Is Zoom Owned by Microsoft?
The Sibling Company That Caught the Tech World by Surprise
The world of video conferencing and remote work has witnessed a significant shift in recent times, with the rise of platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, and Skype. However, the question on everyone’s mind has always been: is Zoom owned by Microsoft?
For those who may not be familiar, Zoom is a popular video conferencing platform that has gained massive popularity worldwide. Founded in 2011 by Eric Yuan, the company has grown exponentially in just a few years, with over 400 million users across the globe.
The Founding of Zoom
The story of Zoom began with Eric Yuan, a former executive at Broadband International Group (BIG), a Chinese telecommunications company. Yuan was frustrated with the lack of efficient video conferencing solutions for global teams and decided to create a platform that could solve this problem. After months of development, Zoom was launched in 2013.
Key Features and Partnerships
Zoom’s initial success was attributed to its ease of use, high-quality video, and robust feature set. The platform quickly gained popularity among entrepreneurs, businesses, and educational institutions. However, it wasn’t until 2016 that Zoom expanded its partnerships with Microsoft, Google, and Alphabet to expand its reach and capabilities.
Microsoft Partnership: A Game-Changer for Zoom
Microsoft played a crucial role in fueling Zoom’s growth, with the two companies agreeing to acquire Zoom in June 2021 for $39 billion. The acquisition was a strategic move by Microsoft to expand its cloud gaming, productivity, and collaboration capabilities.
What Can We Expect from the Partnership?
With the acquisition, Microsoft has acquired:
- Skydio: A virtual reality platform for urban exploration and city tours
- Maven: A cybersecurity platform that helps businesses protect against cyber threats
- Microsoft 365: A suite of productivity software that includes Word, Excel, Pronunciation (Clip Studio Paint), and more
Technical Integrations and Enhancements
Under the Microsoft umbrella, Zoom will continue to be updated and improved with new features and integrations. Some notable enhancements include:
- Microsoft Teams: Seamless integration with Microsoft Teams for users to share and collaborate on Zoom sessions
- Windows App: Enhanced mobile app for easier access and control on-the-go
- Coaching and Training: New training modules and coaching tools to help users improve their video conferencing skills
Financials and Growth
The acquisition has enabled Microsoft to inject significant funds into Zoom, which has grown to over 400 million users. The company is expected to continue to invest in Zoom‘s growth, expanding its cloud gaming capabilities and exploring new use cases.
Impact on the Industry
The acquisition has sent shockwaves through the video conferencing industry, with many experts predicting that Microsoft will play a significant role in shaping the future of remote work and collaboration. Some notable predictions include:
- Cloud Gaming: Microsoft is expected to focus on cloud gaming, with Xbox becoming a key platform for virtual reality gaming
- Productivity Software: Microsoft will continue to expand its productivity software, including Office and Teams, to meet the evolving needs of businesses and individuals
Conclusion
In conclusion, Zoom is indeed owned by Microsoft, with the two companies agreeing to acquire the company in June 2021 for $39 billion. The acquisition has opened up new opportunities for Zoom to expand its reach and capabilities, with Microsoft providing significant funding and technical support.
However, the partnership also raises important questions about Zoom‘s long-term strategy and the implications for the future of remote work and collaboration.
In this article, we’ve explored the details of the Zoom-Microsoft partnership, highlighting the key features, technical integrations, and financials involved. Whether you’re an early adopter of Zoom or a business looking to leverage the platform’s capabilities, it’s clear that the partnership has huge implications for the industry as a whole.
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive understanding of Zoom‘s ownership and its future plans under the Microsoft umbrella.