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Adobe Connect vs. Class for Web vs. ReadyTalk (Discontinued)

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    Overview
    ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price

    Adobe Connect

    Score6.7 out of 10
    N/AAdobe Connect is a web conferencing platform that enables users to create presentations, online training materials, and learning modules. The product is entirely Adobe Flash-based and has several add-ons for customizing its software to suit each users’ unique needs.

    $50

    per host/per month

    Class for Web

    Score8.1 out of 10
    N/AClass for Web, formerly Blackboard Collaborate, is an online, collaborative learning platform for the education industry and corporate learning needs. It includes features such as screen and application sharing, and web conferencing.

    $300

    per year

    ReadyTalk (Discontinued)

    Score4 out of 10
    N/AFrom PGi, ReadyTalk is a web conferencing solution that has been discontinued. PGi's replaced the solution with GlobalMeet Collaboration... which is now also discontinued.N/A
    Pricing
    Adobe ConnectClass for WebReadyTalk (Discontinued)
    Editions & Modules
    Meetings
    $50
    per host/per month
    Webinars & Learning
    $130
    per host/per month
    Small Meetings
    Free
    Forever free for up to 3 participants
    Classroom
    $300.00
    per year
    Department
    $9000.00
    per year
    No answers on this topic
    Offerings
    Pricing Offerings
    Adobe ConnectClass for WebReadyTalk (Discontinued)
    Free Trial
    YesNoNo
    Free/Freemium Version
    NoNoNo
    Premium Consulting/Integration Services
    NoNoNo
    Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup feeNo setup fee
    Additional Details———
    More Pricing Information
    Community Pulse
    Adobe ConnectClass for WebReadyTalk (Discontinued)
    Considered Multiple Products
    Adobe
    Chose Adobe Connect
    More features and functionality if not always as aesthetically appealing.
    Incentivized
    Chose Adobe Connect
    The best part of Adobe Connect is sharing the information with others who use this software. If you attend school and love taking notes through your iPad or Computer, you can share what notes you are writing with everyone in your classes. Also, it is a great virtual meeting …
    Incentivized
    Chose Adobe Connect
    Adobe Connect offers best visual appearance and user accessibility other than the fact that is uses Adobe Flash which some web browsers have threatened to ban. I really miss the persistent meeting rooms of Adobe Connect Meeting and as a meeting host this is the very best system …
    Incentivized
    Chose Adobe Connect
    BB Collaborate used to have a horrific UI, now that has improved but the functions aren't there yet.
    In demoing the tool and Blackboard World 2015 it seemed very unstable.
    Incentivized
    Class Technologies, Inc
    Chose Class for Web
    Blackboard Collaborate meets the needs of a conferencing tool. It is especially great used in sync with other Blackboard products.
    Incentivized
    Discontinued Products
    No answer on this topic
    Key User Insights
    Would buy again
    76%
    Would buy again
    25 Answers
    86%
    Would buy again
    6 Answers
    No answers on this topic
    Delivers good value for the price
    83%
    Delivers good value for the price
    20 Answers
    86%
    Delivers good value for the price
    6 Answers
    No answers on this topic
    Happy with the feature set
    88%
    Happy with the feature set
    29 Answers
    86%
    Happy with the feature set
    6 Answers
    No answers on this topic
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    77%
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    17 Answers
    No answers on this topic
    No answers on this topic
    Implementation went as expected
    82%
    Implementation went as expected
    18 Answers
    No answers on this topic
    No answers on this topic
    Features
    Adobe ConnectClass for WebReadyTalk (Discontinued)
    Performance & Compatibility of Online Events Software
    Comparison of Performance & Compatibility of Online Events Software features of Adobe Connect and Class for Web and ReadyTalk (Discontinued)
    Feature
    Adobe Connect
    7.7
    66 Ratings
    3% below category average
    Class for Web
    -
    Ratings
    ReadyTalk (Discontinued)
    8.7
    16 Ratings
    10% above category average
    High quality audio8.065 Ratings00 Ratings8.816 Ratings
    High quality video7.065 Ratings00 Ratings8.914 Ratings
    Low bandwidth requirements6.855 Ratings00 Ratings8.612 Ratings
    Mobile support9.042 Ratings00 Ratings8.79 Ratings
    Screen Sharing
    Comparison of Screen Sharing features of Adobe Connect and Class for Web and ReadyTalk (Discontinued)
