Google Hangouts (Classic) vs. PanTerra Networks

Had I completed this review a couple years ago, I would have given a rating of 9 or 10 as Hangouts (Classic) is an excellent product. However, now that Google Chat has succeeded Hangouts, I would not recommend that any new users begin using it where other more modern options are available. Android users who want an internet based instant messaging that also supports calling and video calling could benefit from using Hangouts (Classic) as Google Chat requires the user to also have Google Meet installed to make video calls and there is no voice only calling option.

Incentivized

One of the main draws of PanTerra Networks Streams is the unlimited calling, which was very enticing. We chose the platform over other models (per-call for example) because they simplified billing. While the video conferencing and messaging feel bare-bones or underdeveloped in comparison to other players in the market, the fact that the messaging is seamlessly integrated into the PBX makes it easy to use. The call routing systems are especially robust, which in the collections world is very important to be able to segment calls to different users.

Incentivized

• Google Hangouts (Classic) is embedded within Gmail's scheduler, so setting up the link is as quick as a click of the button. It's a one-step process.
• Google Hangouts (Classic) is user-friendly and [has] features to share screens easily.
• Google Hangouts (Classic) is much easier to use than its competitors.
• Google Hangouts (Classic) have [a] good connection time and there are few glitches.

Incentivized

• Attended or un-attended answering of incoming calls
• Transfer calls to appropriate person
• Integrates with cell phones for always available
• Keeps a log of phone calls
• Allows me to use messaging on my phone system and desktop
• Allows me to manage user accounts

Incentivized

• I would like to see improved video support, so that saved videos can be sent back and forth via Hangouts more easily, without having to start a separate meet chat
• More pronounced notifications of messages would be helpful; pop up notifications are good, but once there is one, additional messages do not pop up
• Custom muting times would be great, so that if I am in a 90 minute Zoom meeting, I can set it for that time; right now, it is 1 hour or 2 hours. Easy to forget.

Incentivized

• Integration with Gorgias software
• Accounting had asked me to mention the way the bills are shown in the invoices can be confusing as to how it is broken out and what each charge is for. She mentioned wishing it was a little more detailed.
• Virtual test environment would be nice. When testing if there is an outage or testing updates, it would be cool to either be able to hear what a customer would hear and make sure things are working in the system without interrupting customer service. This is small, but a feature that would be cool to utilize.

Incentivized

In all likelihood, we will remain Panterra customers for many years. VoIP phone and messaging is a rapidly expanding and evolving market, however, and its possible a better solution will come along, but for now, Panterra Streams offers a compelling solution combining leading features, great customer service, and affordable pricing.

Incentivized

The tool is almost self-implemented. It is likely to be available in every pc or mobile device a user or potential user might have, and all you need to do is adding the company's account and you are done. Once you are setted up, you have almost all actual communication methods available in one tool

Incentivized

PanTerra Networks needs to make the interface more user friendly and make it easier for the users. Like saving message templates or saving phone numbers for the fax directory.

Incentivized

We have not experienced any outages or issues during business hours

Incentivized

Fantastic. Very happy!!! We love it and haven't had any issues.

Incentivized

Google Hangouts works great and does not require a lot of work to troubleshoot. Everything is simple and easy to use. Google provides all of the tools that one requires to utilize Google Hangouts and any information can be found in the built-in help tools. There is also a forum for users to report issues and typically, Google responds well and will try to work out any issues.

Incentivized

Always available and quick to respond. The team is also very knowledgeable so no waiting for a fix or an answer. At times they just go in and fix the setting vs telling you how to do it and sending you on your way. It's also done via text so you don't need to drop your call or be on hold

Incentivized

Everything was fantastic. Training was sufficient and everything was easy to use. It was provided on our schedule and was very clear. I did the training myself. Training person was very knowledgeable. We are very happy. Only two users. very happy very happy very happy very happy very happy very happy

Incentivized

The implementation was very smooth. They assisted in getting phones tied to the various lines and getting everything set up in the admin portal. It's been a few years since our implementation, but there were no issues at the time.

Incentivized

Google is the white cotton socks of the conferencing world. It’s a great ad-hoc tool, but not too much more. If you are not looking to spend money or operate completely on WiFi (without data charges), it’s a great free option as well. The benefit of being free and open is also the liability. It doesn’t have a great integration story with other corporate tools, but [it doesn’t have to] if you aren’t looking for that. All in all, it’s as helpful and ubiquitous as a public payphone…without the pay…and with a video capability.

Incentivized

PanTerra Networks is viewed as more competitive, and close enough to win. Those other companies do offer more integrations off the shelve, and do have a more user friendly portal. Panterra does give the client a more personalized experience when it comes to the presentation, so the customer feels like they're getting a more personalized experience.

Incentivized

Best pricing available. VERY HAPPY. Has not increased much at all.

Incentivized

We only have three phones and two users

Incentivized

• I believe it was part of the google suite that was purchased. It was worth the cost as it was cheaper. I believe it is now free, but also becoming deprecated. It is much better to use Teams, Discord, Telegram, etc. Google does not provide enough support or features to make using hangouts worth it these days.

Incentivized

• Very reliable. We make hundreds of calls outbound and there has never been a connectivity issue or otherwise
• We decreased our monthly expense for reliable service by several hundred dollars
• The onboarding support was the best we've ever experienced. They were on the phone while we hooked up every phone, tested, and got it all set up with ease.
• Any changes needed after onboarding were difficult to accomplish without a call to customer service. Some of those calls to customer service made things more confusing

Incentivized