Choosing the right unified communications platform for your business can feel like a daunting task with so many options available. Each tool promises to make teamwork easier, but finding the one that completely fits your needs can be tricky. You need to make a truly informed decision. And that's why we're here.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare three leading platforms: Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Gamut, so you can find the best tool possible.
What are Unified Communications (UC) Platforms?
UC solutions are cloud-based platforms that combine various communication and business collaboration tools into one easy-to-use system. A typical UC platform offers features like:
- Unified Messaging: Combines instant messaging, email, and voicemail into a single platform.
- Video Conferencing: Provides high-definition video calls for more personal and productive remote meetings.
- VoIP: Offers voice calling over the internet with features like call forwarding and voicemail to email.
- Project Management Tools: Includes task assignment, deadline tracking, and project scheduling.
- Integration with Other Applications: Works seamlessly with online collaboration tools like Slack, Google Drive, and Salesforce.
- Mobile Accessibility: Allows access from any device so your team stays connected wherever they are.
Collectively, these features make UC platforms a powerful tool by comprehensively increasing productivity and efficiency. Using UC can only strengthen the foundation of a successful business communications strategy for companies across all kinds of industries.
A General Overview of Zoom, Teams, and Gamut
Now that we've reviewed what unified communications platforms are, let's go over these three popular types.
Zoom
Key Features: Video Conferencing
- High-quality video meetings for distributed teams
- Webinars and meeting rooms
- Screen sharing and breakout rooms
Strengths: Zoom has become synonymous with video calling. Its ease of use and high-quality video make it the go-to for companies that prioritize virtual meetings and webinars for team members. No matter your technical skill level, Zoom is intuitive enough for everyone to get started quickly.
Weaknesses: Zoom shines in video communication but can feel limited for businesses that need more than that. Its advanced features, like webinars and larger meeting capacities, can get expensive, making it less ideal for companies on a tight budget. Technically, Zoom is not a UC platform "as-is," though they're making strides to try and become one.
Best For: Companies that rely heavily on video conferencing, especially remote teams and those regularly hosting client-facing meetings.
Microsoft Teams
Key Features:
- Integration with Microsoft 365
- Persistent chat, file sharing, and online collaboration tools
- Video conferencing and meetings
Strengths: If your company already uses Microsoft products like Outlook, Word, or Excel, Microsoft Teams fits right in. It’s designed to work seamlessly with these tools, making it easy to share files, collaborate on documents, and manage projects all in one place. For larger organizations, this deep integration can really improve your workflow.
Weaknesses: Customization options are limited, so if branding is important to you, Teams might fall short. Its advanced features can be a bit overwhelming, especially for smaller teams or those new to Microsoft’s ecosystem. Plus, while Teams offers a free version, getting the most out of it usually requires a Microsoft 365 subscription, which can be pricey.
Best For: Businesses already invested in — and committed to — Microsoft products and looking for a deeply integrated solution.
Gamut
Key Features:
- All-in-one communication solution
- Integrated voice, video, chat, and collaboration tools
- Simple, user-friendly interface
- Centralized communication hub
Strengths: Gamut is designed to bring everything—voice, video, messaging, and collaboration—into a single platform. Its simplicity sets it apart, allowing even non-tech-savvy teams to adopt it with ease. By reducing the need for multiple tools, Gamut helps minimize miscommunications and boosts productivity.
Weaknesses: While not as well-known as Zoom or Teams, Gamut’s lack of brand recognition doesn’t diminish its capabilities. It’s a rising star, especially for companies focused on streamlining their communication strategy.
Best For: Small to medium-sized businesses that want an all-in-one solution to avoid communication silos and reduce complexity.
In-Depth Comparison: Zoom vs. Microsoft Teams vs. Gamut
Now that we've refreshed your memory, it's time to take a closer look at how each unified communications platform can meet the needs of modern businesses, particularly small businesses.
Feel free to skip around to answer any questions you have!
