Zoom is a video platform, which enabled remote working. As such it competes with other large tech players like Google and Microsoft for the productivity space, and other startups like Slack and Go-To-Meetings.
How the pandemic propelled Zoom’s brand

As the COVID-19 pandemic spread around the world, it was Zoom that was best placed to take advantage.
From March to June 2020, the number of daily active users on the Zoom platform jumped from 10 million to over 200 million.
A further 90,000 schools across 20 countries also utilized Zoom video conferencing to conduct classes remotely.
However, the immense popularity of Zoom has resulted in security and privacy concerns.
In a world that is progressively shifting to remote work, many Zoom users are seeking alternative video conferencing options.
Skype Meet Now
Skype has been synonymous with online communication for almost two decades.
Now owned by Microsoft, Skype Meet Now was created to be a light-weight alternative to Zoom.
Users can easily host a meeting with their team without having to sign up for a service or download software.
By simply creating a room and sharing a link asking participants to join the call, the platform appeals to many professionals who want to avoid the hassle of signing up for a dedicated service.
Importantly, Skype Meet Now allows for up to 50 people to attend the conference at any one time.
Conferences can also be recorded where necessary on either a smartphone app or desktop client.
Google Meet
Google Meet is a more streamlined version of the Google Hangout app for texting and video calling.
Google Meet matches Skype Meet Now for simplicity. Users are only tasked with creating a room and then sharing a link with their colleagues to get started.
The platform can support video conferencing for up to 100 participants with 16 of those visible on the screen.
Given that it is integrated with G Suite, users can join the meeting from an email invite or calendar event.
Offline users can also attend by dialing a unique conference phone number.
During the height of the pandemic in 2020, Meet was made free worldwide in a direct move to take market share from Zoom.
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is one the most popular video conferencing apps, with Microsoft claiming over 44 million daily active users.
Like Google Meet, Microsoft Teams enjoys integration with parent company software.
As part of the Office 365 suite of applications, conference members can collaborate and share information in multiple ways.
Microsoft Teams has a competitive edge over Zoom – particularly where larger organizations are concerned – with the capacity to host 250 conference members simultaneously.
Slack

Slack is commonly associated with team chat, but it does have video conferencing functionality also.
Many businesses prefer to use Slack because the platform does not force them to use its features.
Indeed, Slack conversations are easily integrated with Zoom or Microsoft Teams to allow a seamless transition between text, audio, and video conferencing.
GoToMeeting
GoToMeeting was one of the first video conferencing services available and enjoys significant market share as a result.
The service is feature-packed, incorporating the ability to record meetings, share screens, and designate multiple facilitators.
It is also a versatile offering, readily accessible on Mac, PC, Linux, Android, and web browsers.
GoToMeeting offers a range of plans suitable for most organizations.
The entry-level plan alone allows for up to 150 participants.
For larger needs, the Enterprise plan can accommodate up to 3,000 participants.
Key takeaways:
- As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Zoom saw its popularity explode during the early part of 2020. However, security concerns caused many remote workers to seek alternatives.
- Microsoft Teams and Google Meet are worthy options for business people who need integrated services such as email and scheduling and presentation software.
- Slack provides a worthy point of differentiation because it does not force businesses to use its proprietary features.
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