Search engine giant Google is now an undeniable leader in the collab space. Since its first foray into the cloud in 2008, Google has launched a slew of cloud-based collaboration apps, covering your every need. Part of the G-suite umbrella, this includes tools for document management, spreadsheets, and video/audio calling.
The video/audio calling service was originally called Google Hangouts Meet and was available only as part of the larger G-suite solution. But this year, Google recognized the need for a dedicated cloud communication app as millions of people switch to WFH for COVID-19. It rebranded Googe Hangouts Meet as just “Google Meet,” and Meet is now available as a standalone solution.
And, Google has made Meet’s premium features free of cost, considering the pandemic.
If you’re looking for an alternative to Google Meet, there are a host of solutions out there, from some of the leading UC providers in the market today. For a truly informed decision, make sure to try these three Google Meet alternatives:
Google Meet alternative #1: Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is part of Microsoft Office 365 solution – which is a complete suite of productivity tools for enterprises on the cloud.
Typically, you can access Office 365 in three versions: Business Essentials, Business Premium, and Enterprise (Enterprise has its own sub-tiers). Teams is a chat and collaboration tool that is part of all of these three paid versions. In functionality, it closely resembles Google hangouts, so your decision might come down to which ecosystem you’re already using.
Microsoft is also doing its part in the fight against COVID-19, making Teams free as a standalone app, independent from Office 365.
Anyone who is new to Microsoft 365 can sign up for Teams (free). This includes useful features like 10GB of shared storage, 2GB of personal storage, up to 500,000 users, and 250+ integrations/services. You also get basic collaboration capabilities – something that’s missing from Google Meet.
Check out the Microsoft Teams review here.
Google Meet alternative #2: Cisco Webex
Cisco started a UC revolution when it acquired Webex in 2007. Webex covers nearly every aspect of cloud-based collaboration, from hardware to software, and value-added services. Cisco Webex has witnessed a massive uptick in demand with WFH becoming the new normal, so you’d have to share your requirements to get a custom quote.
In terms of features, Cisco Webex is right up there with the big players. You can use the platform fora wide range of use cases, from business telephony to online meetings, and even cloud-based contact centres.
As a Google Meet alternative, you should probably consider the Cisco Webex Meetings product. It supports multi-device video conferencing, seamless screen sharing, call records, and large meetings compatible with up to 100,000 participants.
