One of the most popular online conferencing tools is Zoom, provided by Zoom Video Communications, Inc.

Zoom is an online conferencing tool that is used in business scenes around the world as well as in Japan due to its simple operability and high security.

Here, we will explain the features of “Zoom”, which is attracting a great deal of attention as an online conferencing tool, and the background to the expansion of its use.

We also introduce the functions of each Zoom plan, so if you are considering introducing an online meeting tool at your company, please refer to it.

What is the online meeting tool “Zoom”? Background of rapid introduction

In recent years, an increasing number of companies have introduced remote work and telecommuting, and along with this, many convenient services for holding online meetings have appeared.

Among them, Zoom is an online conferencing tool that has been introduced in a wide range of industries due to its easy operation and rich functions.

First, let’s take a closer look at the features of the online conferencing tool “Zoom” and the background to the expansion of its use.

Features of the Zoom service

Zoom is one of the online conferencing tools for holding meetings and seminars on the web.

I will introduce the features when compared with other similar tools.

Web meetings using existing devices are possible

Zoom is compatible with various operating systems such as Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, and can be used from existing computers, smartphones, and tablets.

It can also be used from a browser, so even those who don’t want to install additional apps can rest assured.

For corporate Zoom, you can use your existing computer, so it is recommended if you want to reduce the introduction cost.

Easy to invite and join meetings

Many online meeting tools have a system in which both the host (invitee) and the participant register for an account when using it.

On the other hand, with Zoom, the host can start using it simply by creating an account.

It is also very easy to conduct and participate in online meetings.

The meeting organizer will create a URL for the meeting after account registration and notify the participants.

Meeting participants can join the meeting by clicking the sent URL.

The appeal of Zoom is that even if you are using it for the first time, you can use it immediately because you can hold an online meeting with just this operation.

security measures in place

Since April 2020, Zoom has released the latest version “Zoom 5.0” with greatly enhanced security.

Although security measures have been taken for some time, several vulnerabilities have been pointed out as the number of users has increased rapidly.

This large-scale update has improved security, such as preventing malicious users from participating in meetings and further strengthening the encryption method.

Currently, very strong security measures are in place, so you can use it safely even in the business scene.

Background to the rapid increase in Zoom users

The rapid increase in the number of users of online conferencing tools such as Zoom is due to the global spread of the new coronavirus.

An increasing number of companies are working remotely or working from home as a countermeasure against infection, and online conferencing tools that allow remote communication have attracted attention.

In addition, it is now widely used not only in the business scene, but also in private situations such as “Zoom drinking parties”.

In addition, one of the reasons is that even before we entered the New Normal era, remote work has progressed as a social movement due to work style reform.

Working styles such as remote work and telecommuting are now becoming commonplace.

If you want to introduce Zoom as a company’s online meeting tool, we recommend a paid plan!

Zoom has a free plan that anyone can use, and a paid plan with more convenient functions.

The free plan is sufficient for personal use, but the paid plan is recommended for corporate use.

Next, let’s take a closer look at the features available in each plan of Zoom and why we recommend a paid plan for Enterprise Zoom.

Features available in the free version of Zoom

In the free version of Zoom, you can mainly use the following functions.

• Screen sharing (PC screen or whiteboard)
• breakout room (grouping)
• Remote operation
• recording
• text chat etc.

Since Zoom does not have a trial period, you can continue to use the free version if the above functions are sufficient.

However, the free version of Zoom has various restrictions, such as setting an upper limit on group call time and not being able to use the cloud recording function.

Paid plans and added features

There are three paid versions of Zoom: Pro Plan, Business Plan, and Enterprise Plan.

The features that will be newly available in each plan are as follows.

Pro plan

• Unlimited group calls
• Assign roles to each user
• Advanced meeting features such as recording, recording settings, encryption, etc.
• Reporting on the number of meetings, dates, number of participants, etc.
• Customize your Personal Meeting ID
• Cloud recording up to 1GB
• Interoperability with Skype For Business, etc.

The maximum number of participants in an online meeting is 100, and it is recommended for use by small teams and companies.

Business plan

• Administrative dashboard
• Customizing the connection URL
• Add User Account by Domain
• single sign-on, etc.

The maximum number of participants in the online conference is 300, making it a plan suitable for use by small and medium-sized enterprises.

Enterprise plan

• Unlimited cloud recording
• Free webinar option, etc.

The maximum number of participants in the online conference is 500, and it is recommended for large companies to introduce the tool.

If you want to use Zoom in your company, we recommend a paid plan

In the case of the free version of Zoom, there is an upper limit of 40 minutes per call.

From the Pro plan onwards, this limit will be removed and you will be able to make unlimited group calls.

In the case of online meetings in the business scene, it is very likely that the meeting time will exceed 40 minutes, so we recommend the paid version with no restrictions.

In the paid version of Zoom, you can also use the “cloud recording” function that records the content of the online meeting and saves it on the cloud.

In the case of local storage, there are disadvantages such as putting pressure on the capacity of the device and taking time to publish the video to the outside.

On the other hand, saving to the cloud does not consume the storage capacity of the main unit, and depending on the settings, you can easily watch the video from an external device, so sharing is smooth.

By using this function, you can save the trouble of creating minutes of online meetings, so it can be said that the paid version of Zoom is excellent in terms of work efficiency.

summary

• Zoom is one of the online conferencing tools that is rapidly increasing the number of users in modern times where remote work is progressing
• Features simple operability that anyone can use and greatly enhanced security measures
• When introducing Zoom in a company, we recommend the paid version that allows unlimited group calls and cloud recording functions

Zoom is an online conferencing tool that is used in various situations such as internal and external meetings, training and seminars (webinars)