Google Workspace for Education vs. GoTo Meeting

Google [Workspace for Education (formerly G Suite for Education)] is pretty darn good [at] meeting the needs for educators and students. It is not designed to run your business office, transportation group, or lunch services. It doesn't need to be good at those. Focus on teachers and students. They do that really, really well. The Google folks continue to add features that help serve teacher and students. For example, they have really done a good job of adding Google Meet features such as polling and breakout rooms. Those features required a paid subscription to Workspace, but it makes sense since those features compete with Zoom, which requires a subscription for those services.

Incentivized

It enhance the overall coordination and synergy among team members, fostering a conducive environment for in-depth project requirement deliberations. The versatility of this communication tool empowers us to engage in interactive discussions, share insights, and align our strategies cohesively, thereby contributing significantly to the success and efficiency of our project management endeavors.

• Collaboration
• Toolset
• Reliability

Incentivized

• Goto meeting delivers high-quality audio and video, which ensures clear communication even in virtual environments.
• The mobile app allows users to join meetings on the go, ensuring flexibility for participants who may not always be at their desktop computers.
• virtual backgrounds and appearance settings are useful.

Incentivized

• Google does a good job of providing great admin resources, but they could do better by incorporating what others have developed into the basic platform. For example, there is a command line open-source program called GAM that allows admins to dig much deeper into the back end. More of those resources should be part of the basic offerings.
• It is hard to be critical of something that is free and has been free for so long.
• I wish there was a better way to connect with Google to be able to talk to someone. So much communication is via chat and that is not always the best way to get answers.
• I would recommend that for paying customers in the education market, we get a dedicated phone line to call for support.

Incentivized

• You have to download an app that doesn't work well in order to blur the speakers and hosts background. I tried the third party app a few times, but its terrible.
• I think the Customer service is ok
• In my opinion, if you don't have the latest updates to your computer, it won't run properly.
• Sometimes the host video doesn't appear.

Incentivized

While we have found GoTo Meeting to be very useful and a part of our normal way of doing business, there are alternatives that are more cost-effective. For example, Microsoft Teams is available as part of our M365 subscription. This will require us to complete a cost analysis to determine which product makes more sense for us to move forward with.

Incentivized

The simplicity of GoToMeetings desktop, mobile, and web-based applications make it a very robust and user-friendly meeting solution. At times, it may be more complex than needed, but it is nice to have so many features that can be used if needed. Once installed, it is very easy to use and navigate.

Incentivized

When we have issues, they seem to respond quickly and do everything they can to help us. They have even tried to find other ways we could get more use out of their product, or improve the way we are currently using it. Overall, their support has been fairly good for us.

Incentivized

Not really, it is very simple to install and get started.

Incentivized

Google has a simpler approach to its apps. With all applications being online, things like auto-save being a default have been helpful for many staff in our organisation. Compare this to Microsoft where much of the admin has to be managed by the ICT Team, Google allows for a portion of control to the user to manage permissions of areas. This type of user empowerment helps people see how important ICT is to a business.

Incentivized

Zoom is definitely GoTo Meeting's biggest competitor in terms of similar features and overall functionality. I have read about security issues with Zoom in the past, but haven't seen GoTo Meeting make any headlines regarding security. That might be something to consider for larger organizations

Incentivized

• The ROI is 100% since we are using a free version

Incentivized

• Positive: Staying close to client and making sure they have the best customer service.
• Positive: Creating higher client conversion rates by being present on calls.
• Negative: When technical issues occur on GoTo Meeting the client is left wondering how professional we are.

Incentivized