Skype for Business vs Zoom Workplace Business comparison

Skype for Business and Zoom Workplace Business compete in the communication and collaboration tools category. Zoom appears to have the upper hand due to its wide array of features and user-friendly interface, which appeal significantly despite its associated costs.

Features: Skype for Business integrates seamlessly with Microsoft's suite, supports a range of client devices, and enables third-party federation, boosting productivity with instant messaging, conferencing, and VoIP. It offers dependable conferencing options for a cohesive collaboration experience. Zoom, on the other hand, focuses on user-friendliness and intuitive video conferencing, along with compatibility across various browsers and devices. Effective screen sharing, scheduling, and video quality make Zoom ideal for larger meetings.

Room for Improvement: Skype has issues with interoperability, often needing costly gateways for third-party communication, and struggles with latency and connectivity, requiring enhancements in audio quality and feature parity with rivals like Teams. Zoom is criticized for security concerns, stability issues during large meetings, and limited integration capabilities; improving access to third-party integrations and refining the user experience are key areas for Zoom to address.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Both products support various deployment models. Zoom prefers cloud-based solutions over on-premises arrangements. While Skype benefits from dependable Microsoft support, Zoom's customer service receives mixed reviews in terms of responsiveness. However, Zoom’s straightforward deployment in different environments aligns with its user-friendly approach, though further customization could boost user satisfaction.

Pricing and ROI: Skype for Business is cost-effective within a Microsoft-focused infrastructure, often bundled with Office 365, suits larger setups. Zoom offers scalable pricing, popular for its free tier despite meeting duration restrictions. Zoom’s return on investment benefits from its economic efficiency and reduced need for enterprise resources. While Skype can be financially favorable in Microsoft settings, Zoom's flexible pricing structure and lower operational costs make it a viable choice for diverse teams.