Facebook has a product called Workplace. A standard Workplace by Facebook account includes: live video streaming, voice and video calls (desktop and mobile devices), Workplace and Work Chat apps for mobile devices. With a Standard account, there is no service fee. Unfortunately, each Workplace account is separate from a user’s Facebook account and requires an entirely new registration for each user. Workplace by Facebook does not utilize its existing platform making the application a mandatory companywide download. 

2. Analyze the Problem

The application utilizes a work email to sign up and takes five minutes at the most to complete registration. Once the account has been setup, coworkers can invite other coworkers using their company email address. Once coworkers are registered Workplace it operates similarly to Facebook. Users can create groups, have followers, engage in messenger chat, but also use video chat. A perk, you can have a virtual meeting with other coworkers whether they are utilizing a mobile or desktop device, using iOS or Android. 

3. Generate Possible Solutions

Waking Up Inc can create one administrative account and send links to all other employees via their work emails. From this link, an employee can create a Workplace account and connect with other coworkers. 

4. Evaluate Options & Select Best Solution

The easiest way to get all employees to use Workplace by Facebook is so send them links to register. From there, the administrator(s) can create individual groups for each managerial group. With this feature, employees within a company sector, can meet virtually and discuss issues pertinent to their area within the larger company. 

5. Test & Implement

I conducted a mock Workplace account with my family and found the time spent on registration was negligent in comparison to the multitude of features the application offers. Some users in my mock company used Apple products, while others used Android, some used desktop, while still others used mobile devices. We were all able to connect quickly and efficiently once registered. Conversations were timely, and connections were secure. 

Microsoft offers two different types of Skype: Skype for Consumers and Skype for Business. Skype for Consumers if free, but Skype for Business has a fee per user which can be paid monthly or annually. Waking Up Inc is a small business, Skype for Consumers would work just fine. Skype for Consumers can be used across devices (iOS and Android) and using mobile and desktop devices with ease. Skype for Consumers offers conferences for up to 25 people. It features instant messaging, voice, and video chat. It would only allow Waking Up Inc to use the application for conferences. 

2. Analyze the Problem

Although Waking Up Inc. is only looking for virtual conference capabilities, they may find the added features in Workplace by Facebook beneficial. If the company were to utilize Skype for Consumers, they would also have to obtain other applications for interfacing. Skype for Consumers does not have any add-ons available. The only other option is to purchase Skype for Business. 

3. Generate Possible Solutions

Waking Up Inc. could utilize Skype for Consumers for virtual meetings only and use existing interface applications as they have been. Skype for Consumers is simple, free, and easy to use across all types of devices. 

4. Evaluate Options & Select Best Solution

Given that Skype for Consumers is free, it is a better option than Skype for Business for Waking Up Inc. The company can allocate financial resources elsewhere and still focus on company goals. Skype for Consumers allows up to 25 users to conference and Waking Up Inc has 21 employees. 

5. Test & Implement

I conducted a mock conference with my family using Skype for Consumers. Each user had to download the application onto whichever device they were utilizing. Creating an account was simple and quick. Once registered, users were able to video conference. There was somewhat of a delay in the video feed. Perhaps the meeting leader could e-mail employees participating in the video conference a structure of the meeting ahead of time. That way, employees can follow along and stay in sync with the agenda.