Tools for digital meet-ups
Communicating live digitally
Video conferences and online meetings
Going straight from your office at home to a board meeting? It couldn't be easier. Meetings of all sizes can easily be held online – via computer, tablet or mobile phone. But what is the best tool to use?
Perhaps your board colleagues already have some experience in this area and can recommend a tool? Just in case, we have compiled a selection of tools for you here. Important: You should be able to reach the tool via a link (no downloads) and it should be easy to use.
Jitsi meet
Free video conferences, hosted in Switzerland
Jitsi meet offers free video conferences that can be started in your browser. Participants do not need an account, and no software needs to be installed. They can take part in the meeting directly via a link (with or without a password). The tool is free to use and there are no restrictions on the number of participants and/or length of meetings.
A range of Swiss providers have based their tools on this open source software. The advantage: A data-protection-friendly alternative to US companies such as Microsoft, Google and Zoom (runs via Swiss servers).
List of Swiss Jitsi-Meet providers:
Whereby
Alternative option for small groups
Whereby is also an open source software that can be started directly in your browser. The free version allows up to four people to take part, while the paid version permits more participants and offers more functions.
Zoom
Video conference tool with many functions
Zoom is the word currently on everyone's lips – no other video conference tool has been used so often in recent times. It is stable and offers many additional functions, e.g. the option to form discussion groups. The basic version is free, but imposes a time limit of 40 minutes on group conferences. For longer meetings, users need to create an account.
Zoom has been hit with numerous security and data protection issues recently, prompting various companies and governments to prohibit its use.
Skype
An old tool in a new light
Many people are familiar with Skype from personal video chats. Its group video chat function allows up to 50 people to participate and collaborate at the same time. Skype can be used with a login.
Microsoft-Teams
Video chats with Microsoft
Microsoft Teams is part of Office 365, but it can also be used independently of this. The basic version is free and can be used to hold audio and video calls with your team. For video conferences of up to 250 participants, users will need to sign up for the fee-based version.
WhatsApp offers a new service
WhatsApp, too, has become a video conference app during the coronavirus crisis. As of late, video calls can be held by up to eight users. The app is free, and all participants need to have it installed.
Google Hangouts
Video chats with Google
Up to 10 people can take part in group chats on Google Hangouts. To set it up, you need a Google account. Participants do not need to be registered with Google Hangouts to join a call.
Perdrix meeting
Tool without a cloud solution
Perdrix Meeting runs completely on servers in Switzerland, with privacy and data security the top priority here. The tool costs money to use and applies a "cloudless" approach to its virtual meeting rooms, meaning no cloud solution.
BigBlueButton
Web conference solution with personalised rooms
BigBlueButton is an open-source web conference system with a large number of functions. CH Open and green.ch run a free-to-use, publicly accessible video conferencing platform that is hosted exclusively in Switzerland and is based on BigBlueButton.
GoToMeeting
Simple tool for reliable video meetings
GoToMeeting offers functions that are similar to those provided by Zoom, albeit at a lower price. The tool is so simple that you can start a meeting with a single click of the mouse and quickly find your way around.
BlueJeans Meetings
The video conferencing tool from Verizon
BlueJeans Meetings is a fee-based tool that you can try out for free for seven days. It comes equipped with all of the features for holding and participating in video conferences.
Wonder
Appealing online events
The (still) free-to-use tool Wonder offers a virtual space in which people can meet and exchange ideas and experiences with one another. Participants are able to move wherever they want in the space and free to choose where they want to take part. The tool is browser-based and open to an unlimited number of participants.
Butter
An all-in-one platform for interactive workshops
The (still) free-to-use tool Butter offers an all-in-one platform for virtual workshops, events and live courses. Up to 200 participants can meet in various rooms, respond to content with emojis, exchange ideas and experiences in chats, etc. Additional tools such as Miro and YouTube can also be integrated. You can participate in Butter events via a link and without having to have your own login.
Hopin
Versatile online event platform
Hopin offers everything you need to hold appealing online conferences ranging in size from small to large – with a focus on an "exchange between participants". To this end, a wide range of rooms, formats, and design options are made available. The entire user experience can be provided with an attractive design – however, this comes at its own (high) price.
Airmeet
Comprehensive online event platform
Similar to Hopin, Airmeet offers everything you need for an appealing web conference, incl. Various rooms, opportunities to engage with other participants, and freedom of movement for participants. If you wish to make use of the extensive functions offered by Airmeet, you will have to allow for a sufficiently sized portion of your budget to do so.
Interesting links and videos