Enterprise, CSPs, Unified communications

Zoomtopia 2020: Zoom, Partners Bolster Video Conferencing Platform

Eric Yuan, chief executive officer, Zoom Video Communications
Eric Yuan, chief executive officer, Zoom Video Communications

Zoom CEO Eric Yuan has announced a number of new enhancements to the Zoom platform -- including end-to-end encryption to further boost security.

In his keynote address at Zoom’s two-day virtual conference, Zoomtopia, Yuan outlined his vision for the company and CPO Oded Gal highlighted developments to the Zoom platform, including the OnZoom online event platform, new end-to-end encryption (E2EE) functionality, a customizable software development kit (SDK) and enhancements to its UCaaS platform and Zoom Rooms, among other updates, according to the company.

Zoomtopia 2020: Product Enhancements Explained

Deeper details from the event include:

  • The OnZoom online event platform enables users to create and host free, paid and fundraising events, and includes functionality like gifting tickets and an attendee dashboard for users keep tabs on favorite events and brands, according to Zoom. OnZoom is available today as a public beta for US users.
  • The optional E2EE feature will be generally available in technical preview to free and paid Zoom users next week, the company said. It can be enabled at the account, group and user level, and can be toggled on and off by the host on a by-meeting basis to better secure meeting access.
  • New enhancements to Zoom's SDKs, enable developers and companies to enrich their own custom video applications with Zoom’s platform, available now on Android, iOS, and web. Developers can take advantage of a customizable UI and session control, making it easier for them to bring high-quality video, audio, and instant chat to their applications, according to the company.
  • A new product called Zapps enables developers to create apps that power workflows before, during, and after the meeting, and give developers a fast and flexible web view canvas to create apps, viral distribution and IT deployment and manageability, according to Zoom.
  • Zoom enhancements to its UCaaS platform include immersive scenes, which lets meeting hosts set a custom, embedded scene that every participant shares, like a classroom or courtroom, according to the company. And Zoom for Home now includes support for DTEN ME, Facebook via the Zoom on Portal app and Zoom Rooms appliances are generally available, the company said.
  • Amazon Echo Show, DTEN onTV, Google Assistant-enabled Smart Displays including Nest Hub Max, and Yealink A20 support will be rolled out by the end of year, while hardware offerings from HP, Lenovo and Neat are expected in 2021, Zoom said.
  • Contactless collaboration, enhanced white boarding and Zoom Rooms smart gallery, new Zoom Phone features, webinar enhancements, waiting rooms and high-fidelity audio updates were also announced.

Zoom Partners Announce Product, Feature Enhancements

Zoom partners Docket, Mural and Neat teamed up with Zoom to demonstrate some of the new solutions.

  • Docket’s online collaboration platform delivered one of the first Zapps as part of a new integration offering;
  • Mural showed how its integration will allow for visual collaboration in Zoom sessions; and
  • Neat debuted key products, including Neat Bar Pro, that provide larger screens and advanced microphone arrays to improve the in-room meeting experience.

Finally, Zoom announced it is expanding its hardware certification program to include personal workspace devices. These include personal and portable USB and Bluetooth speakerphones such as the new Poly Sync 20, webcams and all-in-one desktop systems.

Sharon Florentine

Sharon manages day-to-day content on ChannelE2E and serves as senior managing editor for CyberRisk Alliance’s Channel Brands. She also covers enterprise-class technology companies, strategic alliances and channel partner strategies. Sharon is a veteran tech journalist and editor with more than 25 years experience in the industry, and has previously held key editorial, content and leadership positions at Techstrong Group, CIO.com, Ziff Davis Enterprise and CRN.

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