Using Google Hangouts, a web-based videoconferencing platform, could be really convenient for businesses with remote workers or out-of-state vendors. But when Google integrated Hangouts into Google+, some businesses got more than they wanted from the service.
This week Google has officially cut the tie between Google+ and Hangouts for businesses, allowing business owners to use the videoconferencing service without needing a Google+ account.
The change means that businesses can now have the convenience of virtual communication without having to set-up and manage a social media account that they may not have wanted in the first place.
Separating Google+ and Hangouts isn’t the only pro-business move that the search engine is undertaking. Changing Hangouts to an enterprise solution allows any business with a Google account to host virtual video chats with as many as 15 people at a time.
Google also plans to put more focus on Chrome for Business, according to InformationWeek. Moving Hangouts from Google+ into Google Apps is just a part of a larger plan to make Google Apps for Business more dynamic.
Now that Hangouts is under the Google Apps for Business umbrella, there will be phone support available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Later this year, business owners should also be able to participate in business Hangouts from mobile devices.
Chromebox for Meetings, a set of products designed to improve video meetings, has also gotten some new updates. Users can now connect two displays into one Chromebox, allowing people to see their fellow meeting attendees and show a presentation or data set at the same time.
Google’s official enterprise blog explained some of the new features for Hangouts in a blog post. Check out their video for more information about how businesses can use this technology.
