Microsoft and Google have been competing on almost every front, and both have made big strides in machine learning, cloud computing, and productivity software. In terms of communication solutions, the tech powerhouses are also neck and neck with Microsoft Teams and Google Meet. These platforms share common calling and video conferencing features, but depending on your RIA’s requirements, one may be more ideal for your company than the other.
Please note that for an RIA, it’s not a best practice to opt for a free version of these solutions. For security and productivity reasons, you want an enterprise-level solution that will support your security and compliance efforts.
Enterprise-level IT should be your top priority for 2021. Learn more in our blog: Setting the 2021 IT Prioritise for Your RIA
Calling features
Microsoft Teams and Google Meet both offer enterprise-grade security, 1080p HD-quality video, and screen sharing capabilities, but there are some slight differences.
In the free version of Microsoft Teams, there is no limit to the number of people who can use its chat and document collaboration functions. Meanwhile, up to 20 users can join an audio or a video call. This number increases to 250 in the paid version. Most RIAs have access to a full version with their Microsoft subscriptions. If you’re not sure if you have access to Microsoft Teams, talk to your IT team or give us a call and we can help you out. (the hyperlink above is to the phone number – I’m not sure how to do that. Can a click on the CTA initiate a call?)
What’s great about Microsoft Teams is it supports meeting and group call recording, and even has captions and transcription features. It also has an inline message translation feature that translates messages into the language specified in a user’s settings. Plus, you can save and archive what you do in Microsoft Teams just like you do all your emails and files you manage through your Microsoft Office apps.
On the other hand, Google Meet’s free version supports up to 100 participants in a video call. What’s more, it has intelligent built-in features like muting and auto screen focus, which automatically switches the screen to the person who is currently talking. It also lets people join meetings even without Wi-Fi or data through unique dial-in phone numbers.
Integrations and add-ons
Microsoft Teams is, first and foremost, a unified platform that allows users to communicate and collaborate on a single platform. It comes with powerful content collaboration on Microsoft 365 apps (e.g., Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and easily integrates with hundreds of other productivity and collaboration platforms. Most RIAs appreciate that Microsoft Teams works like the other apps they’re already using.
Meanwhile, being a Google product, Google Meet fully integrates with Google Workspace (formerly G Suite). For instance, users can schedule appointments and set call reminders within Google Meet using Google Calendar. Users can even broadcast their presentations live on YouTube.
See how SF Investments used Microsoft Teams to stay connected while working from home during Covid restrictions. Listen to the podcast here.
Pricing
Both Microsoft Teams and Google Meet have free versions but with limited features. With the free version of Microsoft Teams, users can join a meeting and use its screen and file sharing features even without an account. However, if you’re like most RIAs and already have a Microsoft subscription, you likely also have access record and save meetings, call encryption and call-in features, and few other benefits.
Meanwhile, users can use Google Meet for free with their personal Gmail accounts, but also with limited capabilities. A subscription that starts at $6 per month per user, however, lets users get Google Meet along with all the other powerful Google business apps and tools.
What works for you?
Knowing the similarities and differences between the two platforms, it should be easy for you to decide which suits your RIA the best. Google designed Google Meet for startups and small companies that need a low-cost communications solution, while Microsoft Teams, with its robust features, is suitable for small and large businesses alike.
If you’re still unsure about either product, you can opt for a free trial to help you in making the decision. Otherwise, you can contact our team today so we can recommend a solution that’s perfect for your business.
Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.