What are the differences between Barco Clickshare and Zoapi? #
Barco Clickshare is the leader in the wireless presentation. Barco provides various different versions of the Clickshare hardware such as CS-100, CSE-200, CSE-200+, CSE-800 with different features and price points. In this article, we will explore the difference between Zoapi and Clickshare
Hardware, Software and the Operating System #
Barco Clickshare is a custom hardware running on the embedded processor and operating system. Barco’s hardware comes with a portable USB button which must be connected to the user’s laptop for screen sharing. Clickshare also has an app that can be used instead of the USB button.
Zoapi is Windows 10 based software which can run on any PC with Windows 10 OS. Zoapi also provides pre-installed devices through its resellers which comes as combination of hardware and software. You can also opt for Zoapi software for as low as 10$/month and run it on any off the shelf PC/mini-PC to convert the devices into a complete meeting room solution.
Wireless Presentation #
Barco Clickshare provides USB Button for screen sharing from Windows and MAC OS. You can use their Native app for screen sharing from Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. Clickshare supports Chromecast and Airplay protocols in the higher version of the hardware (CSE200, CSE200+, and CSE800) which can be used for screen sharing from Linux laptops.
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.
Network Configuration #
Barco Clickshare can work in standalone mode or enterprise mode. In standalone mode, you can use the click share button or connect to the base unit wifi directly. In Enterprise mode you can connect the Barco Clickshare to your enterprise network over Ethernet. The major advantage of Barco Clickshare is that you do not need to be on the same network for screen sharing if you are using their USB button as it will directly connect to their base unit over wifi.
Zoapi supports multiple isolated network configurations simultaneously. It supports up to 4 different networks. You can connect corporate Ethernet and Guest Ethernet to Zoapi device. You can also connect the Zoapi device to another wifi as per the need. Zoapi Hub provides its own internal wifi access point for Guest users to connect and share. Zoapi’s advanced device discovery mechanism lets you connect to any Zoapi device from your laptops connected to different networks with just a 4-digit PIN without needing to select from a confusing list of discovered devices or without entering the complicated IP address.
Video Conferencing & Collaboration Apps #
Barco is a purely wireless presentation product; it does not support video conferencing and other collaboration apps.
Zoapi leverages the underlying Windows platform for providing its users with a complete meeting room solution in a single product. With Zoapi you can use your favorite video conferencing applications such as Zoom, Skype, MS Teams, Webex, Bluejeans and many more. Zoapi also supports all major Windows-based collaboration tools. With apps like Softphone Pro you can even remove the conventional phones on your meeting room table. Zoapi’s exclusive list of meeting room centric features ensures you need only one device in your meeting room for all your needs.
Cloud Management #
Clickshare provides XMS cloud management service. It provides both cloud and on-premise edge service. The cost of these services will be based on the chosen plan. Edge service provides limited features compared to the cloud service. Using XMS management service, you can monitor the device status, Update device firmware, reboot device, configure the device, change wallpapers and get usage analytics.
Zoapi provides a cloud admin dashboard that can be used for status monitoring, managing and configuring the devices and digital signage features, integrating room calendars, managing Room Scheduler application and viewing and exporting detailed stats and analytics on room usage.
Zoapi dashboard has an AppStore for installing, upgrading and managing third party video conferencing and collaboration applications. Zoapi cloud dashboard also comes as an on-premise service for large enterprises.
Calendar Integration & Room Scheduler #
Barco Clickshare is purely a screen sharing device, it does not support room calendar integration.
With Zoapi, you can integrate your meeting room/classroom 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.
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. This app can be used on any android table to convert it to an on-door meeting room management Room scheduler. This app will show if the room is available, booked or occupied by changing its background color. You can also book adhoc meetings while walking into the room with a single click.
Price #
Barco Clickshare has multiple product variants ranging from 800$ to 4000$
Zoapi has two plans Lite and Premium. Lite plan costs 10$/month whereas Premium plan costs 15$/month. Zoapi Hub software can be installed on any Windows 10 based machine.
Zoapi Hub Plug and Play devices are also available as the pre-installed version on Intel mini-PCs.
Summary #
Barco Clickshare is a hardware-based product for wireless presentations with Capex expense. If you need a solution just for wireless presentation and prefer to use the USB button which has the advantage of not needing to connect to a specific network, then Clickshare is a good option.
Zoapi offers a unified meeting room solution for wireless presentation, video conferencing, calendaring, room scheduler with collaboration. Looking at the Opex expenses, Zoapi is a scalable solution with a clear return on investment.
Zoapi also comes as Saas solution which can convert any of your general PC/mini-PC into a complete meeting room AV equipment. It’s the perfect match for IT administrators, managers, and everyday presenters.
To learn more, contact us at hello@zoapi.com.
Note: All information provided here is collected online from the webpages and public forums. Features, numbers may vary depending on the product and time.
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