Zoom

Zoom is a cloud platform for video conferencing, online meetings, webinars and chat. It has become the world standard for remote collaboration, since it allows high-resolution video and audio transmission, screen sharing and meeting recording. The platform is known for its stability even on a weaker internet connection and for its ease of use: a participant can join a call in a single click without having to register.

Zoom saw a massive rise in popularity from 2020 onwards and transformed the way companies communicate internally and externally. It works on a freemium model: basic one-to-one calls are unlimited, while group calls on the free tier have a time limit (usually 40 minutes).

Its key features include:

Breakout rooms: splitting the participants of a large call into smaller groups (ideal for workshops).
Virtual backgrounds: the option to hide the user's real surroundings with a blur or a digital image.
Integrations: connections with tools such as Google Calendar, Slack, Microsoft Outlook and CRM systems.
Interactive tools: a whiteboard, real-time polls and reactions.

What are the advantages of Zoom?

High technical stability: Zoom's algorithms compress data efficiently, keeping the picture smooth even on a fluctuating connection.
Simplicity for the client: the option to join through a web browser without downloading an app lowers the barrier to business calls.
Scalability: from individual calls to enormous webinars for thousands of viewers.
Quality recording: the option to save recordings straight to the cloud with an automatic transcript of the call.
Security: after initial problems Zoom introduced strong encryption, waiting rooms and access passwords.

Practical example

A marketing agency needs to present a new campaign to a client based in another city. Instead of four hours of travel they organise a Zoom call. The account manager shares their screen with the presentation while the creative draws changes on the virtual whiteboard in response to the client's feedback in real time. The whole meeting is recorded and sent to the client afterwards. The company saved travel costs and time while keeping the interactivity intact.