    Feature
    Adobe Connect
    7.5
    65 Ratings
    6% below category average
    Class for Web
    -
    Ratings
    ReadyTalk (Discontinued)
    8.9
    16 Ratings
    11% above category average
    Desktop sharing7.065 Ratings00 Ratings8.716 Ratings
    Whiteboards8.055 Ratings00 Ratings9.17 Ratings
    Online Meetings / Events
    Comparison of Online Meetings / Events features of Adobe Connect and Class for Web and ReadyTalk (Discontinued)
    Feature
    Adobe Connect
    5.6
    66 Ratings
    37% below category average
    Class for Web
    -
    Ratings
    ReadyTalk (Discontinued)
    8.9
    16 Ratings
    9% above category average
    Calendar integration6.042 Ratings00 Ratings9.012 Ratings
    Meeting initiation5.057 Ratings00 Ratings8.914 Ratings
    Integrates with social media4.029 Ratings00 Ratings8.55 Ratings
    Record meetings / events6.061 Ratings00 Ratings9.315 Ratings
    Slideshows7.052 Ratings00 Ratings8.612 Ratings
    Online Events Collaboration
    Comparison of Online Events Collaboration features of Adobe Connect and Class for Web and ReadyTalk (Discontinued)
    Feature
    Adobe Connect
    6.7
    65 Ratings
    19% below category average
    Class for Web
    -
    Ratings
    ReadyTalk (Discontinued)
    9.4
    16 Ratings
    15% above category average
    Live chat7.063 Ratings00 Ratings9.314 Ratings
    Audience polling7.056 Ratings00 Ratings9.613 Ratings
    Q&A6.053 Ratings00 Ratings9.212 Ratings
    Online Events Security
    Comparison of Online Events Security features of Adobe Connect and Class for Web and ReadyTalk (Discontinued)
    Feature
    Adobe Connect
    8.4
    61 Ratings
    4% above category average
    Class for Web
    -
    Ratings
    ReadyTalk (Discontinued)
    8.3
    16 Ratings
    3% above category average
    User authentication7.953 Ratings00 Ratings8.513 Ratings
    Participant roles & permissions8.061 Ratings00 Ratings8.816 Ratings
    Confidential attendee list9.348 Ratings00 Ratings7.610 Ratings
    VoIP system collaboration
    Comparison of VoIP system collaboration features of Adobe Connect and Class for Web and ReadyTalk (Discontinued)
    Feature
    Adobe Connect
    6.5
    1 Ratings
    12% below category average
    Class for Web
    -
    Ratings
    ReadyTalk (Discontinued)
    -
    Ratings
    Video conferencing8.01 Ratings00 Ratings00 Ratings
    Audio conferencing7.01 Ratings00 Ratings00 Ratings
    Video screen sharing8.01 Ratings00 Ratings00 Ratings
    Instant messaging3.01 Ratings00 Ratings00 Ratings
    Best Alternatives
    Adobe ConnectClass for WebReadyTalk (Discontinued)
    Small Businesses
    ClickMeeting
    Score9.5 out of 10
    No answers on this topic
    ClickMeeting
    Score9.5 out of 10
    Medium-sized Companies
    JioMeet
    Score9.8 out of 10
    No answers on this topic
    JioMeet
    Score9.8 out of 10
    Enterprises
    Webex Meetings
    Score8.7 out of 10
    No answers on this topic
    Webex Meetings
    Score8.7 out of 10
    All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
    User Ratings
    Adobe ConnectClass for WebReadyTalk (Discontinued)
    Likelihood to Recommend
    5.5
    (94 ratings)
    8.5
    (31 ratings)
    8.3
    (16 ratings)
    Likelihood to Renew
    10.0
    (27 ratings)
    9.0
    (1 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Usability
    8.5
    (38 ratings)
    8.5
    (8 ratings)
    7.0
    (1 ratings)
    Availability
    5.5
    (1 ratings)
    8.0
    (1 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Performance
    -
    (0 ratings)
    9.0
    (1 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Support Rating
    7.5
    (31 ratings)
    8.9
    (6 ratings)
    6.4
    (1 ratings)
    Online Training
    7.5
    (2 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Implementation Rating
    7.9
    (4 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    Product Scalability
    5.0
    (1 ratings)
    8.0
    (1 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    User Testimonials
    Adobe ConnectClass for WebReadyTalk (Discontinued)
    Likelihood to Recommend
    Adobe
    Adobe Connect is wonderful for repeatable branded learning experiences or webinars. They allow for creating an event with a series of similar layouts. The ability to alter these are easy, and duplicating layouts makes for fast alterations. Changing between layouts also creates visual interest as learners see things shift. Adobe Connect also is great for accessibility, the captions allow for resizing and placing the captions in various sections. The recordings also can have a searchable transcript to get to the information you want fast. Adobe Connect allows for running fun games/events as well, there are lots of apps that make the experience unique, and allows for managing content on screen as you'd like.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Class Technologies, Inc
