The video conferencing system is a basic tool for businesses that are starving for ways to simplify their procedure. It has also become an integral tool for small businesses, whether collaborating with a remote team, conducting client meetings, or hosting webinars. The ability to connect face-to-face virtually has changed the way companies served in traditional times. Selecting the right one for your small business can be tricky with an excess of video conferencing systems.
In this article, we will direct you through the fundamental reviews to make when choosing a video conferencing system that fits your small business requirements.
What is a Video Conferencing System?
Video conferencing enables people in different places to communicate in real-time through audio and video. It authorizes parties to see and hear each other as if they were in the same room, despite being miles separated.
Selecting a Video Conferencing System for Your Business
Selecting a video conferencing system needs thorough research about the requirements of your business as well as your preferences. Here you can get some of the best video conferencing systems:
Understand Your Requirements
Specifying the conditions you direct from a video conferencing system to acquire them is critical. Here you can get an opinion of what you are actually expecting from a video conferencing system:
Know the Scale and Size
Small businesses come in different sizes, each with distinguishable communication demands. You need to determine the number of employees who will regularly use the video conferencing system. This will help you choose a solution that caters to your scale and has the capability to be easily scaled up as your business develops.
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Features and Functionality
Different video conferencing systems offer various features, from basic video calls to advanced collaboration tools. Identify the features that are essential for your business team to communicate with each other. Common features that you can look for include screen sharing, recording capabilities, virtual whiteboards, and integrations with other software.
Budget
Small businesses usually have small budgets to maintain their expenses. They need to be conscious about their budget while spending. Fortunately, the video conferencing market presents a range of opportunities, from free platforms with limited features to premium solutions with comprehensive functionalities. Determine how much you can allocate for a video conferencing system without compromising other characteristics of your business.
User-friendliness
You need to understand that not all employees are tech-ingenious, so choosing a reflexive and user-friendly video conferencing system is important. You should avoid complex step-ups and confusing inferences to reduce the frustration of employees and help them to improve their productivity.
Compatibility and Integration
Consider the tools and software your business already operates. A compatible video conferencing system that integrates seamlessly with your existing workflow may save time and enhance the efficiency of your business team. In addition, you should look for options that integrate with your project management, calendar, and communication tools. This will assist you in improving employees’ productivity.
Exploring the Video Conferencing Systems
Now is the time to determine the right video conferencing system for your business. Armed with known requirements, you can choose wisely an effective video conferencing system. Here are some efficient video conferencing systems:
1- Zoom
Zoom is an easy and user-friendly video conferencing system that has gained immense popularity. It delivers different subscription plans, including a free tier with limited meeting durations. Its scalability and integration options make it suitable for businesses of all sizes.
Pricing: Zoom offers a free subscription plan but with a limited duration of video conference.
It has Pro and Business plans that start at $149.90 and $199.90, respectively.
2- Microsoft Teams
Part of the Microsoft 365 suite, Teams provides not only video conferencing but also chat, file sharing, and collaboration features. If your business already relies heavily on Microsoft tools, Teams might be a seamless addition.
Pricing: Microsoft Teams has three premium plans Microsoft teams essentials, Microsoft teams basic, and business standards, which start at $4/month, $6/month, and $12.50, respectively.
3- Google Meet
Integrated with Google Workspace (formerly G Suite), Google Meet is known for its simplicity and reliability. It’s a great option if your business already operates Google’s suite of mechanisms.
Pricing: It has three paid plans $6/month, $12/month, and $18/month. A free trial is also unrestricted.
4- Cisco Webex
Cisco Webex offers a secure video conferencing platform with advanced features. It’s known for its robust security measures and is suitable for businesses that prioritize data protection.
Pricing: Webex Meet is available for $14.50, and Webex Suite is $25/month.
5- GoToMeeting
GoToMeeting is recognized for its user-friendly interface and simplicity. It’s ideal for small businesses looking for hassle-free virtual meetings and collaboration.
Pricing: Its Professional plan is $12/month, and its Business plan is just $16/month.
Conclusion
The video conferencing system is changing how businesses meet each other in old times. Now, this is the time to choose a suitable video conferencing system that completely aligns with your business and satisfies your demands. Consider starting with a trial period for the chosen video conferencing system to assess its performance and suitability for your business. Gather feedback from your employees to ensure that the system also aligns with their requirements.
