The contribution of alternatives to US software: 4 video call providers from Europe first appeared at the online magazine Basic Thinking. You can start the day well every morning via our newsletter update.
After the take office of US President Donald Trump again, the question arises whether the United States is still a reliable partner for Europe. Due to the tariffs imposed by Trump, many EU citizens want to boycott products from the USA. It’s not easy at the software level. But there are alternatives. Here are four video call providers from Europe.
The idea of foregoing software products from the USA is not new. Because companies such as Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Apple and Facebook Group Meta not only have an enormous market power, but also use it-sometimes with contrary practices.
Many also have concerns that sensitive data in the hands of US companies are not in good hands. After the take office of US President Donald Trump again, the topic is again becoming more important, since the question is increasingly asking whether the United States is still a reliable partner for Europe. Trump’s external and trade policy decisions such as his customs policy at least nourishes great doubts.
Video call provider from Europe
Tech-COS such as Mark Zuckerberg (Meta), Sundar Pichai (Google), Elon Musk (X) and Tim Cook (Apple) also seem to be shot in front of Trump. Critics therefore fear a closer interweaving of politics and business – possibly at the expense of user interests and data protection. Against this background, we present you four video call providers from Europe-as alternatives to Microsoft Team, Google Meet and Zoom. Before that, we have already looked at alternative European email providers, cloud services, translator apps, search engines and VPN services.
1. WHereby
WHereby is a Norwegian video conference provider who is characterized by his simple handling in the browser. Users do not need to download software nor do video call participants need an account. This makes the service interesting for smaller companies and freelancers. The platform includes functions such as screen release, breakout rooms and the coupling with tools such as the Google calendar or Trello. According to its own statements, WHereby attaches great importance to GDPR conformity and only hosts data from the EU. The free version is limited to meetings with limited functions and number of participants. The paid subscriptions are aimed at professional users and costs between $ 8.99 and $ 11.99.
2. Wire
Wire combines messaging, voip telephony and video conferences in one service. The platform is aimed primarily at companies and organizations with high data protection requirements. Switzerland is the headquarters of the company of the same name. The software is being developed in Germany. All communication channels-including video-are encrypted. Wire offers client ability, own hosting options and is partially visible as an open source software. This makes the service particularly interesting for use in industry, authorities or NGOs. Compared to other tools, the surface looks a bit more complex, but Wire convinces in terms of security standards and transparency.
3. Jitsi Meet
Jitsi Meet is a source -open offer for video conferences that can be used without registration, app or account. The service is primarily supervised by the US 8 × 8 Inc., but has a strong community and European roots. Users can host the platform on their own servers or use public instances. Jitsi includes standard functions such as screen release, chats, password protection and moderation rights. Due to its openness, transparency and a low entry hurdle, the service is particularly popular with activists, tech teams and data protection-conscious users. However, the quality depends heavily on the respective hosting.
4. Tixeo
Tixeo is a French video call provider who puts great ones on safety and encryption. The software offers client side an end-to-end encryption, is certified according to European and international security standards and allows both cloud and on-premise use. In addition to classic functions such as group meetings and screen release, Tixeo also supports collaborative tools and can be used for large organizations. The target group are companies, public institutions and authorities that rely on strict data protection requirements. Compared to mainstream tools, Tixeo is less known, but is highly regarded in the security area.
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The contribution of alternatives to US software: 4 video call providers from Europe first appeared on Basic Thinking. Follow us too Google News and Flipboard Or subscribe to our update newsletter.
As a Tech Industry expert, I believe that exploring alternatives to US software is essential for diversifying options and reducing dependence on a single market. In recent years, European video call providers have been gaining traction as viable alternatives to the dominant US players.
Four European video call providers that stand out are:
1. Skype: Founded in Estonia and now owned by Microsoft, Skype is one of the most widely used video call platforms globally. It offers a range of features, including messaging, video calls, and voice calls.
2. Zoom: Although Zoom is a US-based company, it has a significant presence in Europe and is considered a strong alternative to US video call providers. Zoom has gained popularity for its ease of use and reliable performance.
3. Whereby: Based in Norway, Whereby is a user-friendly video call platform that allows users to create virtual meeting rooms with a custom URL. It offers a range of features, including screen sharing and chat.
4. Wire: Wire is a secure messaging and video call platform based in Switzerland. It prioritizes privacy and security, making it a popular choice for businesses and organizations with sensitive information.
Overall, these European video call providers offer robust alternatives to US software, providing users with a diverse range of features and capabilities. By considering these options, organizations can enhance their video call capabilities while reducing reliance on a single market.
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