Project Manager at a computer software company with 501-1,000 employees
Real User
Stable solution works well for video conferences
Pros and Cons
  • "I find it very easy to use for multiple persons."

    What is our primary use case?

    My primary use is for video conference, for classes for my daughter when she's online, and also when I have to talk with the teacher.

    What is most valuable?

    The solution is working very well and it's very simple, easy to use.

    What needs improvement?

    One area that can be improved is the chat settings. Perhaps add a feature so you can tag someone when you write something, and that someone be notified that you wrote a message to him or her. I'd like to see more user interface.

    For how long have I used the solution?

    I have been using Zoom for two or three years.

    Buyer's Guide
    Zoom
    March 2024
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    What do I think about the stability of the solution?

    The solution is stable.

    What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

    The solution is scalable. My family is using Zoom.

    Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

    Previously, I've used the service from Google. I was using Slack and Skype. With my friends, I use WhatsApp for video.

    I began using Zoom because I find it very easy to use for multiple persons.

    How was the initial setup?

    It is very easy to install in just a few minutes.

    What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

    At work we had a paid account for multiple users and so on, but at home I'm using the light version, the free one.

    What other advice do I have?

    Zoom works very well and is very stable. I enjoy the fact that it can be used with more than two people, and you can also chat with others during calls.

    I would suggest using the solution because it works very well for video conferences.

    I'd rate the solution a nine out of ten.

    Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

    On-premises
    Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
    PeerSpot user
    Head of Credit Risk Management at IFS Capital
    Real User
    Good for internal communications, allows you to share screens, and is easy to setup
    Pros and Cons
    • "The most valuable features are that you are able to share the screen, and draw on it."
    • "The time limitations for the free version should be increased from 40 minutes."

    What is our primary use case?

    The primary use case is for normal web meetings. We use it for internal communication.

    We have regular weekly meetings and for those who don't have to share any screens, we just call.

    What is most valuable?

    The most valuable features are that you are able to share the screen, and draw on it.

    What needs improvement?

    The time limitations for the free version should be increased from 40 minutes. We do have an account but not enough to go around.

    During the screen sharing, there is an option to zoom in. If they could add a feature where you could just drag if you wanted to zoom in or when you want to zoom out, that would be great.

    For how long have I used the solution?

    I have been using the latest version of Zoom for three months.

    What do I think about the stability of the solution?

    The stability is acceptable. There are no serious issues.

    What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

    It's relatively easy to scale zoom. You just get another ID.

    We have 100 users.

    How are customer service and technical support?

    We have not contacted technical support.

    Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

    Previously, we did not use a different solution. We stared with Zoom.

    How was the initial setup?

    The initial setup is relatively okay, but it's not as easy as Google Meet.

    What about the implementation team?

    I did the installation myself, it took a couple of minutes.

    What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

    We have an account but we are also using the free version.

    What other advice do I have?

    If you are interested in a free version, you should go with Google Meet because there is no time limit.

    I would rate this solution an eight out of ten.

    Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

    Public Cloud
    Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
    PeerSpot user
    Buyer's Guide
    Zoom
    March 2024
    Learn what your peers think about Zoom. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: March 2024.
    767,847 professionals have used our research since 2012.
    Analytic Architect at Analytic Design Labs
    Real User
    Product has been a life saver during the pandemic
    Pros and Cons
    • "I've been using Zoom since the pandemic started. It's actually been a life saving product under the circumstances that were thrust on everybody."
    • "The virtual background could be more smoothly integrated with the rest of the software."

    What needs improvement?

    It would be great if during presentations participants could go back and look at, for example, PowerPoint slides being presented. This can only be done now by the person sharing the presentation and I wouldn't want to jeopardize that, but if, instead of just displaying the current screen, the system software could make the PowerPoint deck available. That would be useful to individuals that may need clarification on something and would prevent avoidable questions.

    The virtual background could be more smoothly integrated with the rest of the software. I don't want to distract people with the clutter in my office, so I pull the screen down and put up the virtual background, so that I have a clean interface, and they can talk to me without being distracted by what's going on in my office. But, when people don't do that, it's distracting to see what's behind them. Getting that better integrated into the program, so that it's a first class citizen and not an appendage that's been glued on, would be a really nice thing.

    People should be warned that the virtual backgrounds work much better with a green screen. If you don't have a green screen, virtual backgrounds are really distracting because pieces of people appear and disappear.

    For how long have I used the solution?

    I've been using Zoom since the pandemic started. It's actually been a life saving product under the circumstances that were thrust on everybody.

    Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

    I have used other products like Microsoft Teams and Webex by Cisco. 

    Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
    PeerSpot user
    Senior Client Executive at a computer software company with 10,001+ employees
    Real User
    Easy to use, simple document sharing, but more channel building features needed
    Pros and Cons
    • "The solution is easy to use and loads up documents for sharing."
    • "There was a situation not long ago when there were some security fears. Some users had somebody else take control of their calls. They might have addressed these issues now, but the security needs to continue to be upgraded."

    What is our primary use case?

    We use Zoom internally and externally in our organization for communicating with associates or with clients.

    How has it helped my organization?

    Zoom has benefited our company because it is easy to set up and for clients to use. When we are doing presentations or discussions at various levels of sales it is a good tool.

    What is most valuable?

    The solution is easy to use and loads up documents for sharing.

    What needs improvement?

    There was a situation not long ago when there were some security fears. Some users had somebody else take control of their calls. They might have addressed these issues now, but the security needs to continue to be upgraded.

    There are certain ways you can build channels for clients and opportunities in Teams that would be a benefit to add to Zoom. I have been using Teams more than Zoom because it has a lot more capabilities for sales and communication, building, and working with the team.

    For how long have I used the solution?

    I have been using Zoom for approximately one year.

    What do I think about the stability of the solution?

    The stability is good. I do not remember Zoom having any glitches, or time-out issues, it always seemed consistent.

    What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

    The solution is highly scalable. We extensively use Zoom, we have approximately 24,000 employees in my organization and many, if not all, have used Zoom. 

    Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

    I use Teams and Zoom in my company.

    How was the initial setup?

    The setup of the solution is straightforward.

    What other advice do I have?

    I rate Zoom a seven out of ten.

    Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
    PeerSpot user
    PeerSpot user
    Bachelor of Science - BSField Of StudyMechanical Engineering at University of Energy and Natural Resources
    Real User
    Grid-view, selective muting, and audio-only options have helped continue work when we can't meet in person
    Pros and Cons
    • "The grid view option is great, as you get to see everyone who is in the video conference at the same time."
    • "I would like to see something like a virtual board or conference room where participants are seated around a virtual table, and pictures of them sitting on the chair or an avatar that the user can choose and control within that virtual world."

    What is our primary use case?

    I mostly use the software for lectures and it has been really helpful. I use it for group studies, assignments, and business meetings.

    My team and I had to finish a project within that period and since we couldn't meet, we usually collaborated on Zoom. We met with ourselves and sometimes with our supervisor and we were able to finish the project days before the lockdown was lifted. We were happy that we were able to achieve this goal, as it was very difficult for others.

    How has it helped my organization?

    Since the lockdown began and my partners and I were not able to step out for business meetings, Zoom came in handy and we were able to accomplish many feats within that period. These included project management, project completion, and project counseling.

    Now, we don't have to go out and meet unless it cannot be avoided. With the inception of Zoom, we are able to collaborate anytime, anywhere, any day. We are able to achieve just as much as we would have if we were meeting and sometimes we are able to get a lot more done.

    What is most valuable?

    The grid view option is great, as you get to see everyone who is in the video conference at the same time.

    I like the feature that you can select a particular member and see them on the full screen.

    Video conferencing is great but Zoom has been on a different level. I like that feature that gives the host permission to mute everyone except themselves, and then unmute them anytime they need someone to talk

    In order to save bandwidth, the feature of turning off video has been really great. We can switch them to audio-only when the video is not necessary.

    What needs improvement?

    I would like to see something like a virtual board or conference room where participants are seated around a virtual table, and pictures of them sitting on the chair or an avatar that the user can choose and control within that virtual world. This would allow the participants to somehow move around, talk to others privately just like you'd meet someone at the office, or talk to colleagues before a conference or board meeting starts.

    Being able to edit Google Docs in Zoom would be helpful. For example, co-editing a file with a colleague using Zoom would be nice.

    For how long have I used the solution?

    I've started using zoom since the first pandemic was initiated and I've been using it ever since.

    Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
    PeerSpot user
    Manager at a comms service provider with 1,001-5,000 employees
    Real User
    Simple to use, cost-effective, and is highly available to everybody
    Pros and Cons
    • "The biggest advantage with Zoom, compared to other similar products, is the simplicity."
    • "We would like to have the ability to connect people using phone numbers so that non-Zoom users can join conversations."

    What is our primary use case?

    I am primarily using Zoom for web-based training. I'm providing it as part of my job or instead, learning myself. Right now, I am taking Excel training.

    What is most valuable?

    The biggest advantage with Zoom, compared to other similar products, is the simplicity. 

    There are a large number of users because it is very accessible to people in organizations. Other similar products are sometimes blocked but so far, we have not had any firewall-related issues with Zoom.

