Item: Google Hangouts (Classic)
Rating: 8
Author: Chris Carpenter

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

Google Hangouts (classic) is part of a series of tools that sit in an in between space. They are not primary company tools, but they serve a niche function when other tools are not able to be used. In particular, some messaging needs or video conferencing needs that require connection with external parties informally are ideal opportunities to use Google Hangouts (classic).

Pros and Cons

Ad-hoc video conferencing / meetings with external collaborators
Mobile video conferencing
Integration with other Google-based tools.

Security
Integration into the formal corporate toolset
Integration into Office365

Most Important Features

Ease of use
Ubiquity
Platform independent

Return on Investment

It’s free and informal, so the cost is not an issue
It doesn’t interact with O365, so as a disparate tool, it can be problematic
It is ubiquitous so it is Android friendly and iOS friendly

Alternatives Considered

Zoom, BlueJeans Meetings, Cisco Webex Calling, Microsoft Teams, Skype for Business (formerly Lync) and GoToMeeting

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.

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?

I wasn't involved with the selection/purchase process

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

I wasn't involved with the implementation phase

Would you buy Google Hangouts (Classic) again?

Yes

Other Software Used

Microsoft Teams, BlueJeans Meetings, ON24, Zoom

Likelihood to Recommend

As previously mentioned, Google Hangouts (Classic) is best suited for ad-hoc, informal communications with external collaborators that would benefit from face-to-face interactions, but don’t require a record of the conversation and don’t necessarily require a high degree of corporate security. For communications of consequence, our corporate toolset is more appropriate, but Google Hangouts (Classic) serves a similar function to FaceTime or Zoom.

Ubiquitous free tools need love too - don’t forget about Google Hangouts (Classic)

Overall Satisfaction with Google Hangouts (Classic)