We are now in the world of remote work. Normally only about 5% of the American workforce works from home. In the last two weeks, as a response to the coronavirus and COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve seen a huge surge in the number of people urged to stay home from local governments and federal agencies.
You’re probably already well aware this has left companies and workers scrambling to figure out how to work from home, have meetings remotely, and even visit friends and family from a computer screen. Here are 11 technology platforms that are currently offering free services to make working from home easier.
8×8
Technology company 8×8 provides businesses with a single cloud platform that delivers integrated communication services, including calling, video meetings, voicemail, and business phone numbers. They’re currently offering free video meetings.
Calltower
calltower, an integrated technology solutions company, offers several promotions in response to COVID-19 through June 30. They are free video conferencing solutions powered by Cisco Webex Meetings and CT Cloud Meeting powered by Zoom. They are also offering 90 days of Microsoft Teams direct routing, which gives companies access to features not available from Microsoft. The Integrated Office 365 Microsoft Teams Experience provides global calling plans integrated with Office 365.
Command Link
Command Link normally provides network, communication, and tele-security needs. Through the end of June, they are offering free collaboration and conferences for all U.S. businesses.
cbts
cbts partners with companies for technology needs such as cloud, communications, and infrastructure. They are currently offering Cisco Webex services free for one month. The promotion allows an entire organization to chat, meet virtually, screen share, and share files. The promotion is valid until June 1.
Dialpad
Dialpad is a nationwide business VoIP (or cloud phone system) provider. They are currently offering for any business in North America, regardless of size. They also always offer a free 14-day trial.
EvolveIP
EvolveIP integrates business collaboration with voice features. EvolveIP offers a free Teams Collaboration license through April 30 to new clients with a minimum of 100 users and a 60-day run. They are also offering a free resource book for businesses transitioning to remote work.
LogMeIn
LogMeIn provides remote computer access for PCs and Macs from any device. They provide a free, 3-month Emergency Remote Work Kit for educational institutions, non-profit organizations, and current customers. They also offer a 14-day free trial.
Masergy
Masergy offers companies services like SD-WAN, unified communications, and managed security. To enable and empower remote workers, they are offering a VPN and UC promotion for channel partners.
RingCentral
RingCentral is a leading provider of voice, video, team messaging, and contact centers. They provide 3 months of free services for K-12 educational, healthcare, and non-profit companies and institutions.The services can include video conferencing, team messaging, business phone, texting, and fax.
Vonage
Vonage offers VoIP, video conferencing, and other business communication tools and has many free solutions for business. They are also offering 3 months of free softphone accounts for any business that needs up to 250 licenses. For education, healthcare, and non-profit companies, they offer 3 months of free Vonage Business Communications services. They also offer free video conferencing for anyone who needs to work remotely or finds themselves in need of a video happy hour.
Zoom
Zoom may be one of the most well-known and most-used videos and phone conferencing platforms. They always offer a free 40- minute conference with their base account. K-12 schools and educational institutions are now lifting that limit and providing free online learning conferences.
Contact us today if you have any questions about how technology solutions can help you work from home more effectively.