The Zoom World
The Coronavirus Pandemic brought a lot of tragedy, but also a lot of innovation.
Why we Use Zoom
Before coronavirus the thought of a small law firm using video conference systems, was not even on the radar. OK, maybe if you had an expert witness out of state or something like that, you may need some form of video system… but for client appointments, court hearings, mediation? Really, that’s crazy! Boom! Coronavirus Pandemic, shut downs, quarantines, stay at home orders. Clients need services, but don’t want to risk in-person meetings, courts need to still conduct business, as much as possible, but not in person. Comes now video conference needs and deciding how to meet the demand.
Choosing Providers
Many video conferencing choices, many platforms, pros and cons exist. WhatsApp, Facetime, Facebook Messenger, Zoom, Webex, Microsoft Teams, and many more. At Purple Law Firm, we have the ability to utilize all of these. However, not all are equal, not all provide optimal services, especially for more than a one time usage. Security, scalablity, ease of use for us and the client all make up important parts of the decision making process. We could provide all (and initially did). But, SECURITY? Facebook Messenger dies immediately for lack of security. WhatsApp is secure, but not widely used. Facetime, well if you have an iPhone, then OK, but scalablity issues for a Windows based law firm leaves this as no go. Webex, well it works, we have it setup, for court usage mainly, if necessary. So let’s look at Zoom. Everyone is using it, schools, Doctors, courts, other attorneys. Zoom had some initial security issues, which turns out was mainly lack of training and knowledge of how to setup a secure Zoom Meeting.
Zoom – Secure, Scalable, Widely Available
Zoom security, if setup properly, ensures private meetings, without risk of eavesdropping. It provides truly secure, encrypted communication end to end. Zoom is available on virtually any device, phone, PC, mac, IPad, and even via web browser. Free accounts are readily available, with limitations that only really impact the Zoom meeting host. A participant can easily download and install the app, setup a free account, in less than 5 minutes and be able to participate in unlimited Zoom meetings. After reading numerous reviews, and looking at security, price, ease of use, and so on, we made a decision. So, at Purple Law Firm, our primary video conferencing solution is Zoom. We do offer Webex as a comparable alternative.
Is Zoom Here to Stay?
The future is still unfolding. The Zoom world, at least to some extent, is here to stay. Client meetings with people who live far away, or have super busy schedules, child care issues, and so on, will benefit greatly from video conference appointments, even after coronavirus ends. Mediation via Zoom, will very likely remain an integral part of the practice of family law.