What are the differences between Kramer Via and Zoapi Hub? #
The Via series from Kramer is one of the most popular wireless presentation and collaboration solutions available in the market today. Kramer makes a range of Via products that include  Via Go2, Via Connect Pro, Via Connect Plus, Via Campus2, Via Campus2 Plus. The products in this range come with varying features and sell at different price points. In this article, we will explore the differences between Zoapi and Kramer Via products
Hardware, Software and the Operating System #
Kramer Via series uses custom Intel-based hardware of various configurations with Linux or Windows 10 operating systems. The list shown below details the hardware and OS specifications of the different Via products.
- Via Go – Intel Gemini Lake Quad Core 1.1GHz Processor + 4GB RAM + 32GB eMMC + Linux
- Via Connect Pro – Intel 4th Gen Dual Core 1.4GHz Processor + 4GB RAM + 32GB SSD + Linux
- Via Connect Plus – – Intel 4th Gen Dual Core 1.4GHz Processor + 4GB RAM + 32GB SSD + Linux
- Via Campus2 – Intel 8th Gen Quad Core 3.6GHz Processor + 8GB RAM + 120GB SSD + Windows 10
- Via Campus Plus – Intel 8th Gen Quad Core 3.6GHz Processor + 8GB RAM + 120GB SSD + Windows 10
Kramer also provides Viaware, which is a Windows 10 based software with features similar to Via Campus.
Zoapi Hub is a Windows 10 based software solution that can run on any PC with Windows 10 OS. Zoapi also provides pre-installed devices through its resellers which come as a combination of hardware and pre-installed & configured software. Zoapi has two preinstalled variants.
- Zoapi Hub Basic – Intel Gemini Lake Quad core 1.5GHz processor + 4GB RAM + 120GB SSD + Windows 10
- Zoapi Hub Pro – Intel 8th Gen Quad Core 3.6GHz processor + 4GB RAM + 120GB SSD + Windows 10.
You can also opt for the Zoapi Hub software for as low as 10$/month and run it on any off-the-shelf PC/mini-PC and convert the device] into a complete meeting room solution.
 Wireless Presentation #
Kramer provides the Via application for screen sharing on Windows and Mac OS. Kramer also supports Airplay and Miracast protocols on all the Via series devices. You can also use their browser sharing features using the Kramer Via chrome plugin. Additionally, you can buy Kramer Via Pod hardware that is similar to a Barco clickshare for dongle-based screen sharing. Kramer Via Go2 supports up to 2 users while the Via Connect Pro and Connect Plus support 4 users. The higher-end versions, Via Campus2, Via Campus2 Plus, and Viaware supports 6 users on one display and 12 users on two displays. Via Connect Plus and Campus plus also support wired presentations along with Wireless presentations.
Zoapi Hub provides a native application for Windows, MAC, and Linux. Zoapi Hub also supports Airplay and Chromecast protocols (with the help of a third-party application) which can be used for app-less screen sharing from iOS, Android, Chromebook, Windows, Mac, and Linux devices. Zoapi Hub will soon be supporting browser-based screen sharing with its latest software upgrade. Zoapi hub allows 16 users to present simultaneously with 4 screens displayed at a time in the quad view mode. Zoapi Hub also supports wired presentation with an additional HDMI to USB converter.
Since Zoapi works on a subscription-based software model, all users get free upgrades to all the latest features and bug fixes and there is no concept of new hardware revisions.
 Network Configuration #
Via devices can be connected over Wifi or over corporate ethernet. Via supports up to two networks simultaneously. While connecting, you will have to choose the room name from the list of all available devices (can be challenging when the user device is behind a NAT) or enter the IP address shown on the display. Two IP addresses will be shown if the device is connected to two different networks. Selecting the right IP address based on the client device network can be confusing for the user.
Kramer Via device also provides its own built-in wifi access-point on the Via Campus series (Miracast has to be disabled for this)
Zoapi Hub supports multiple isolated network configurations simultaneously. It supports up to 4 different networks. You can connect corporate Ethernet and Guest Ethernet to the Zoapi Hub device. You can also connect the Zoapi Hub device to another wifi network as per the need.
