Skype for Business was an online messaging and conferencing tool, now superseded by Microsoft Teams.
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Zoom Phone
Score 8.9 out of 10
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Built on Zoom's platform, Zoom's cloud phone consolidates business communication and collaboration into a single system. Available in 40+ countries, with expandable coverage through a bring-your-own-carrier offering, Zoom Phone supports inbound and outbound calling through the public switched telephone network (PSTN). Features: Post call summary & next steps A post-call summary from Zoom’s AI Companion keeps the focus on the conversation instead of…
$10
per month per user
Pricing
Skype for Business, now part of Microsoft Teams
Zoom Phone
Editions & Modules
No answers on this topic
US & Canada Metered
$10
per month per user
US & Canada Unlimited
$15
per month per user
Global Select
$20
per month per user
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
Skype for Business, now part of Microsoft Teams
Zoom Phone
Free Trial
No
No
Free/Freemium Version
No
No
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
No
No
Entry-level Setup Fee
No setup fee
No setup fee
Additional Details
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No fees for emergency 911 Service
No fees for compliance and administrative cost recovery Fee
No 10DLC SMS fees
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
Skype for Business, now part of Microsoft Teams
Zoom Phone
Considered Both Products
Skype for Business, now part of Microsoft Teams
Verified User
Manager
Chose Skype for Business, now part of Microsoft Teams
Skype for Business is effectively being phased out by MS Teams which is a natural evolution of the same but to compare against Zoom I would say that the VIDEO first element in Zoom is vastly superior and hence why Microsoft had to set a timescale for phasing out Skype for …
Skype is useful for collaborations across distances, including work from home, as well as a more convenient way to communicate with a large group of people. Skype is also useful to communicate with specific parties quickly, rather than relying on cellular service in areas where not as available. Skype is less useful if the team does not use computers , tablets, smartphones, etc in daily workflow as it would rarely be used.
We found out, the hard way, that Zoom Meeting is not the same as Zoom Webinar, and there is a significant cost difference. The Zoom Workplace is a great tool, and I am learning that there a many ways to customize it for our company.
Instant messaging to anyone who we know only by name/email. Even if they're offline, they get the message in missed convos and a notification automatically goes to them via Outlook mail. All conversations are saved and accessible via Outlook.
Video and voice calls are a norm in the WFH scenario, and an average employee has around 4-5 calls a day. Skype gives notifications for upcoming meetings, allows easy scheduling via outlook calendar, and its audio/video quality [is] reasonably good compared to the amount of data it consumes.
Status availabilities - in the WFH scenario, you could be off for lunch, out of office, busy, sharing screens - and might not want to be disturbed. Skype allows you to do that, and in case you're off, ensures that you know that you have missed messages.
Screen sharing - we have to share screens at least once or twice a day with a coworker when working on some issues/features, and Skype easily lets us do that. One of the best things about Skype is that the screen can be shared without being on a video/voice call - which is of immense advantage because oftentimes, you could prefer sharing the screen, while it [is] too noisy to talk.
Probably the biggest area is the video element as it has historically struggled in this area.
The need to be forced to federate with another organisation by providing yours and enabling the other organisation settings is a bit tedious but once done, allows for simple collaboration between third-parties.
Functionality wise, as it's an older product and being superseded by MS Teams, it feels as if it's run its course but was very good for what it does/did at the time.
The software is simple to install and configure. It is rather simple to explain for correct use. It is possible to profile users for the different functions offered. It is integrated quite completely with Outlook and with Active Directory security. It performs all communication functions well with one or more interlocutors and the possibility of granting control of your computer is convenient.
Very easy to use. Even though Microsoft Teams has a lot of features and integrations, as a user I feel completely comfortable on finding what I need, getting information about the app extensions and using them. It's a very comprehensive tool, intuitive design and does not make me feel tired to be using it. I am glad with the current experience.
Zoom Phone has a very sleek design which makes it very easy to operate and use both in the setting up of and interacting in a meeting space. That being said, certain features can seem a bit crowded while trying to screen share or display video which somewhat defeats the purpose of the application as compared to a standard conference call.
I have only had to reach out to the Support team at Skype for Business once with an issue, and I was pleasantly surprised and encouraged by the quickness and thoroughness of their response. The wait time was short and my question was dealt with politely and clearly, so I would say the support team has it together.
Support have been great during the time for implementing Zoom Phones to our team of 50 people. There were times where they kept supporting us through links but more and more we had actual people getting back to us via emails so we are very happy overall. The product is so great, too.
Skpe for business is utilized company wide in regards to my company. Everyone not only uses it, but uses it often. It is an effective way of communicating. It also integrates very nicely with outlook and all conversation history is pushed to a folder within the outlook system. We also have it so that if someone misses a message, they are sent an email reminder saying that there is a message that went unread.
For the below reason I will always choose this app over its competitors: Better audio and video quality, Little to no disconnections or freezing when on a call/video conference Integrates well with mailbox/ calendar/ one drive, and SharePoint is easy to use
The big draw for us to Zoom Phone is that they shook up the market. They entered the phone market by taking their overwhelming success in video conferencing, and bringing that innovation and skill to designing a game changing phone system. There is really not much difference among the other systems, except maybe their interface. They're a dime a dozen. Zoom does things differently, focusing in on the needs of the end users, and delivers a solid system that is worry free for I.T. departments
We almost lost our biggest client because of the poor performance early on in our implementation...the online meetings were poor quality for audio and bandwidth refreshing
Many of the employees in our company disliked the quality so much, they started to sign up for free Cisco WebEx accounts to use instead
The majority of employees in our company lost trust in our CTO because of his decision to switch from Cisco WebEx to Skype for Business
Easier to establish and connect with new users, especially since we do not need to obtain a desktop phone for new employees and existing modern technology can support Zoom Workplace functionality
The ability to send gifs, funny messages, or responses within the day to day business truly lifts up our spirits, adds some humor to the day. I see that as a very positive thing with our team!
If some of our more seasoned and traditional employees are reluctant to Zoom Workplace, we are at a loss. This is not Zoom Workplace's fault necessarily, but when an employee refuses to download the app or maintain their account, its a challenge to add "External" employees and keep them in the loop in the same capacity
