Different Software for Video Conferencing

There are many tools available to interact with each other. You can use any software for video conferencing such as zoom Microsoft Teams, Slack, etc. All these software of video conferencing have their power and weakness. You can choose the video conferencing software that is suitable for you and you may be comfortable with that software. There may be a possibility of restrictions on any software that you choose due to not installed or supported by the device. This must be kept in mind that you should try the video conferencing software before you are going to attend a meeting or any webinar. If you try the software in advance, there is a chance to look for the keyboard shortcuts such as for muting the audio, inviting the people, and more. These software provides many features to enhance the video calling like virtual background.

You can choose the correct software by knowing about the availability and what type of meeting you are going to attend. There are some video conferencing software is discussed below:

·      Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams meeting allows up to 250 participants in one meeting. It allows you to share the applications and the desktop to the other participants, but it needs the virtual laser pointers to share the desktop. It does not offer you to raise hands virtually and ask any question that makes the webinar or tutorial more challenging. It provides you a facility of automatic video captions. The audio and video quality is very good in Microsoft Teams. You can improve the quality of video calling by using the professional background.

·      Slack

Slack is a good option for the small group discussions and it includes the in-app calling from the device. You can send audio or voice messages and it also allows the screen sharing. It provides the drawing tools that help you to point anything during video call. There are many privacy issues that you have to keep in mind. Slack has restricted accessibility support for the screen readers, keyboard use and there is no automatic captioning available.

·      Skype for business

This video calling software is the same as the Microsoft Teams. If your company supports Skype for business, there can physical dial-in number. This software offers the communication real-time translation (CART) but you have to arrange this by yourself.

·      Skype

This software is different from the Skype for business. Skype allows 50 participants with unlimited video conferencing. It works for small groups very well. You need an account in Skype for video calling. Skype provides automatic captioning for video.

·      Webex

Webex is used by many organizations and it has good control over meetings. There is limited access for screen readers, keyboard navigation, etc. It allows CART the same as Skype for business. Webex has a media window for sign language interpreting. These must be arranged by yourself i.e. you should hire an interpreter or captioner to join the meeting on Webex.

·      Zoom

When you are using Zoom software you may add up to 100 participants for up to 40 minutes. You can connect international participants by using a local dial-in number. If you want to support up to 100 participants for a 24-hour meeting, you need to opt for a paid plan. Zoom is very popular for video conferencing and has great control features. It provides high-quality video, screen sharing, and recording. You can also change your real background by Zoom meeting background. There is some privacy issue, so you can use other software if you want to discuss some sensitive issues. Like other software zoom also offers communication access real-time translation (CART) but you need to hire remote captioners.