In this article, we’ll explain why we chose BBB, highlight the benefits of the platform that you may not have known about, and share how we use BigBlueButton for corporate communications with remote employees.
The first reason is open source
BigBlueButton is based on open source code, which provides a higher level of security and control over the system. We can adapt and augment the system according to our needs, which is understandably impossible with Zoom and Discord, which are provided under a closed license.
The second reason is the large number of ready-made integrations with other systems.
BBB provides opportunities for integration with various learning platforms and corporate systems such as Moodle, Canvas, Sakai and others. This makes it possible to simplify corporate communications, speed up information sharing and organize training on one platform.
The third reason is functionality
BigBlueButton offers a rich set of features – screen sharing, document sharing, the ability to create surveys and tests, and tools for working with interactive whiteboards. This makes communication and collaboration more productive and efficient compared to the limited functionality offered by Zoom and Discord.
The fourth reason is scalability
By being open source and being able to install on our own server, BigBlueButton provides the ability to scale based on our needs. This allows us to optimize resource costs and ensure consistent quality of communication for a large number of users. Which is especially convenient when we hold common meetings with guys from different offices.
The fifth reason is security
BigBlueButton provides a high level of security and privacy for corporate communications because the system is installed on our server. Unlike Zoom and Discord, where data may be stored on third-party servers and accessible to third parties, utilizing our own server provides complete control over data and its security.
The sixth reason is community
BigBlueButton has an active community of developers and users who share experiences, solve problems and suggest improvements for the system. This allows you to receive fast and high-quality technical support, as well as participate in product development.
After weighing all these reasons, we decided that this was the best solution for our needs. Now BBB is actively used in all our departments, from marketing to development. The platform is great for everything from quick team syncs to large corporate events.
Here are a few examples of how BigBlueButton is being used at Beget.
Every Friday, the development team holds open mitups where they share what has gone into production over the past week. This meetup brings together about a third of the company, where colleagues from other departments can ask questions about past releases and discuss problems encountered in developing solutions. Thus, the development department’s meetups have become not only an opportunity to share information about the past week, but also a platform for interaction between different departments of the company. In addition, our colleagues have introduced the “Open Microphone” rubric, and now everyone from any department can also talk about their team’s successes and releases. This allows to learn about the achievements of other departments, and also strengthens ties between employees from different teams. During the meeting, votes are taken and the results are immediately visible to all meeting participants.
Voting results in the meeting chat
Another example
Every few months we have a “Newcomers’ Meeting” at Beget. It consists of two parts: first, the heads of departments tell about the history of the company and Axis, familiarize them with traditions and values. And in the second part we give the floor to new colleagues – they tell about themselves, their hobbies and interests. The “old-timers” and department heads also share stories from their lives. This helps at the very beginning of the journey to get to know each other better and from different sides. And many people find hobby friends, company for going to the theater, snowboarding or long-planned trips. When we held these meetings in the office, the moderator would pass the clicker like a baton from speaker to speaker to flip through photo slides. Online, we’ve kept this tradition alive – thanks to BigBlueButton’s internal tools, the moderator can quickly assign speakers and give rights to control the presentation.
Now these meetings are held online in BigBlueButton and gather almost all employees of the company around the monitors, we are proud that the number of participants has been maintained at the offline level without losing the warm and friendly atmosphere.
Conclusion
BigBlueButton is a great solution for corporate communications with remote employees due to its open architecture, rich functionality, scalability, security, and cost-effectiveness. Compared to peers such as Zoom and Discord, BBB offers companies more control, flexibility, and the ability to tailor the system to their specific needs, making the platform a preferred option for many organizations.
