What are the differences between Airtame and Zoapi? #
Airtame is a dongle based wireless presentation system for enterprises and education. Airtame has recently released newer version of their hardware Airtame2 which has upgraded hardware. This article explores the fundamental differences between two meeting room solutions, Airtame and Zoapi.
Hardware, Software, and Operating System #
Airtame is a custom hardware running on an embedded processor and embedded operating system. Airtame has a smaller form factor compared to a lot of other competition. This makes it easy to connect and install. Airtame is also releasing its own PoE adapter to power the device through Ethernet, and also to provide a wired network connection.
Zoapi is a Windows 10 based software that can run on any PC with Windows 10 OS. Zoapi also provides pre-installed devices (which comes as hardware and software combination) on Intel mini-PCs through its resellers. Alternatively, Zoapi software can be bought for as low as $10 per month and can be run on any off the shelf PC or mini-PC to convert that device into a complete meeting room solution.
Wireless Presentation #
Airtame provides its own native app for screen sharing from Windows, MAC OS, Linux, Chromebook. Airtame 2 also supports Airplay and Chromecast protocols with their upcoming firmware update for connecting from iOS and Android devices. Airtame desktop app supports streaming to multiple Airtame receivers simultaneously.
Zoapi provides native apps for Windows, MAC OS, and Linux. Zoapi also supports Airplay and Chromecast protocols (with help of third party application) which can be used for app-less screen sharing from iOS, Android, Chromebook, Windows, Mac and Linux devices. Zoapi’s advanced device discovery mechanism supports hassle-free screen sharing from devices connected to different isolated networks
Network Configuration #
Airtame can connect to your corporate Wifi, and any device connected to the corporate wifi can share its screen. Airtame 2 supports an additional Ethernet adapter which allows you to connect your corporate Ethernet to the Airtame device and provide PoE. This adapter must be bought separately and is not part of the Airtame package. The major challenge with Airtame is connecting to multiple networks, like Corporate Ethernet, Guest Ethernet and other dedicated networks and making it work on all of them.
One of the major advantages of Zoapi is that it supports multiple isolated network configuration, simultaneously. It supports up to 4 different networks. Your corporate Ethernet and Guest Ethernet can be connected to the Zoapi device. The Zoapi device can be connected to another wifi, as per the need.
Zoapi Hub also provides its own internal wifi access point for the Guest users to connect and share easily.
Zoapi’s advanced device discovery mechanism allows you to connect to any Zoapi device from your laptops, connected to different networks with just a 4 digit PIN. This eliminated the hassle of having to select from a confusing list of discovered devices or entering complicated IP addresses.
Video Conferencing & Collaboration Apps #
Airtame is a wireless presentation and digital signage product, whereas Zoapi is a complete meeting room solution combining all the meeting room essential features in a single product.
Airtame does not support video conferencing and other collaboration apps. Zoapi leverages the underlying Windows platform for providing its users a complete meeting room solution.
With Zoapi you can use your favorite video conferencing applications such as Zoom, Skype, MS Teams, Webex, Bluejeans and many more. In addition to this, Zoapi supports all the major Windows-based collaboration tools. With an app like Softphone Pro, you can remove the conventional phones on your meeting room tables.
Cloud Management #
Airtame provides Airtame Cloud platform for managing all your Airtame devices. Using Airtame cloud you can monitor the devices, schedule bulk updates reboot devices etc,. Airtame cloud offers to configure the digital signage features of Airtame devices.
Zoapi provides cloud admin dashboard which can be used for status monitoring, managing and configuring the devices, configuring digital signage features, integrating room calendars, managing Room scheduler application and viewing and exporting details stats and analytics on room usage.
Zoapi dashboard also provides an AppStore for installing, upgrading and managing third party video conferencing and collaboration application.
Zoapi cloud services can also be installed on on-premise server for large enterprises.
Calendar Integration & Room Scheduler #
Airtame allows calendar integration for its digital signage features. Once integrated, you can view meeting room availability on the Airtame device.
With Zoapi, you can integrate your meeting rooms and classrooms to your room calendar and view all the meetings booked in rooms, access the meeting description and other information on the device, launch scheduled video conferencing calls using the meeting link etc,. Zoapi Hub also provides onscreen meeting reminders based on your meeting times.
Zoapi also provides a room scheduler app license along with its Premium Plan. The room scheduler app can be used on any android tablet to convert it to an on-door meeting room management system. The app indicates if the room is available, booked or occupied by changing its background color. You can also book ad hoc meeting while walking inside the room with single click.
Price #
Airtame2 is priced at €399.
Zoapi uses the SaaS business model to convert your Capex expenditure to Opex expenditure. Zoapi has two plans Lite and Premium. The Lite plan is priced at $10 per month whereas the Premium plan is priced at $15 per month.
The Zoapi Hub software can be installed on any Windows 10 based, Intel machine. This is not only cost-effective, but you can also reuse your existing hardware. Zoapi Hub Plug and Play device is also available as a pre-installed version on Intel mini-PCs through our resellers.
Summary #
Airtame is a hardware-based cost-effective product for wireless presentation and digital signage. If your requirement is just wireless presentation and digital signage and you do not need to connect your meeting room device to more than one network, then Airtame is a good option.
If you are looking for a complete meeting room solution with the wireless presentation, video conferencing, calendaring, room scheduling, with collaboration tools that work on multiple enterprise and guest networks, then Zoapi delivers everything you need.
Zoapi also comes as a Saas solution that can convert any of your general PC or mini PC into a complete meeting room AV equipment.
Not just that, taking into account the Opex expenses instead of Capex expenses, Zoapi is a scalable solution with a clear ROI.
Note: All information provided here are collected online from the webpages and public forums. Features, numbers may vary depending on the product and time.
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