7 Skype for Business Alternatives

So what's a busy executive to do? Well, this article will introduce seven alternatives to Skype for Business: Google Hangouts, ezTalks Cloud Meeting, Facebook Messenger, Apple's FaceTime, join.me, TrueConf and Appear.in. Is any of them a suitable Skype Business alternative? Read on.

1. Google Hangouts

For everyone who uses Gmail, Google Hangouts resides in the bottom left of the main screen. For iOS and Android phone users, there are apps available in the relevant app store that can be installed. There is also a web page service that connects to the browser for cross-platform connections. Non-Chrome browsers will need an extension. On handsets, Google Duo replaces the Hangouts apps. Hangouts provides three ways for connecting with people: chat messaging, phone calls, and Goolge video conferencing call with up to 10 users. Chat messaging and video conferencing call can be set up for multiple recipients.

Hangouts limits interaction via phone networks, so there is no way to have a group call over a phone network, nor can a phone caller participate in meetings. This is a real problem if you are trying to host an online meeting where internet connectivity is poor, but the telephone network is solid. Additionally, there are no real capabilities to schedule, manage or record online meetings. All in all, if you're looking for a Skype for Business alternative client, keep reading.

skype for business alternatives

2. ezTalks Cloud Meeting

The second option that we look at is ezTalks Cloud Meeting which is video conferencing software which allows users to host or join any online meeting. The portability of the software means that users can create a meeting on a mobile device wherever they are. Simplified login from the Facebook or Google account means that user never have to worry about forgetting that password.

Users are served with professional grade features for scheduling online meetings and sending reminders even across time zones. ezTalks Cloud Meeting provides users with a wide range of meeting management tools that: manage speakers and invitees; share desktops and documents, make online presentations, make annotations, and use interactive online whiteboards and allow participants to record and review proceedings.

Chat, HD video and phone calls are integrated across all major platforms. The meeting host and participants have access to granular controls for video with pinch to zoom, screen rotation, and private chat inside/outside the main meeting room.

ezTalks Cloud Meeting also provides the most generous free plan for up to 100 people with unlimited meetings. ezTalks Cloud Meeting is available on all major platforms and via browser. The communication is encrypted as well for high-grade security. But for the fast growing company, it's the only alternative to Skype for Business that allows for massive meetings on its paid plans. The Pro Package allows for 500 participants, and the Entreprise Package can scale right up to 10,000 in-meeting participants.

alternatives to skype for business

3. Facebook Messenger

Messenger is slowly evolving into something that is a part of the Facebook family of apps, but with its own distinct identity. As a way to reach friends and family, it is an effective platform wherever they are online. Recent additions have boosted its capabilities, including HD video, call out to landlines, and group call. In Japan, Facebook even functions as a business tool among business people.

But there are a number of obstacles to using Messenger for business meetings. First, not everyone likes to mix the personal with business, business people may not be willing to share their personal Facebook details with employees, contractors or customers. Security is also an issue: shared documents that are confidential could be delivered outside the closed network through deliberate or accidental means. It's also not possible to schedule meetings, share whiteboards, or record proceedings. In all, it's just not a practical Skype Business alternative.

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