When I tested Zoom, I focused on its security, ease of use and scalability as a platform that helps users hold the level of engagement needed to drive a productive meeting. Agencies across the government have used Zoom video to inform the public, as well as for internal communications and training. However, I noticed a simple and intuitive app powers the video-enabled interface and provides easy and simple access into conference rooms and other workspaces that are fundamental to collaboration among state and local officials and employees.
Additionally, since so many users have by now leveraged Zoom, either for personal or work purposes, it has become a foregone conclusion that it will still be around to facilitate remote work after the pandemic. A good example of this post-pandemic usefulness in state and local governments is Zoom’s ability to provide court systems with a secure and authorized platform for online communication and continuity of operations. And with features such as Zoom Meetings and Zoom Chat, agencies benefit from easy-start meetings for small teams with up to 1,000 users on screen.
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Agencies Boost Productivity Remotely or On-Premises with Zoom
According to Zoom, departments leveraging the platform experience an 85 percent increase in video usage, and employees feel more connected when using the platform. What I like specifically are the various built-in collaboration tools and features, which allow multiple participants to share their screens simultaneously and to co-annotate for a more interactive meeting.
From filters, reactions, polls, hand raising, music and video sharing, chat capabilities with groups, and a searchable history, I found Zoom makes all meetings more engaging and interactive. The integrated file sharing and the 10-year archive is also a game changer in being able to offer agencies an invaluable tool for improving citizen services long after these difficult times come to an end.