ZOOM Cloud Meetings

ZOOM Cloud Meetings

Cloud Meetings is a service from ZOOM that allows participants to hold video conferences using the cloud. Unlike standard video conferencing services that users are required to download software to use, Cloud Meetings is accessed through a browser so there is nothing to download. It's as simple as visiting the website and signing in.

Features

ZOOM Cloud Meetings features are numerous and cover almost all the aspects needed to meet online: file sharing, document presentation, video calls, voice calls, chat, polls, screen sharing, webinar recording, online event planning, online event invitation.
There are also some nice-to-have ZOOM Cloud Meetings features, which should be added in the future: ZOOM Cloud Meetings integration with CRM, ZOOM Cloud Meetings integration with email, ZOOM Cloud Meetings integration with web conferencing tools (like GoToMeeting, WebEx, etc.), ZOOM Cloud Meetings integration with video conference tools (like Skype, Google Hangouts, etc.), ZOOM Cloud Meetings integration with internal corporate tools (like SharePoint, ERP, HR, etc.).

Design

ZOOM Cloud Meetings design is simplistic and functional. The app interface is divided into two main sections, the first one contains the list of meetings, the second one is a chat with a participant or an admin. You can drag a meeting from the list to the chat window in order to join it. The chat window is used by participants and admins for communication. The meetings list is divided into the following sections:

  • Projects - contains a list of all the projects organized by the user.
  • Meetings - contains a list of scheduled meetings.
  • Participants - contains a list of participants.
  • Actions - allows to edit, join, or leave a meeting.

Most of the actions have an additional menu that lets you edit the meeting.

Usability

ZOOM Cloud Meetings usability is good, developers did a good job on it. I like the fact that it was made to be very simple and straightforward. Unlike other services, ZOOM Cloud Meetings doesn't have any hidden buttons or tabs. It's more like an application than a website. The app has a lot of features, that's why it's so heavy. Luckily, it's not very hard to use and learn it because it's not overloaded with unnecessary things. On the first start, you're prompted to create an account, then you can either register or log in. I was able to use the service just fine without registration, just like with other apps. You can use your existing Google account or create a new one. Registration is very straightforward as well. There are no complicated things, you don't have to upload any documents or anything like that.

Conclusion

ZOOM Cloud Meetings is an excellent service that can be used as a replacement for Skype, Google Hangouts, GoToMeeting, WebEx, or any other service that helps people meet online. It has almost all of the features needed to run an online meeting. The app is well-designed and works fast. It's not overloaded with unnecessary things. The service is easy to use and has a good usability and design. You can use it for free with up to 3 participants.

Pros:

  • Simple and convenient
  • Easy to use
  • Fast.

Cons:

  • You can’t share files or documents on the app.

Interface 9

Key Features 9

Usability 8

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