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Which Video Conferencing and Collaboration Solution is Right for You?

Written by Craig Heiman | Jan 5, 2022 8:10:01 PM

Effective virtual collaboration is critical for success in today’s remote and hybrid work environments. Video conferencing and collaboration technology is the backbone of virtual collaboration. The right video conferencing and collaboration technology can bring dispersed teams together to communicate, innovate and create. Although many different video conferencing and collaboration solutions are available, two in particular have become increasingly popular over the last few years: Microsoft Teams and Zoom. Both platforms have unveiled their own hybrid room technology solutions to create an easy-to-manage solution to deliver high-quality meeting experiences.

Understanding the Difference Between Microsoft Teams Rooms and Zoom Rooms

Zoom is a leader in the video communications industry. The secure, reliable video platform can power all communication needs, including meetings, chat, phone, webinars and online events. The cloud-based platform has created modern workspaces for hybrid teams, called Zoom Rooms, to bring HD video collaboration into any space – in the office, classroom, or home. Simple to start a meeting, book a room, and share content, Zoom Rooms create a simplified conference room experience.

Microsoft has been a trusted household name for decades. Their all-encompassing workstream collaboration and unified communication platform combines meetings, chats, calls and file sharing with Office 365 to unite everyone in a shared workspace. Microsoft launched Teams Rooms to remove the barriers between spaces, places and people to deliver the best Teams meeting experience to any space. Microsoft Teams Rooms is a modern meeting space solution that brings together the digital workspace of Microsoft Teams with dedicated first- or third-party audio and video devices, certified by Microsoft. 

Microsoft Teams Rooms versus Zoom Rooms. How Do You Determine the Right Fit for You?

Microsoft Teams and Zoom share many of the same core collaboration features at a high level. They enable online meetings, chats, calls, screen sharing and file share. Their technologies and solutions offerings are quite different, though. 

The most significant difference between the two is Microsoft’s integration between Teams and Office 365 apps and services, including OneDrive and Sharepoint. Suppose your organization operates within Office 365 and it’s a core tool for your employees. In that case, Microsoft Teams can be a one-stop solution for your organization. Microsoft Teams’ integration enables seamless collaboration, backups and file sharing. However, Zoom features a wide range of partnerships and technical integrations to support backups and file sharing with third-party applications, including Microsoft, Google Drive, Dropbox, etc. Zoom’s brighter and less busy user interface is easy to use, even for the least tech-savvy employees. 

Both Microsoft Teams Rooms and Zoom Rooms office device management, touch enhancements, companion experience with mobile devices and dual-screen rooms support, Zoom provides the benefit of people counting while Microsoft Teams has proximity detection. 

Microsoft Teams and Zoom have experienced massive growth over the last few years. They are both high-quality services that are constantly improving. Choosing which of the two is best is about identifying the specific needs of your business. AV Planners will work with you to determine the best solution for your situation. AV Planners can provide you with the tools and expertise you need for a reliable virtual collaboration experience. Contact AV Planners to learn more about our services. Keep up with the latest news from AV Planners on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram.