This is a challenging time for everyone around the globe. Concerns about the COVID-19 virus have led to a boom in remote working and left organizations scrambling to ensure their remote workforce can stay connected. In an effort to help lead our community through this ever-changing situation we have compiled a list of free remote work solutions vendors that are now offering free tools to small businesses to help your team remain connected.
Remote Work Solutions
- Microsoft Teams
The premium version of Microsoft Teams is now available as part of a six-month trial offer for Office 365 E1 plans. A free version of teams is already available, and Microsoft is lifting restrictions on user limits as well as letting users schedule video calls with coworkers.
Learn more here: https://products.office.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/group-chat-software?icid=mscom_marcom
- Go To Meeting
Is offering Emergency Remote Working kits for critical front-line service providers and healthcare providers with free access. The collaborative communication tool will be free for 3-months, helping businesses to stay connected through webinars, virtual events, and video. You can also access tools for the remote management of employee devices.
Learn more here: https://www.gotomeeting.com/work-remote
- Google Hangouts
Google is now offering advanced Hangouts Meet video-conferencing capabilities to all G Suite and G Suite Education customers at no extra cost. This feature includes access to larger meetings of up to 250 participants, live streaming for up to 100,000 viewers in a single domain and the ability to record meetings and save them on a Google Drive. This offer is set to remain in place until July 1.
Learn more here: https://cloud.google.com/blog/products/g-suite/helping-businesses-and-schools-stay-connected-in-response-to-coronavirus
- Cisco Webex
As a part of Webex, Cisco has made a variety of features free, including, support for up to 100 participants, and unlimited usage. Customers not already using the service can sign up for a 90-day free license.
Learn more here: https://www.webex.com/video-conferencing
- Zoom
Although Zoom has had a free version of its software available for some time now, it had limitations. In response to recent events, you can now access Zoom for free and host up to 100 participants, access free 1-to-1 meetings, and create group meetings lasting up to 40 minutes.
Learn more here: https://zoom.us/
* Update 4/6/2020: If you have seen the recent security reports about Zoom and have concerns, there are other options and tools available for staying connected. We feel Zoom remains a very viable option, especially with how they rapidly responded to the situation. You can read more from Zoom Here:
Zoom’s message on uninvited guests having access: https://blog.zoom.us/wordpress/2020/03/20/keep-uninvited-guests-out-of-your-zoom-event/
Zoom’s overall message on the recent Security issues: https://blog.zoom.us/wordpress/2020/04/01/a-message-to-our-users/
- Intermedia
Offering free video conferencing through the end of 2020. Includes the ability to do large on-line broadcasts up to 200 people.
Learn more here: https://go.intermedia.net/remote/
- LogMeIn
LogMeIn is offering three months free use of their suite of tools. They also have some great resources for how to effectively work remotely and remotely manage teams.
Learn more here: https://www.gotomeeting.com/work-remote/resources
8. Houseparty
Houseparty is a free face-to-face social networking service that enables group video chatting through mobile and desktop apps. Users receive a notification when friends are online and available to group video chat.
Learn more here: https://houseparty.com/
Looking for additional information to keep your business and team safe? We have also compiled a list of best practices and policies to you help you navigate this evolving situation, which can be found HERE.
If we can help answer any specific questions, we are happy to help! Please email [email protected]
Please stay safe and informed as we navigate a world with COVID-19.