    I would say it is very useful for group collaborations online, as well as virtual classrooms where you wish your students/guests to collaborate in an adaptable environment; however I would advise against using the shared screen to display audio or video, nor would I encourage the use of the shared board with a group of people with disciplinary issues (as there is no accountability for who wrote/drew what).
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Discontinued Products
    Think about your needs as an organization and whether you will be using primarily audio only or audio plus web. If audio only then ReadyTalk will certainly meet your need. If web, then shop around for functionality, support, and price. I am fairly "neutral" on ReadyTalk - neither a huge cheerleader nor a huge detractor.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Pros
    Adobe
    • It's a quick method to exchange files, file, documents, and videos from a web app. Real-time conversation, and screen-sharing are all supported. It has a highly user-friendly interface. It is really simple to assist the teams.
    • Even team engagements is beneficial since it allows them to share their expertise with others, and the big benefit is the security of the rooms' access is fairly simple to manage.
    • The interface, which include features like notes, chat, pods, etc. When we're trying to gather rapid and exact information, simplify our work as much as possible.
    • Adobe Connect's features since they allow team members to express their ideas during meetings without causing disruptions, thereby bypassing the current international boundary of distance.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Class Technologies, Inc
    • The Whiteboard feature is perfect for tutoring. We use it to write out formulas, draw diagrams, etc while in video chat to enhance explanations.
    • The file attachment feature is also very handy. This means we don't have to do a follow-up with a student using their email to send files of handouts, etc.
    • It's great that we only have to share a classroom access link for a student to enter a session. With other products, they had to set up a username and log-in with an account. Link access means 1 less hassle.
    • We are currently beginning to use the "record session" feature video sessions to use as training for new employees.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Discontinued Products
    • Screen share/conference calling: They make it quick and easy to join a meeting for your guests. They don't need to download anything; all they need to do is click on the link and enter the access code.
    • Mobile App: The app has been great for our team as they can now easily start a meeting with a click of a button from the app.
    • Recordings: It is very easy to record a webinar or conference call which you can then download.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Cons
    Adobe
    • Nonetheless, Adobe Connect lacks the engagement monitoring, which can be critical for the management to oversee.
    • Besides, Adobe Connect has no certification management, which is essential in the current education or training field.
    • Lastly, Adobe Connect has no offline editing tool, hence, when the internet connection is not there, many things can not be conducted effectively.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Class Technologies, Inc
    • Some of the newest computer high resolution screens are not as compatible with the interface. The font and windows are much smaller and the user is not able to increase the size of the windows to make it easier to read/navigate.
    • The audio can sometimes be inconsistent and tune in and out when someone is speaking. This is not every time though and many times the audio is clear.
    • The login process takes a bit longer to get into the program. You have to go through a few step process and loading time to get into the application.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Discontinued Products
    • If ReadyTalk provided an easier way to set up the initial call through a different platform aside from email, it may make things a bit simpler.
    • ReadyTalk's monitor-specific screensharing process is a bit clunky and could be a bit better in identifying which monitor has been selected for sharing.
    • ReadyTalk's admin dashboard could use a UI update.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Likelihood to Renew
    Adobe
