Zoom Releases Apps, Events Features

Zoom, the video conferencing platform popularized during the pandemic for everything from virtual family gatherings to work and school collaboration, announced the release Wednesday (July 21) of Zoom Apps and Zoom Events.

Zoom Apps allows users to integrate third-party apps into online meetings. To date, Zoom offers more than 50 apps, including Kahoot, an interactive educational tool; Dropbox Spaces for shared work collaboration; and SurveyMonkey for polling. Zoom Apps build upon the offerings already available in the Zoom App Marketplace, which hosts more than 1,500 third-party integrations, according to the company.

In an earlier report, Zoom announced the rollout of a $100 million fund to invest in software companies that build apps using the company’s technology. Investments of between $250,000 and $2.5 million would be earmarked for companies building “Zoom apps” that could be integrated into the company’s videoconferencing software and add new features.

As reported in May, Zoom Events allows users to manage and host internal events; offer ticketing and registration; and create multi-session events, including conferences, where guests can network in a virtual lobby. Zoom Events also enables event-specific reporting focused on registration, attendance, and tickets sold.

“I’m thrilled to see our platform vision expand through Zoom Apps and Zoom Events, as the world embraces hybrid work, empowering the workforce today and into the future,” said Eric S. Yuan, founder and CEO of Zoom. “These innovations will enhance the ways in which we connect and collaborate with our colleagues, clients, friends, family members, and others, improving productivity and collaboration while maintaining elements of fun and well-being.”

In addition to broadening its service with Zoom Apps and Zoom Events, Zoom also recently announced the company’s expansion through the $14.7 billion acquisition of cloud contact center software company Five9. The deal is expected to close in the first half of 2022.