Zoom vs Microsoft Teams: What's the Difference?

Managed Communications | Video Conferencing | Microsoft

When selecting a communications platform for your business, comparing your options side-by-side is important. Cloud-based business communications solutions like Zoom and Microsoft Teams will have many features in common. However, what's the difference between Microsoft Teams and Zoom?

Zoom Is a Newer Platform

Zoom is a much newer company, while Microsoft has been around for a long time. Since Zoom is a newer organization founded in 2020, it is more prone to bugs in cybersecurity than more established companies. The platform experienced security issues when unauthorized individuals began joining private calls.

This issue was eventually resolved, but it raises the question of whether Zoom's overall security features can measure up to hackers.

Unlike Zoom, Microsoft has been around for a very long time. As an established company, it has fewer reported security issues. Teams is a newer platform for Microsoft, but it is built on a strong foundation from years of development.

Complexity and Range of Collaboration Tools

Zoom offers a platform that is easy to use for any skill level and gives you basic functionality from video conferencing, screen sharing, and recording. If you are looking for the most basic communication system, then Zoom may be the better fit for you.

Zoom is only used for video meetings and does not integrate as seamlessly as Teams with other systems. Therefore, you will need additional tools for activities like SMS chat functions and project management. However, this makes Zoom simpler to learn for those who only want the basics.

Teams as a Dynamic Alternative to Zoom

When comparing Zoom vs Microsoft Teams, there's no question of which platform offers more integration. As an extension of Microsoft 365, MS Teams can integrate seamlessly and offer an all-inclusive communication channel. Join or plan a video conference, schedule meetings with attendees via your calendar, and chat with your members before and after the meeting.

Although most email hosting providers offer Zoom integrations, Teams is a more dynamic system overall. Hundreds of apps can integrate with Teams, which can simplify your project management and collaboration.

You can also save all your files into Teams so you do not need to go elsewhere to upload them. You can also retrieve conversations stored within the platform for future reference.

How is Microsoft Teams Like Zoom?

Microsoft Teams and Zoom overlap quite a bit in the features they offer. Both Zoom and Microsoft Teams offer collaboration features such as:

  • Screensharing functions
  • Breakout rooms
  • Document sharing
  • Voice calling
  • Whiteboard tools
  • In-call chat features

Along with these video conferencing tools, both platforms offer security features to help prevent unauthorized access to meetings. Both use multi-factor authentication (MFA) and waiting rooms to verify participants before they can join a call.

How to Choose a Video Conferencing Solution

It's wise to partner with a managed communications provider with experience in your industry. They should be well-versed in your industry, so you can meet data security requirements and get the most out of your cloud-based communications software.

If you're ready to invest in efficient and convenient unified communications, click the button below to speak to an experienced managed communications expert.

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