In the world of web conferencing and collaboration, there are countless types of software and tools that are created with one goal in mind: connecting people online.
Web conferencing is the umbrella term used to describe the various types of online collaborative services, including webinars, online meeting tools, video conferencing and more. Each type of conferencing software is designed with a specific purpose, so no two are the same, which is why it’s essential you know the difference between them.
What’s the difference between a webinar platform and meeting tool?
Webinars are not meeting tools. Instead, webinars are online seminars that allow presenters to connect with audiences online, so they can share information on a larger scale. Webinars are hosted live, on-demand (pre-recorded) or as Simulive (simulated live) events and take place on the internet in the form of a presentation, discussion, lecture or conference.
Meanwhile, meeting tools are web conferencing platforms that help individuals and teams to organize, run, and record results during meetings.
Participants are able to speak and listen over the internet using webcams and computer microphones and are essentially typical meetings that take place online, rather than in-person. Popular meeting tool providers include Google Hangouts, Zoom and Microsoft.
What is Zoom?
Based in California, Zoom is a web-based video conferencing tool that allows users to meet online, with or without video. Participants can choose to record sessions, collaborate and screen share within the platform, which works across Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Blackberry, Zoom Rooms, and H.323/SIP room systems.
Zoom is primarily designed for meetings with smaller teams, but Enterprise Plus license holders can host online meetings for up to 1,000 participants. Zoom offers a video webinar solution for up to 10,000 attendees and interactive features such as Q&A with live or text answers, polling, registration and reporting, but these are often purchased as an add-on.
What is WorkCast?
Based in the US and UK, WorkCast is a webinar and online events software company that began in 2008 as the solution to a problem: how can we make webinars as easy to use and simple to scale as video?
WorkCast’s platform, Stratus, merges every possible online event into one robust, easy-to-use platform. Our secure, cloud-based webinar platform allows you to host online events for up to 50,000 attendees. With no downloads, plugins or barriers, you can extend the reach of your webinars to a global audience without any hidden costs.
WorkCast Vs. Zoom?
Unlike many meeting tools masquerading as a webinar platform, WorkCast was created primarily as a webinar platform. Our platform, WorkCast Stratus, helps you to easily create webinars, grow engagement and generate high quality leads - all with simple pricing and no hidden fees.
How exactly do we do that? We compare the WorkCast and Zoom platforms below.
How do you decide what is the right web conferencing software for you?
If you’re looking to take your meetings or events online, then the very first thing you need to consider is what web conferencing software you will need. There is no one size fits all approach, so you will need to ask yourself the following questions:
- What are my business goals and budget?
- How many people will be attending and from where i.e. locally, regionally or internationally?
- How often will I be using the platform?
- Which features do I require e.g. live chat, Q&A, screen share, webcam, etc.?
- Which format is most suitable for my requirements e.g. presentation, informal meeting, live video stream?
- Will I need to integrate the software with my CRM or marketing automation platform?
- Do I want users to have to download software or plugins?
- Does the software need to be accessible across all browsers and devices?
- When do I want to host my meeting or online event i.e. what is my lead time?
- Do I need access to reporting and analytics?
Asking yourself all of these questions will help you to determine which web conferencing platform is right for you. For example, if your primary objective is to run online meetings with the occasional small webinar, you will want to opt for a meeting tool, like Zoom.
However, if you’re looking to host large webinars, virtual events, or conferences for up to 50,000 attendees, then the WorkCast platform is more suitable for your needs.
⟶ Learn how to find the best webinar platform. Read More.
If you’ve already asked yourself these questions and still aren’t sure which software is right for you, then you can reach out to different web conferencing providers and ask for a consultation.
Any online event expert will be able to quickly tell you which tool would be best suited for your needs and point you in the right direction.
Discover the WorkCast Difference
WorkCast is a webinar and online events platform designed for marketers and event professionals.
Our robust platform empowers clients to seamlessly stream their webinars, virtual events and webcasts to up to 50,000 attendees anywhere, any time and across any device.
With no downloads, plugins or barriers, WorkCast creates webinars without limits. Our platform looks and feels completely unique, as it is based on template experiences that can be fully customized for your branding.
Find out why WorkCast is the leading webinar and virtual events provider
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