    What needs improvement?

    We would like to have the ability to connect people using phone numbers so that non-Zoom users can join conversations. For example, on my side, I can be using Zoom but on the other side, the person is using their phone.

    Integration with Microsoft products such as Outlook would be great.

    For how long have I used the solution?

    I began using Zoom within the past three or four months.

    What do I think about the stability of the solution?

    Zoom is very stable.

    What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

    The scalability seems pretty good and we haven't faced any issues. We have had training seminars with more than 60 participants and everybody was successful. Nobody reported any technical issues.

    How are customer service and technical support?

    I have not faced any technical issues and have not had to contact support.

    Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

    Our main tools for internal communication at the company are Microsoft Teams and Skype. Zoom is mainly used for training sessions and does not have as many users. I am not aware of any plan to increase our usage of it.

    The popularity of Zoom is the primary reason that we switch to using it for training sessions. It is accessible by everybody because it's a free tool.

    How was the initial setup?

    The initial setup is straightforward. I received a link to join a meeting, the software downloaded, and everything was fine. There was nothing special and I didn't have any problems.

    What about the implementation team?

    We have a few people who are responsible for maintenance.

    What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

    Zoom can be used for free.

    What other advice do I have?

    My advice for anybody who is considering Zoom is that it's a great tool, I don't have any complaints, and I recommend it.

    I would rate this solution a nine out of ten.

    Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

    On-premises
    Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
    PeerSpot user
    Research Fellow at Insight 64
    Real User
    Great for remote meetings, helpful during social distancing and offers a free version
    Pros and Cons
    • "There is a free version of the solution."
    • "They could improve security more."

    What is most valuable?

    The ability to hold remote meetings is helpful.

    There is a free version of the solution.

    What needs improvement?

    The solution shouldn't charge so much for their services.

    I'm always in favor of a lower price. That said, I find there's a big gap between the free version and the professional version. When I looked at what it would cost to be able to get the full version, I said, "Gee, that's too much." If there was something in between the free version and the least expensive paid version, I probably would have paid for it. I would've gone for that. 

    They could improve security more. 

    They should make it a little bit easier to use, in terms of screen-sharing. One of the problems I have is when I go into a screen-sharing mode, I don't see what the other people see. If I could have my screen synced with what was being shared and me, that would be better.

    For how long have I used the solution?

    I've been using it for a couple of years, but my usage, like everybody else's really picked up with the COVID pandemic.

    What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

    The solution can be pricey.

    What other advice do I have?

    I do use Zoom, but again, just as an ordinary consumer. I don't have any experience with the high end or professional version.

    Normally when I would use it, it would be because some associate or organization I was dealing with was using Zoom in order to reach out to people like me. I didn't even realize until a few months ago, that Zoom charged in order to get a version that was capable of handling more than a few users. I always wondered how they made money.

    I'd rate the solution eight out of ten.

    Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

    Public Cloud
    Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
    PeerSpot user
    Founding Member at a tech services company with 1-10 employees
    Real User
    Ability to record interviews has assisted with my studies; screen share and annotation are good features
    Pros and Cons
    • "Ability to record interviews."
    • "Variable sound quality."

    What is our primary use case?

    My main use for Zoom has been for collaborating with other students, but I also use it for tutoring and for recreational purposes with friends and family. I'm not using Zoom in the workplace but at the university where I study, all the students use it and we meet regularly on Zoom. I've downloaded it to my computer and mobile phone and for now, I'm using it on a daily basis. I would love to work remotely so I would definitely consider using it more. I'm an elementary educator and customer of Zoom. 

    What is most valuable?

    Screen share is a great feature. I've used it for recording interviews and then I'm able to refer back to it or download and publish it. Annotating is a very helpful feature and of course the chat is nice if there's a lot going on and you want to talk individually to an individual who's on there. I think it's quite an intuitive solution regarding use and I've had pretty good luck with the quality, so it's just an easy place to have a group gathering.

    What needs improvement?

    It seems that lately it takes a while to connect and a long time to load. It would be helpful if that was a little more instantaneous. And then I guess sometimes the sound quality can be a bit of an issue.

    I'm not super technical, but it really would be great if the quality could be improved. I'd also like to see the ability to receive alerts when the product is offline, and notifications about upcoming meetings. 

    For how long have I used the solution?

    I've been using this solution for almost a year. 

    What do I think about the stability of the solution?

    So far it's working. It's very stable for me.

    How was the initial setup?

    The setup was very straightforward, it took just a few minutes. 

    What other advice do I have?

    I would rate this solution an eight out of 10. 

    Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
    PeerSpot user