User Interface and Ease of Use
- Zoom: Zoom shines with a simple, user-friendly interface, especially for video calls. However, once you start using more advanced features like webinars, the interface can feel a bit cluttered.
- Teams: While Teams is powerful, it’s also more complex. While basic features like meetings and chat are easy to use, its deep integration with Microsoft tools takes some time to learn, especially for non-technical users – even though it's great for productivity.
- Gamut: Gamut focuses on keeping things simple. It was built with ease of use in mind. It keeps everything in one place—voice, video, and messaging—making it intuitive for users who want to avoid the hassle of switching between different tools.
Integration Capabilities
- Zoom: Zoom integrates with third-party apps like Slack and Google Calendar natively, but some important integrations, including those with project management software, require you to pay before adding them to the unified communications platform.
- Teams: Teams is deeply integrated with Microsoft 365, which is great if you already use those tools. However, integrating with non-Microsoft apps requires a lot more effort.
- Gamut: Gamut has a whole library of point-and-click integrations with popular online collaboration tools and project management apps, letting you add what you need when you need it.
Security
- Zoom: After early concerns, Zoom has stepped up its security features, adding end-to-end encryption and meeting passcodes. However, advanced security options are reserved for higher-tier plans.
- Teams: Teams benefits from Microsoft’s enterprise-grade security, making it one of the more secure options on the market.
- Gamut: Gamut offers strong security features and regular updates, keeping your communication secure without the complexity of managing multiple platforms.
Customer Support
- Zoom: Offers customer support, but faster response times are reserved for higher-tier plans, which can be frustrating for basic users.
- Teams: Teams users get access to Microsoft’s extensive support network, though response times can be slow and navigating it can be time-consuming.
- Gamut: Gamut focuses on fast, responsive customer support, which is a big plus for businesses that can’t afford communication disruptions and rely on team collaboration tools to stay connected and productive.
Pricing
- Zoom: Zoom’s free version covers basic needs, but the price can rise pretty quickly if you add features like large meetings or webinars.
- Teams: While Teams offers a free version, you’ll need a Microsoft 365 subscription for the full experience, which can be pricey for smaller teams.
- Gamut: Gamut’s pricing is straightforward and designed to offer value. Since it’s an all-in-one platform, businesses can save money by not having to subscribe to multiple services.
Which Platform Is Right for Your Business?
Choosing the right communication platform depends on what your business needs most:
- Zoom is a strong option if your business primarily needs video conferencing and webinars. But keep an eye on costs as you scale up.
- Teams is best for companies already committed to the Microsoft ecosystem, but it comes with a learning curve and additional costs for smaller businesses.
- Gamut is ideal for small and medium businesses looking for a simple, all-in-one communication solution that combines voice, video, and messaging without the need for multiple apps.
When it comes to choosing the right unified communications platform for your business, each platform has its strengths. Zoom is a leader in video conferencing, and Teams shines in Microsoft-integrated environments. But if you’re looking for a simple, all-in-one platform that combines voice, video, and messaging with minimal hassle and financial investment, Gamut's unified communications platform is the standout option.
Why Gamut Stands Out
Gamut offers a no-nonsense approach to communication tools, focusing on simplicity and ease of use. By bringing together voice, video, and chat in one place, Gamut helps businesses avoid the complications of juggling multiple platforms.
Our UC platform will help your team stay connected without extensive training, and its competitive pricing means you’re not paying for more than you need.
With Gamut, you can:
- Cut down on miscommunication by keeping all channels in one system – including text messaging!
- Boost productivity with collaboration tools that are easy to adopt and use.
- Streamline your workday by eliminating the need for multiple apps.
- Get reliable customer support so you’re never left in the dark when issues arise.
And, as a small business ourselves, we understand the challenges you face and the importance of keeping costs under control. That’s why we’ve created a platform that offers great value without breaking the bank.
If you'd like to see Gamut in action for yourself, reach out, and we can help you take the next step in your unified communications journey – i.e., give you a demonstration.