    The longer you use Adobe Connect, the longer you are likely to use it. Because you can build more and more resources over time, creating rooms that you re-use, recorded content you can repurpose, and tools that form the basis of ever increasing productivity, the more you use Connect, the more productive you become. Unlike competing products where, with every meeting you essentially start over -- setting up your resources for each meeting -- in my Connect rooms, I have highly tuned tools to accomplish my knowledge transfer goals. When I want to conduct another session - I send a link out to the appropriate room and instantly we are all focusing on getting a job done together. This ability of Adobe Connect to make you productive at an ever quickening rate is a competitive advantage
    Read full review
    Class Technologies, Inc
    It is a tool that faculty likes to use. It has so much flexibility to allow students to see a class even if they happen to not be available in the classroom.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Discontinued Products
    No answers on this topic
    Usability
    Adobe
    I gave it a 6 because it does have lots of functionality, has a strong brand and reputation following, etc. but it does have its glitches and experiences with low bandwidth issues. I believe it has more features than my organization fully leverages, so some of those pieces haven't been explored yet. But there are opportunities for improvement in their online resource support, stability at high usages as well.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Class Technologies, Inc
    Blackboard Collaborate is reliable and feature-rich. It's a great web conferencing tool for teaching & learning, offering polls, chat, video and audio, whiteboard, content sharing, and breakout rooms. Blackboard Collaborate can be used for virtual office hours, lectures, guest speakers, training, professional development, conferences, technical support, academic advising, and so much more. Blackboard Collaborate can be used separately from the learning management system or it can be integrated for a single sign-on experience. It supports recordings, playbacks, private sharing, and MP4 downloads. Overall, it's a solid tool and very reliable.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Discontinued Products
    ReadyTalk is easy to use, but I did find the initial integration to Outlook a bit cumbersome. I couldn't tell you how to do it now - someone else had to walk me through it when I started at the company. We also have a lot of issues with people trying to use their computers for audio; often, it stops working entirely mid-meeting
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Reliability and Availability
    Adobe
    No answers on this topic
    Class Technologies, Inc
    The availability of the software is quite impressive. You can access it at any time that you want and from anywhere that you want, but that depends on how the software is set up by the University. There might be sudden outages due to not having enough space on your database, which we had that very issue happen recently here at our University. During that time, you could not access their blackboard at all until it was brought up online again.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Discontinued Products
    No answers on this topic
    Performance
    Adobe
    No answers on this topic
    Class Technologies, Inc
    The performance of the software is remarkable. The loading speed of the pages is more than satisfying, it all depends on the users internet package. So far, there wasn't any issue of Blackboard slowing down other software or systems when integrated with them
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Discontinued Products
    No answers on this topic
    Support Rating
    Adobe
    The customer support of Adobe connect is professional and well-skilled for resolving our minor and major issues. Moreover, it has almost all the features that will provide you a secure connection, with people across the world. Education institutes can also implement this software. On the basis of its quality and technology, I will surely advise you to try it once.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Class Technologies, Inc
    Sometimes they do planned maintenance. Depending on the time zone you’re in, this may be in the middle of the night. That’s great. Sometimes this maintenance isn’t completed overnight however, and you need to use the platform and it is down. I’ve never been able to successfully contact them to report an outage or get assistance when it is down. I just have to wait until it comes back up to go to class, review sessions, etc.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Discontinued Products
    They have been responsive to support-related issues.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Online Training
    Adobe
    The ability to have most of the functionality of a full LMS at a fraction of the cost is huge. I can create manage and deploy both synchronous and asynchronous training based on the situation and all of my training is tracked through a series of easily created reports
