Video conferencing tools compared: Which solution does the TYPO3 community prefer?

The survey results in detail

Let's go straight into the details. I conducted the survey on three different platforms: X (formerly Twitter), Mastodon and LinkedIn. Each of these platforms has its own users, who all have their own preferences. The results speak for themselves - and show that there is no one perfect tool.

X (formerly Twitter):

21 people voted on X. There were no clear winners here - Google Meet and MS Teams shared first place with 28.6% each. Zoom was close behind with 23.8%, while Jitsi achieved 19%. This shows that users on X are obviously working in different environments and that different tools have established themselves accordingly. The strong position of Google Meet and MS Teams is particularly interesting. Both tools are firmly anchored in many companies, which becomes clear here.

Mastodon:

On Mastodon, the whole thing looks quite different. Here, 23 people voted, and Jitsi is the clear favorite with 43%. Google Meet follows with 26%, Zoom comes in at 22%, and MS Teams lags far behind with 9%. Mastodon users are often tech-savvy and attach great importance to data protection and open source solutions - and this is clearly reflected here. Jitsi fits perfectly into this picture, as it is an open source solution that offers users control and security.

LinkedIn:

LinkedIn brought another interesting twist with 17 votes: Google Meet dominates the field here with 65%, while Zoom received no votes at all. MS Teams and Jitsi share the rest with 18% each. The fact that Zoom plays no role at all here could be due to security concerns or a preference for solutions integrated into companies. LinkedIn users, who often work in professional networks, seem to rely on tools that are seamlessly integrated into their working environment - and Google Meet is far ahead in this respect.

The survey shows how preferences vary depending on the platform and working environment. There are no clear winners, but rather clear tendencies that reveal a lot about the users and their priorities.

What do the results say about the TYPO3 community?

Now it's getting exciting: What do these results tell us about the TYPO3 community? At first glance, you might think it's all about preferences for one tool or another. But if you take a closer look, you realize that there is much more to it than that - namely the way different groups within the community work and what values are important to them.

Platform-dependent preferences

The distribution of votes on the various platforms clearly shows that users lean in different directions. On X, a platform known for its fast communication and diversity of opinions, users rely equally on Google Meet and MS Teams. This suggests that they work in professional environments where these tools are frequently used. Although Zoom and Jitsi are also used, they lag behind somewhat - perhaps because they are less deeply integrated into users' work processes.

Mastodon, on the other hand, is a completely different ball game. Jitsi dominates here by a large margin. Mastodon users are often tech-savvy and value data protection and open source solutions - which is exactly what Jitsi offers. The low popularity of MS Teams fits the picture: proprietary solutions have a hard time gaining acceptance in this community.

LinkedIn, the network of professionals, shows a strong preference for Google Meet. Tools that are easy to integrate and already established in many companies are often preferred here. The fact that Zoom did not receive a single vote here could indicate that concerns about security or integration into existing workflows play a role in this community.

Values and working methods in the TYPO3 community

The preferences for certain tools also give us an indication of what is important to users. The strong position of Jitsi on Mastodon shows that data protection and independence are very important in this corner of the community. This fits in well with the open source mentality that is widespread in the TYPO3 world.

X and LinkedIn, on the other hand, seem to focus more on efficiency and integration. Google Meet and MS Teams offer exactly that: they can be seamlessly integrated into existing work environments and are standard in many companies. Here, it is less about the ideology behind a tool and more about its practical usability in everyday life.

MS Teams and Google Meet on X

The fact that Google Meet and MS Teams on X are almost on a par shows that many in the community work in professional environments that rely on these tools. There is no clear preference for a particular philosophy here - it is more about what works best in the respective working environment. These users seem to be flexible and use what brings them the most efficiency.

The survey results therefore not only reveal which tools are popular in the TYPO3 community, but also which values and working methods are important to the individual groups. While some focus on data protection and open source, others prioritize efficiency and integration. It is this diversity that defines the TYPO3 community - and this is also reflected in the choice of video conferencing tools.

Alternative tools - thinking outside the box

In addition to the big names such as Zoom, Google Meet, MS Teams and Jitsi, there were also a few interesting alternatives mentioned in the survey that are also worth a closer look. These tools may not be used by the masses, but they offer special functions that can be ideal for certain use cases.

Discord

Originally from the gaming world, Discord has long since developed into a versatile platform for communication. Discord is particularly interesting for smaller teams or informal groups who not only want to hold video conferences, but also want to stay in constant contact. The flexibility of Discord, combined with features such as text and voice channels, makes it a popular choice for community management and creative teams.

