Ubiquitous free tools need love too - don’t forget about Google Hangouts (Classic)
Overall Satisfaction with Google Hangouts (Classic)
Google Hangouts (classic) is part of a series of tools that sit in an in between space. They are not primary company tools, but they serve a niche function when other tools are not able to be used. In particular, some messaging needs or video conferencing needs that require connection with external parties informally are ideal opportunities to use Google Hangouts (classic).
Pros
- Ad-hoc video conferencing / meetings with external collaborators
- Mobile video conferencing
- Integration with other Google-based tools.
Cons
- Security
- Integration into the formal corporate toolset
- Integration into Office365
- Ease of use
- Ubiquity
- Platform independent
- It’s free and informal, so the cost is not an issue
- It doesn’t interact with O365, so as a disparate tool, it can be problematic
- It is ubiquitous so it is Android friendly and iOS friendly
- Zoom, BlueJeans Meetings, Cisco Webex Calling, Microsoft Teams, Skype for Business (formerly Lync) and GoToMeeting
Google is the white cotton socks of the conferencing world. It’s a great ad-hoc tool, but not too much more. If you are not looking to spend money or operate completely on WiFi (without data charges), it’s a great free option as well. The benefit of being free and open is also the liability. It doesn’t have a great integration story with other corporate tools, but [it doesn’t have to] if you aren’t looking for that. All in all, it’s as helpful and ubiquitous as a public payphone…without the pay…and with a video capability.
Do you think Google Hangouts (Classic) delivers good value for the price?
Yes
Are you happy with Google Hangouts (Classic)'s feature set?
Yes
Did Google Hangouts (Classic) live up to sales and marketing promises?
I wasn't involved with the selection/purchase process
Did implementation of Google Hangouts (Classic) go as expected?
I wasn't involved with the implementation phase
Would you buy Google Hangouts (Classic) again?
Yes
Comments
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