Skype for Business and Google Hangouts compete in the communication platforms category. Skype for Business seems to have the upper hand in integration with Microsoft products, making it a favored choice for businesses reliant on the Microsoft ecosystem, while Google Hangouts is preferred for its simplicity and integration with Google Suite.
Features: Skype for Business offers deep integration with Microsoft Outlook and SharePoint, VoIP services, and robust conferencing tools, providing a seamless experience for Microsoft-centric environments. Google Hangouts is notable for its easy integration with Google Calendar, straightforward video conferencing capabilities, and user-friendly interface, although it lacks some advanced collaboration features found in Skype for Business.
Room for Improvement: Skype for Business could enhance interoperability with non-Microsoft products and address issues with audio quality and connectivity. Google Hangouts may improve its stability, add features like whiteboarding and virtual backgrounds, and enhance file-sharing options for richer collaboration experiences.
Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Both Skype for Business and Google Hangouts provide flexible deployment options, including cloud configurations. Skype for Business is known for its comprehensive but complex setup, often needing professional support. Google Hangouts benefits from easy access through Google Workspace but could improve on documentation and customer service responsiveness.
Pricing and ROI: Skype for Business, frequently bundled with Office 365, delivers value for Microsoft-centric organizations with bundled licenses, but it can be costly compared to alternatives. Google Hangouts provides free and subscription models, appreciated for integration within Google Workspace, offering affordability and flexible pricing, depending on specific organizational needs and requirements.
Hangouts Chat makes it easy for teams to be able to get their work done in one place. From direct messages to group conversations, Chat helps teams collaborate easily and efficiently.
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