when video conferencing entailed a production-like setup and a certain amount of time to start up the system. Today’s versions are a matter of connecting to the network and, in many cases, just making sure your mobile phone is turned on.
Zoom only requires the meeting caller to have an account. The participants invited do not need to sign up or have an existing account.
Lifesize doesn’t require downloads or signups to start, as it only requires you to have a meeting link in order to join the teleconference. In addition, the software easily integrates with your productivity and calendar software so you don’t have to miss a schedule.
Flock works with multiple devices and works like a productivity app where you can create teams or group channels so you can arrange group calls and share files in a more organized way.
What is a good free video conference?
While most video conferencing software solutions have free versions, these are mostly limited versions of the program and will require you to pay to experience full functionality.
Skype offers fully functional video conferencing for up to 50 people absolutely free.
RingCentral Video offers a free version that allows unlimited 1-on-1 calls and up to 40 minutes on group calls of up to 100 participants.
WebEx does not require signups as well to join meetings. The free plan gives you meetings with screen sharing with up to 100 participants. If you need to share files or apps, transcribe minutes, or assign alternate hosts, you’ll need a paid plan.
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