Since 2013, Zoom has been known for its video conferencing features, which are used for remote connections and collaboration. The demand for these services increased notably during the pandemic, which is one reason Zoom got the limelight.
In 2024, Zoom expanded its services by introducing Zoom Workplace, a suite of tools claiming to offer more than just video conferencing capabilities. This new offering is to position the company alongside comprehensive workplace platforms such as Google Workspace and Microsoft Teams. This development reflects the ongoing evolution in the digital workplace tools sector, where providers are increasingly offering diverse functionalities to meet the varied needs of modern organizations.
Zoom vs. Zoom Workplace
In today's competitive market, where better applications exist, Zoom's introduction of Zoom Workplace seems to reflect the company's struggle to remain in the game despite the availability of superior alternatives.
Zoom Workplace is one of the services that Zoom offers.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
Zoom
Initially launched as a video conferencing platform, Zoom lets users connect virtually with video calls, screen sharing, and virtual backgrounds. These features were needed for meetings, webinars, and social gatherings.
Over time, Zoom expanded its functionalities to include webinar hosting, cloud recording, and integrations with various applications. In 2024, Zoom launched Zoom Workplace, broadening its focus on collaboration tools—perhaps to avoid being left behind by its competitors.
It is not hidden that Zoom's propulsion in the market was mainly because of the pandemic. People had to be stuck with Zoom, and some still are stuck today.
Learn more about Zoom features and Zoom products.
Zoom Workplace
Fear is an intrinsic feeling that can shake anyone to the core. The same happened with Zoom. In 2024, Zoom introduced Zoom Workplace; though it is not exactly a brand new thing, it is replacing the already existing Zoom One plan.
While Zoom has long been associated with virtual meetings, Zoom Workplace aims to be a comprehensive hub, integrating various tools for collaboration and communication within teams. It is claims to be a single platform for workday needs, allowing users to schedule meetings, collaborate on documents, manage tasks, and gain AI-powered insights.
Zoom Workplace replaces the previous Zoom One plan and retains many similar features while introducing new capabilities. However, it does not include all of Zoom’s tools, such as those for marketing, sales, or customer care. It includes:
Key Components:
- Zoom Meetings: Host video and audio conferences with features like screen sharing, virtual backgrounds, and AI-powered captioning.
- Zoom Chat: Instant messaging platform for individual and group communication, including file sharing and dedicated channels.
- Zoom Phone: Cloud-based phone system offering voicemail, SMS, and global coverage.
- Email & Calendar: Tools for managing emails and calendars, accessible on desktops and mobile devices.
- Scheduler: Meeting scheduling with bookable time slots, automated reminders, and compatibility with some calendar apps.
- Zoom Docs: Real-time or asynchronous document collaboration similar to Google Docs.
- Zoom Whiteboard: Virtual whiteboard for brainstorming and collaboration.
- Zoom Clips: Short video messages for knowledge sharing and collaboration, helpful in onboarding new users.
- Zoom Notes: Note-taking application.
- App Marketplace: Access apps for workplace management, collaboration, and communication.
- Zoom Rooms: Management solution for hybrid and in-person meetings, similar to Microsoft Teams Rooms.
- Workspace Reservation: System for booking desks and meeting rooms.
- Digital Signage: Integrates signage displays with workspace reservation tools.
- Visitor Management: System for tracking visitors and guest access.
- Workvivo: (Optional) Employee engagement platform with activity feeds, live streaming, social feeds, and other features.
Zoom Workplace Limitations:
- Integration Challenges: Integrating Zoom Workplace with existing workflows and tools will require considerable effort and potentially cause compatibility issues.
- Not completely evolved : Zoom Workplace is a recent development That is still evolving. Its full capabilities and long-term effectiveness have yet to be fully established.
- Data Privacy Concerns: Centralizing communication and data within a single platform raises data privacy concerns for users. Zoom has previously been in the negative limelight for its data policies. In September 2023, Zoom faced a massive backlash after it changed its policies to use users’ calls to train its AI model, breaching privacy.
- Limited Customization: Zoom Workplace offers less flexibility compared to standalone tools for specific functionalities like project management or document editing. Users accustomed to a high degree of customization in their existing tools will find Zoom Workplace restrictive.
- Integrations with smaller CRMs: It does integrate with larger CRMs, but the smaller ones are left out, specifically for ZRA and Zoom phone.
- Learning Curve: Users need to adapt to using a new platform and its functionalities.
Learn more about Zoom limitations.
Zoom Workplace Pricing
Zoom Workspace offers a tiered pricing structure based on the number of users within your organization. It offers a free version with limited features, a pro plan at $14.99/month/user, and business and enterprise plans at $19.99/month/user, catering to the required needs.
Check out our detailed take on Zoom pricing.
In case you are interested we have a detailed article on how to cancel Zoom subscription.
FAQs
Are Zoom and Zoom Workplace different?
Well, technically, yes. Replacing Zoom One, Zoom Workplace offers a focused suite of collaboration, productivity, and communication tools. While similar in many ways, it doesn't encompass the full range of Zoom's functionalities.
Can I just opt for Zoom Meetings instead of Zoom Workplace?
Yes, Zoom Meetings is an all-in-one feature of Zoom Workplace. But instead of opting for Zoom Workplace, you can sign up for Zoom Meetings alone as one of the tools provided by Zoom.
What happened to the Zoom One plan?
Zoom is trying to work on its innovation by introducing Zoom Workplace. This suite reflects Zoom's expanded capabilities and prioritizes AI-powered functionalities for meetings and communication.
Host Better Meetings with Feta
Remote work has made virtual meetings a regular part of our daily routine, but they can be draining. Many current meeting platforms have issues like uninspiring interfaces, inconvenient updates, and integration difficulties. Their AI features often fall short of expectations. A significant problem is that these tools often don't connect well with other work applications, creating a disjointed experience in our digital workspace. One such tool is Zoom.
Zoom, though known mostly for its video conferencing tools, is trying to keep itself relevant in the market by following in the footsteps of its competitors and introducing Zoom Workplace, an all-in-one suit.
But people seem to have had enough of Zoom, and thanks to the pandemic, Zoom got the limelight. Now, various other meeting tools exist that businesses could use to cater to their needs—more personalized and customizable.
That’s why we are building Feta - it’s an AI-native video conferencing tool that automates the end-to-end meeting workflow and maintains relevant context. Also, it’s a modern UI/UX, the kind you’d expect in 2024!
This app comes with features such as accurate AI-generated smart summaries, action items, real-time transcripts, translations, auto-tagged discussions, task management, a searchable knowledge library, and more.
We are now rolling out early access to Feta every day to limited users, so in case you are interested - just let us know :)
Migrating from Zoom to Feta
Adopting a new communication platform may seem daunting, but Feta strives to smoothen the transition. They provide a complimentary 90-day trial that matches your existing Zoom subscription. To access this offer, users need only complete this brief online form.
Curious about how Feta compares to Zoom? Our comprehensive, objective analysis breaks down both services side by side. This detailed Zoom vs. Feta comparison showcases key features of each platform, helping you determine which option best aligns with your requirements.
We're now offering early access to a select group of users. Join our pioneer program to experience Feta free for three months.