Zoapi Hub provides its own built-in 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 requiring users to enter a complicated IP address.
Video Conferencing & Collaboration Apps #
The Karmer Via Campus series (Windows 10 based) supports 3rd party collaboration apps. Users need to manually install and configure these apps on the Kramer device using the Windows user interface. Kramer Connect Plus and Campus series also support a feature called Via Verse where you can wirelessly access the camera connected to Via device from your client laptop.
Zoapi Hub leverages the underlying Windows platform for providing its users with a complete meeting room solution in a single product. With Zoapi Hub, you can use your favorite video conferencing applications such as Zoom, Skype, MS Teams, Webex, Bluejeans, and many more. Zoapi Hub provides a cloud-based app store on its dashboard for IT admins to remotely install, upgrade and manage all the 3rd party apps on their Zoapi Hubs directly from their desk.
Zoapi Hub also supports all major Windows-based collaboration tools. With apps like Softphone Pro and Nextvia you can even remove the conventional phones on your meeting room table.
Cloud Management #
Kramer provides Via Site Management (VSM) software for managing all the Via devices. Currently, VSM is an on-premise tool and needs to be installed and implemented inside your corporate network. But they do have plans to release the cloud-based management dashboard. VSM is a separate product that needs to be purchased separately and is not part of the Via device.
Zoapi Hub 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 also has an AppStore for installing, upgrading, and managing third-party video conferencing and collaboration applications. The Zoapi cloud dashboard is also available as an on-premise service for large enterprises. Zoapi dashboard is part of the Zoapi Hub product and comes at no additional cost.
Calendar Integration & Room Scheduler #
Higher-end Kramer Via devices, Via Campus2, and Via Campus2 Plus supports calendar integration and shows the room booking details on the home screen. Lower-end devices such as Via Go2, Via Connect, and Via Connect Plus do not support these features.
With Zoapi, you can integrate your meeting room/classroom to your room calendar and view all the meetings booked in that room, access the meeting description and other information on the device, and launch the scheduled video conferencing calls using the meeting link.
Zoapi Hub also provides on-screen meeting reminders based on your meeting times.
Zoapi also provides a room scheduler application license along with its premium plan. This app can be used on any android table, Â converting it into 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 an ad-hoc meeting while walking into the room with a single click.
Price #
Prices of the Kramer Via devices range from 500$ to 2800$. Via Go2 which supports screen sharing of up to 2 users is priced around 500$, while the higher-end version – Via Camplus plus with 6/12 user screen share, HDMI input, and Video Conferencing support is priced at 2800$. Kramer Viaware the software-only version costs $1200 one time with additional 120$/year maintenance or flat $576/year. Additionally, Via Pad (the dongle for screen sharing) is priced at 120$ while the Via Site Management software is priced at 1600$.
Zoapi Hub has two plans: Lite and Premium. The price ranges from 15-20$/month. The Zoapi Hub software can be installed on any Windows 10 based machine.
Zoapi Hub Plug and Play device are also available as a pre-installed version on Intel mini-PCs with 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year plans.
Summary #
Kramer Via products and Zoapi have many similarities in terms of the platform, features, and offerings. There is a huge overlap between the features offered by Kramer Via Campus Plus and Zoapi Hub. Both run on Intel-based platform with Windows 10 operating system. Both offers features like Wireless presentation, Video Conferencing, Digital Signage, Calendar Integration, etc. Kramer Via offers native Miracast and Airplay protocols along with many unique collaboration features like file sharing between participants, view main display on the laptop, multiple layout modes, etc. On the other hand, Zoapi Hub offers features like an App store for 3rd party app management, calendar integration, Single Click join for Video conferencing, multiple network support with easy join process, etc.
The Kramer Via product range is hardware-centric whereas, Zoapi is a software and cloud-centric product which comes with affordable SaaS plans. Kramer Via is a good option if you are looking for a device with multiple wireless presentation options whereas is Zoapi is ideal if you are looking for Video Conferencing and other collaboration features along with Wireless presentation.
Note : All information provided here are collected online from the webpages and public forums. Features, pricing and numbers may vary depending on the product and time.
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