The amazing growth and development of technology, worldwide, can be recognised in the opportunities that many businesses have had in making changes to their daily systems in trying to become more digital. Having said, companies and organisations around the world have been faced with the reality of a worldwide pandemic and how working from home has played a crucial role in helping reduce the spread of Covid-19. The year, 2020, has resulted in businesses, schools, universities and similar people-orientated organisations to reshape how people could still collaborate and communicate. Throughout the pandemic, the use of video conferencing has grown, so that companies and organisations can remain functioning and profitable.

As of last year, some people may have not been aware of what Zoom or Microsoft Teams were, however, as of now, both are staples in many households, schools, and businesses. But is one better than the other and if so, what are the differences between the two platforms that provide efficient productivity and communication?

To begin, let’s have a look at what Teams and Zoom are.

The Microsoft Teams app can be thought of as the physical office space of which your employees and colleagues would be working in, the ability to have instant chats (send messages), have meetings and break off into departments, gives the app a likeness to that of an office space. The app allows for many different communication channels across connected e-mail addresses, that allows for a main chat, private chats, and the chance to create groups specific to a department or project. Effectively, on Teams, people can use the message platform to chat to colleagues and employees rather than e-mail. Communication can happen through set up video-calls and Wi-Fi calls, almost instantly from chat, groups, and an invitation via e-mail. Microsoft is great for small to medium businesses as you can chat, ‘meet’, call and collaborate from anywhere.

As of last year, many people were unaware of what Zoom was until it became a popular platform to get connected with friends, family, and businesses, during a time when we were not allowed to see each other. Zoom is primarily a video app that allows you to connect and talk to multiple people from within and outside your business. In difference, Zoom is more focused on being a video and online chat communication platform. With the ability to download Zoom on your phone as an app, the convenience is found in that you can connect with people on Zoom no matter what device.

So, what exactly is the difference between the two platforms?

Zoom	Microsoft Teams
You can easily video chat with people from outside your organisation, they don’t need to be a part of your company account.	Much like an office space, Teams allows employees and colleagues to remain connected in a shared space and platform.
The video layout allows that everyone in the meeting can be seen at once.	Use instant messaging to chat rather than exchanged emails.
No matter, your location or device, you can join a Zoom meeting from anywhere.	Works well with Office 365 and you can securely edit and share files at the same time between chats.
The video quality is great with HD video and audio. Including customised settings with the options to enable and disable video and audio during a meeting.	It is mobile friendly and can allow for connectivity with people outside your organisation through an easy setup.
Zoom has 3 paid options as well as a basic free option	Teams can be installed for free if you don’t have Office 365.

Zooms vs Teams: The Verdict

Zoom is a good platform for a business to use when searching for HD quality videos, and for the purpose of connecting and setting up meetings, rather than collaborating. Zoom is a functional platform for businesses who are looking to get in touch with external users rather than communicate between colleagues and employees.

Having said, Microsoft Teams is a popular choice for a business as it provides an overall office function and productivity as it is a collaborative platform that provides more than just video and call functions, but merely the option to chat, share files and it syncs up well with other Office 365 and Microsoft technology. Teams is a workplace productivity hub that can assist you in achieving your everyday tasks.

Ensure that your business remains connected during these unprecedented times with Covid-19 and the third lockdown in South Africa. Make use of communicative platforms that will benefit your business’s communication and overall productivity, so that you can remain relevant, up to date and profitable.

At Oasis Intelligent IT Solutions, we can assist you in ensuring your business stays connected, by connecting you to the Internet through, and are able to troubleshoot any issues with: ADSL, WI-FI, 3G, Fibre and VPN (Virtual Personal Network). Our remote management services include managed services from Oasis in both a reactive (responding as and when necessary) and pro-active response.

For the smooth running of any business, the services of an IT services company can assist in continually improving workplace efficiency and productivity. Contact Oasis Intelligent IT Solutions for professional, personalised, and affordable IT solutions

Contact Oasis Intelligent IT Solutions:

Telephone: 011 784 9167

E-Mail: info@theoasis.co.za