    Read full review
    Class Technologies, Inc
    No answers on this topic
    Discontinued Products
    No answers on this topic
    Implementation Rating
    Adobe
    Prices do not seem to vary much among resellers of the Adobe Connect hosted license; the only price variation you're likely to find are among the audio providers. When implementing, you may also wish to look into expanding the amount of storage you are allowed on the server to avoid any problems later on as your library of files starts to build up
    Read full review
    Class Technologies, Inc
    No answers on this topic
    Discontinued Products
    No answers on this topic
    Alternatives Considered
    Adobe
    Actually, it was the other way around....we were using Adobe Connect, company-wide, then switched over to Zoom, mostly, I think, as a cost-cutting measure. But some Learning & Development folks campaigned to be allowed to retain some Adobe Connect licenses (for example, one L&D area had literally over 250 room layouts that their course facilitators could just jump into and use to deliver a course on short notice), which also allows some of us to continue to publish Presenter and Captivate modules to the Adobe server. (But, even those of us who still have Adobe Connect licenses use Zoom for most regular business meetings.)
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Class Technologies, Inc
    Nearpod does not allow for the same type of synchronous environment that Blackboard collaborate does. Further, Nearpod, as the name suggests is best suited for a face-to-face classroom that is, preferably, one-to-one. While it has some of the same functions as Nearpod, Blackboard collaborate is best suited for remote transmission rather than face-to-face
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Discontinued Products
    Other regions in our organization have implemented WebEx. We have experienced poor audio and lack of customer service in our region. For quick interoffice communication and screen share, we use Skype for Business. Many people who have had the choice between WebEx and ReadyTalk will, more times than not, request a ReadyTalk account to be created. They feel the interface is much simpler to adapt. WebEx is not super friendly, especially on the backend of the tool.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Scalability
    Adobe
    No answers on this topic
    Class Technologies, Inc
    The reason for this rating is that the software is a pretty good tool that can be utilized for use in all of the Universities around the world. It has the capability to fulfill the needs of various different education systems. Although, there are slight improvements that are needed, therefore the rating is at 8.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Discontinued Products
    No answers on this topic
    Return on Investment
    Adobe
    • Save on time - our instructors and people that use the platform can teach more classes and more often than in-person training and time traveling.
    • We cut down on spending. When we offer training using Connect - we do not have to spend on meals, hard copy materials, and reserving a venue to deliver training.
    • We increase our training sales significantly but offering Connect as an alternative - any unforeseen cancellations to a public class can result in transferring to a remote online Connected class.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Class Technologies, Inc
    • Because faculty can schedule sessions on-the-fly without IT involvement, they are able to accomplish goals that they plan for weeks in advance as well as impromptu goals that come up at a moments notice.
    • Integration with the campus Learning Management Systems provides quick and easy scheduling of sessions that can be joined easily by students in those courses.
    • Scheduling of meetings can also be done through the web interface directly which enables administrative departments not associated with courses in the learning management system to also schedule meetings not affiliated with courses.
    • On-campus users can schedule meetings without outside participants by sending an open "guest link" URL that allows users to participate despite not having an account within the system iteself.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Discontinued Products
    • Positive impact. Able to fluidly demonstrate our software over conference call at the drop of a dime
    • Positively impacts clients onboarding process due to ability to screen share with a high amount of people at the same time
    • Higher ROI due to ability to show clients our new platform before their purchase in order to show the value of our product in real time via Readytalk conference
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    ScreenShots