Amazon Web Services has launched Amazon Chime, which essentially counters Microsoft Skype for Business, Cisco WebEx, Zoom and other unified communications and cloud-based video/web conferencing platforms. Chime's launch also comes as multiple voice infrastructure companies -- from Avaya to ShoreTel -- pivot aggressively toward cloud services.The Chime service looks like this:Amazon Chime's key features, according to the company, include:
- Noise-cancelling wideband audio to deliver high-quality audio and HD video to make it "easier to have real conversations in a meeting."
- Amazon Chime calls participants when it is time for the meeting to start, and lets them join with a single-click.
- Amazon Chime provides a visual roster that allows users to see exactly who has joined, who is running late, and who can’t make it.
- Anyone can share their screen without asking a host to “pass the ball,” or jump to a different application.
- Support for PCs and mobile devices running Microsoft Windows, Apple Mac OS, Apple iOS and Google Android.
Amazon Chime UC Pricing and Features
Amazon Chime is available in three versions:- Amazon Chime Basic Edition is free and lets users attend meetings, call another person using voice or video, and use Amazon Chime’s messaging and chat capabilities.
- Amazon Chime Plus Edition adds user management, such as the ability to manage an entire e-mail domain, disable accounts, or configure Active Directory, as well as 1GB per user of message retention – for $2.50 per user, per month.
- Amazon Chime Pro Edition adds the ability to host meetings with screen sharing and video for up to 100 users and also includes support for mobile, laptop, and in-room video along with unlimited VoIP support – for $15 per user, per month.
