Item: Google Hangouts (Classic)
Rating: 9
Author: Verified User

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

We use Gmail as our email server, hence Google Hangouts is available to all in the company. It is a good communication device. We use it to message each other and schedule meetings as employees are located in different sites. Many employees have a Gmail account, so most times there is no learning curve in training employees how to use the app.

Pros and Cons

Easy to use. Little to no training required.
No set up required as we use it with Gmail server.

Google Hangouts can only be used if you have a Google account. This is not much of a problem as many people have it.
It lacks advanced features like a waiting room for participants that join early.

Return on Investment

The app is free, so there is definitely value in using it.
Due to limited conference lines, it is a great alternative.

Alternatives Considered

Zoom, Skype and Cisco Webex Calling

We use the Google emails for business hence, the Google Hangout application was available for free. There was no setup cost or training that was required. Advanced systems have advanced features which are good but the downside is that they require training. A separate account did not need to be created to use Google Hangouts.

Support Rating

We have never called support really for any help. The tool has basic features which served our needs. Besides this, there are several people that use google products and google hangouts. A lot of information is available online for free. One can easily "google" about google hangouts and the search engine will display all the information.

Key Insights

Do you think Google Hangouts (Classic) delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with Google Hangouts (Classic)'s feature set?

Yes

Did Google Hangouts (Classic) live up to sales and marketing promises?

Yes

Did implementation of Google Hangouts (Classic) go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy Google Hangouts (Classic) again?

Yes

Other Software Used

Zoom Video Webinar, Cisco Webex Calling, GoToMeeting

Likelihood to Recommend

Google Hangouts is very useful in setting up meetings within the same organization but less suited in cases when people do not have a Google account. Since the app lacks advanced features, it is more suitable for informal meetings or to set up a meeting with someone you know well. When I want to meet someone who is new, I would use another application. In spite of that, it is very useful while communicating within our team and department.

Hangout with Google Hangouts

Overall Satisfaction with Google Hangouts