What is a Virtual Meeting App and How Does it Actually Work?
A virtual meeting app is software that allows people to have video conference calls, video chats, and web conferences. This app is usually installed on laptops and tablets or accessed through a browser. The app will automatically connect two or more participants for a meeting session.
There are hundreds of virtual meeting apps available in the market. They assist in video and web conferencing, services that have transformed how people communicate and conduct business. Instead of planning for physical meetings, web conferencing software assist organizations in meeting with workers remotely. It is a convenient way to connect with people not in the same location. These meetings are also more cost-efficient and environmentally friendly.
Top Video Conferencing Apps and Software
After the coronavirus pandemic, online meetings have become the norm for businesses. With the right virtual meeting software, you can participate in meetings and host coworkers from the comfort of your home. A good video conferencing app makes the experience fulfilling, while a mediocre one can make you regret meeting online. Here are our top apps that you can use for either personal or corporate meetings.
1. Zoom
Zoom is currently the leading video meeting app available in the market. The app has taken the business world by storm, and many organizations are using it to organize meetings and collaborate. Zoom is a free virtual meeting software, available on the web, desktop, and mobile. It has incredible video and audio quality, as well as allows instant screen sharing. It can be used across many devices, which makes it ideal for personal and business needs. Whether you are a small business or a large corporate, Zoom is the right solution for your video conferencing and calls. It comes with secure SSL encryption, which guarantees the safety of sensitive information shared during meetings.
2. Google Meet
If your business uses Gsuite, then Google Meet is the ideal option for your video conferencing needs. The app can be integrated seamlessly with other Google apps, making it the most preferred option for Gsuite users. It is an enterprise video conferencing software from Google, which comes as part of Gsuite. The app has an outstanding user experience and easy to understand interface. During the meeting, you can chat with participants and share files on the screen.
3. Microsoft Teams
The app was specifically designed for Microsoft Office 365 users. As a collaboration app, it is irresistible to organizations, especially one’s that rely on Microsoft solutions. Microsoft team integrates seamlessly with Office 365 products to guarantee faster collaboration. Although it is not fully dedicated to video conferencing, it has a video meeting functionality that is impressive for personal and organizational use. You can meet with individuals from any part of the world, ensuring that you have secure meeting experiences with amazing audio and video quality. It can host personal meetings and live events for up to 10 000 individuals.
4. Cisco Webex Meetings
Cisco Webex Meetings is one of the leading virtual meeting apps available in the market. The solution comes with audio and video colla options. It has a flawless audio quality and a virtual whiteboard for sharing screens and sketching for an easier explanation of concepts. The participants can also use the whiteboard, which assists in exchanging ideas similar to what happens in in-person meetings. It is perfect for organizations of all sizes and allows hosting meetings with 100 people or more without any restrictions.
5. Jitsi Meeting App
Jitsi Meeting is a free, secure, open-source video meeting app that can be used for online meetings or video conferences. The app is available across major platforms, including Windows, Linux, Android, iOS, and macOS. The application provides high-quality audio and video meetings, with screen-sharing abilities. Jitsi Meeting app also comes with secure encryption, ensuring that sensitive data shared is safe. You can also record the meeting and video calls for future reference. This might not be the best option but if you are searching for a secure and private virtual meeting app that is available for free, it is a perfect choice.
How to Choose Which Virtual Meeting App Fits Your Needs?
With hundreds of companies offering virtual meeting services, getting the best app for your video conferencing needs requires you to follow strict criteria. The best web conferencing software varies across organizations depending on the size, niche, pricing, and features required. Therefore, it is essential to understand the different aspects that come with the virtual meeting app you choose.
The best virtual meeting app help with the coordination and planning of meetings. They can be used for both internal and external meetings. When choosing which app to use, consider the following factors.
Cost
Whether you need an app or software for personal or corporate needs, you must consider the cost. How much does the video conferencing app cost? The features and other essential considerations available also influence the cost. It is always important to consider the amount of money you would like to invest in a virtual meeting app.
User Experience
After cost, it is essential to consider user experience. How easy is it to use the app? An app is good if it has an outstanding user experience. You must consider user-friendliness when settling for a video conferencing app.
Scalability
Another critical issue is the app’s scalability, especially when your team grows. You would want to invest in an app that provides easier integration of new members, especially when your organization has a large team. How many people can be in a meeting at one time? Is there a plan for an increased number of people?
Security
With the rise of digital technologies, organizations also want to use systems that guarantee data safety. Therefore, it is essential to choose a virtual meeting app that has strong authentication measures and guarantees data safety. Consider the security features provided by the app and how they can benefit your personal or organizational needs.
Conclusion
Video conferencing is a technology that has been around for decades. With the advent of coronavirus, its popularity rose as organizations embraced remote working. Video conferencing has become more affordable and accessible to many people. The benefits of video conferencing are numerous. It saves time and money, ensuring you get the most from every meeting. Besides, virtual meetings guarantee environmental friendliness and promote organizational collaboration. So, using any of these apps can make your business profitable and environmentally friendly.