Whereby

Whereby is another tool that has been mentioned, and it stands out for its simplicity. With no software downloads and usable directly in the browser, Whereby is particularly attractive for anyone who wants to hold meetings quickly and easily. The tool is perfect for smaller companies or freelancers who prefer an easily accessible and intuitive solution. Especially in an environment where user-friendliness and accessibility are important, Whereby can be a strong alternative to established tools.

BigBlueButton

BigBlueButton was mentioned for smaller groups or special webinars. This open source tool has established itself in the educational landscape and offers a range of features specifically designed for use in classrooms or workshops. When it comes to interactive online seminars or training, BigBlueButton is an excellent choice, especially if users value open source software.

Slack (Huddle)

Slack is known to most as a team communication tool, but the Huddle feature adds a handy option for spontaneous, informal audio meetings. For teams that already use Slack, this feature is a natural addition to conduct short meetings without much effort. Huddle is ideal for quick coordination and helps to keep the inhibition threshold for meetings low, which promotes communication within the team.

These alternatives show that there is a suitable tool for almost every requirement - you just need to know what you need. Whether it's the flexibility of Discord, the simplicity of Whereby, the specialization of BigBlueButton or the convenient integration of Slack Huddle, these tools offer valuable options beyond the usual suspects.

What do the results mean for your choice of video conferencing tool?

Now that we've taken a detailed look at the survey results and the alternatives mentioned, the question is: which tool best suits your needs? The answer depends on various factors - including how you work, what is important to you and the environment in which you work.

Data protection and open source: Jitsi and BigBlueButton

If you attach great importance to data protection and independence, Jitsi and BigBlueButton are the right tools for you. Both tools are open source and give you control over your data. Jitsi is particularly versatile and easy to use, while BigBlueButton is particularly suitable for interactive training and smaller groups. These tools are a good fit if you work in a community that relies on open source solutions or if you simply prefer a secure and independent meeting tool.

Enterprise integration: Google Meet and MS Teams

Do you work in an environment that focuses on integration and efficiency? Then Google Meet and MS Teams are probably your best options. Both tools can be seamlessly integrated into existing work environments and are already firmly established in many companies. Google Meet is easy to use and is perfect if you are already using Google Workspace. MS Teams, on the other hand, offers comprehensive collaboration functions and is particularly suitable for larger teams that value an all-in-one solution.

Flexibility and creativity: Discord and Slack Huddle

If you work in a creative environment or are part of an informal group, Discord and Slack Huddle could be just the thing for you. Discord offers you a flexible platform that is not only suitable for meetings, but also for ongoing communication in a community. Slack Huddle is a handy addition for teams that already use Slack and are looking for a quick, uncomplicated way to hold spontaneous meetings.

Ease of use and simplicity: Whereby

Are you looking for a solution that is easy to use and doesn't require a lot of technical effort? Then Whereby is a good choice. With no downloads and usable directly in the browser, this tool is ideal for anyone who wants to get started quickly and easily. Whereby offers a clear and simple solution, especially for freelancers or small teams who don't want to deal with complicated setups.

Versatility and broad acceptance: Zoom

And then, of course, there is Zoom. Even though it wasn't always at the top of the survey, Zoom is still the standard in many areas. It is particularly useful if you regularly hold large meetings, webinars or international conferences. Zoom scores with stability, a simple user interface and wide acceptance, making it the first choice for many organizations that want to rely on a proven and versatile tool.

So choosing the right video conferencing tool depends heavily on what you need and what you value. Whether it's data protection, integration, flexibility, user-friendliness or versatility - there is a suitable tool for every need. The survey shows that the TYPO3 community is diverse, and this is reflected in the range of tools used. Find out what works best for you and use it to make your meetings efficient and enjoyable.

Conclusion and outlook

The survey results show that the TYPO3 community, in its diversity, also has no uniform preferences when it comes to the choice of video conferencing tools. While Jitsi scores particularly well on Mastodon with its open source character, established solutions such as Google Meet dominate on LinkedIn. On X, on the other hand, there is no clear predominance, which indicates that the choice of tool is often determined by the specific working environment.

This diversity reflects the different values and requirements that the community places on their tools - from privacy and flexibility to seamless integration and ease of use. There is no "one-size-fits-all" tool; the choice depends on what suits your specific needs best.

Whether you prefer a privacy-friendly solution like Jitsi, are looking for a proven all-rounder like Zoom, or perhaps try a creative alternative like Discord or Whereby - the choice is yours. The survey shows that it's worth thinking outside the box and testing different tools to find the one that best suits your working style.

What about you? Do you use any of the tools mentioned or do you have an insider tip that we should all know about? Share your experiences and preferences in the comments - I'm looking forward to your input!

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