BT has announced an expansion of its range of cloud-based audio and video collaboration managed services with the addition of Zoom Meetings to its portfolio. 

The move follows the signing of a new carrier agreement between the pair, with BT becoming the first global provider to offer a fully-managed Zoom Meetings service to its customers. 

The service will feature a choice of connectivity and integration with BT’s global voice network, the telecommunications firm said, as well as end-to-end experience monitoring and enhanced security. 

The new agreement also allows BT to provide Zoom Rooms, Zoom’s extendable software-based conference room offering.

«We’re keeping it simple for customers, helping them create secure and productive digital workplaces for their people, wherever they are,» commented Andrew Small, director of Global portfolio at BT. 

«Our new managed service allows global enterprises, typically with complex network and IT infrastructure, to consume Zoom Meetings in a simple, consistent and secure way with optimised experiences for their people around the world.»

Video conferencing provider Zoom saw a huge spike in popularity this year, as COVID-19 lockdown measures were implemented around the world. Users flocked to the service to stay in touch with family, friends and work colleagues as face-to-face meetings were cancelled to help contain the spread of the virus. 

Many organisations also started using the platform to hold virtual business meetings and group communications – but this presented a number of security concerns for IT departments who had little to no control over the service.

However, through the new agreement with BT, there are now security options such as encrypted communications and user ID protection, alongside secure and private MPLS connectivity, dedicated network gateways, and user adoption programmes for education. In terms of connectivity, choices include internet, global SIP, PSTN or MPLS.

«We chose BT as a global managed service partner because it’s a trusted and established leader in the world market with in-depth enterprise voice, video, security, cloud and networking expertise,» said Ryan Azus, chief revenue officer at Zoom. 

«Our new agreement will help large enterprises fully experience the benefits Zoom Meetings, Zoom Phone and Zoom Rooms offer. This partnership will also expand Zoom’s global footprint and enterprise sales capabilities.»