Where does Zoom fit in the UC landscape?

In the world of UC (Unified Communications), Zoom has undergone a transformation.

Starting life as a video conferencing tool, it has now evolved into a comprehensive UC platform.

As a UC solution, Zoom features a comprehensive suite of collaboration tools which, when paired with its user-friendly interface and simple scalability, make it well-suited for enterprise organizations. Like many UC systems, Zoom is scalable whenever needs change, making it a cost-effective choice for connecting distributed workforces.

In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at this powerful solution, exploring Zoom’s benefits, its features, and how, with our HALO platform, we make it easy to integrate it with your own tech stack.

What are Zoom’s key features and benefits?

Zoom empowers collaboration in a range of different ways. Here, we explore the key areas and highlight how the platform’s features support flexible working for modern teams, addressing multiple business needs.

Zoom benefits for video conferencing

• High-quality video and audio: Certain plans enable HD video and high-quality audio to keep meetings clear.

• Substantial capacity: Up to 5,000 participants are available with a plan add-on, meaning large gatherings can easily be accommodated.

• Advanced meeting controls: Features like the ability to assign breakout rooms make it easy for hosts to keep meetings running smoothly.

• Wide compatibility: Zoom can be deployed across various devices and operating systems, making it a good choice for businesses with BYOD programs.

Our HALO platform makes it easy to integrate Zoom alongside other UC platforms like Microsoft Teams and third-party integrations for seamless communications workflows.

Zoom benefits for meetings and chat

• Chat channels: Zoom lets users create chat channels that serve as forums for long-term discussions, keeping teams involved in ongoing topics of conversation.

• Direct messages: Direct messaging functionality lets individuals communicate at speed, without annoying entire teams with unnecessary notifications.

• File sharing: Zoom’s chat features allow for file sharing, helping businesses keep asset-focused discussions on track.

• Search features: Users can search their chats individually or as a whole – speeding up the process of locating information.

Zoom benefits for file sharing and collaboration

• Cloud storage: Microsoft SharePoint app integration means that teams can access a central cloud repository for their files, streamlining co-authoring tasks.

• Real-time collaboration: Team members can work on a shared document simultaneously through Zoom Docs, keeping tasks moving.

• Screen sharing: Users can share their screen with additional controls over what meeting attendees can and cannot see, allowing for private collaboration.

• Whiteboard functionality: Available across devices, Zoom Whiteboard provides a shared workspace for ad hoc collaboration that can be used during meetings for live review.

Zoom benefits for integrated workflows

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform integration: Zoom can be integrated with many familiar CRM platforms, including Salesforce, HubSpot, and Microsoft Dynamics 365 to help users quickly access the data needed to enhance customer experiences.

• Outlook and Google Calendar support: Integration with scheduling tools lets users easily set and adjust schedules without leaving Zoom.

• Marketplace and API support: Zoom App Marketplace allows users to choose from a huge range of productivity and collaboration-focused apps, with APIs also available to support the building of bespoke integrations.

Now you’ve explored some of its benefits, let’s take a look at best practices for making the most of your Zoom deployment.

Zoom best practices

For meeting security

Keep meetings secure by using waiting rooms for external attendees and access passwords. Once all your designated attendees have joined, you can then lock the meeting to prevent interruptions.

If you’re a channel partner, make sure you’re keeping your Zoom client updated with the latest security features.

For setting up meetings

Ensure seamless invites and reminders by leveraging integrations with Microsoft Outlook or Google Calendar. By using templates, you can ensure each meeting is handled in a consistent way with the best settings for your organization. You have the option to set an alternative host who can start the meeting and manage permissions, in case you unexpectedly can’t attend.

For sharing and recording meetings

Use the best recording setup for your needs – local saves directly to your device, while cloud recording enables easy sharing. You can configure recording settings in advance, deciding on transcription, separate audio, and automatic recording options based on your team’s requirements. After the meeting, share recordings with the relevant parties directly from the Zoom portal for quick access to the content.

For maximizing time efficiencies

Enable attendees to join before the host in internal meetings, allowing meetings to start on time regardless of host attendance. You can sharpen the minds of meeting attendees by designating a set start time and meeting duration, so everyone is aware of expectations.

Use focus mode to ensure hosts and co-hosts can view all participant videos, while participants will only see those videos shared by the hosts and co-hosts.

For optimizing collaboration

Encourage non-verbal feedback and reactions so that participants can express their thoughts without disrupting the meeting flow. This includes making use of annotation tools for live feedback and collaboration in real time. You can also use polls before or during meetings to gather feedback that can inform discussions and action points in a streamlined way.

How does Zoom compare to other UC platforms?

When it comes to UC platforms, there’s a lot to choose from. Here’s a quick overview of the big players.

• Zoom: A full UC suite, Zoom offers a range of third-party integrations and scalable options to support business growth.

• Microsoft Teams: Deeply integrated with Microsoft 365, Microsoft Teams combines UC features with the wider Microsoft ecosystem.

• Cisco Webex: Delivering compatibility with UC hardware, Cisco Webex benefits from a strong security offering alongside its UC capabilities.

• RingCentral: A cloud-based UC offering, combining UC functionality with contact center services.

Whatever UC platform is right for your business, our vendor-agnostic HALO platform can provide you with a secure and unified environment to operate it on. We also offer ongoing support, with the option to purchase managed voice services and the required SIP trunks directly through us.

If you already have a carrier set up, you can leverage HALO’s secure cloud infrastructure through our Bring Your Own Carrier model. This allows you to bring your existing carrier and legacy systems into our environment, meaning no more early termination charges, no need for porting, and no requirement to purchase new numbers. This gives your team stability and consistency in the technology they use.