This Uttarakhand startup has made a Zoom alternative, in just 20 days
Story highlights
The Centre had exhorted Indian tech companies to develop an indigenous and secure substitute for Zoom. It even announced a prize money of Rs 1 crore to the winner, and Bharat.live is a contestant.
A majority of the world population is under lockdown, and the governments across the world are trying to control the movement of its citizens to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
Some of the administrative work is done through mobile applications. Several apps, however, suffer from the restriction on the number of participants to partake in a video or voice communication. Other applications have their share of privacy and security complications.
To this end, a Dehradun-based company has launched Bharat.live app.
The Centre had exhorted Indian tech companies to develop an indigenous and secure substitute for Zoom. It even announced a prize money of Rs 1 crore to the winner, and Bharat.live is a contestant.
Privacy and security are integral to the value system in Bharat.live with an impeccable track record. The company is contemplating ways to scale and strengthen the application.
Simplicity is the key -- this platform free application does not require participants to download it or enter a code to join video meetings. It is a browser-based application.
How does one use Bharat.live to chat?
You can register with the necessary details and OTP authentication to receive Login ID, Password, and Login Link. Hit 'create a new meeting,' add a name to get Meeting URL, Meeting ID, and Meeting Code. To invite others, send a meeting URL to the participants. Participants will click the URL, type their name in the dialog box to join the meeting. Users can choose the screen to share it with others.
No webcam is required unless you want to transmit your video. You do not even need an account either to join a meeting, and you require one only when you have to host and initiate a meeting.
You can enter any name to join the meeting. You need not log in with personal Facebook or Google. The site does not ask for your email ID. No chat or records are stored on servers as of now. A security breach is the remotest possibility. Data such as IP address is collected for the time being to facilitate your call.
Bharat.live does not share one's personal information with anyone. No offline information or information via channels other than the website is collected for visitors. It does not record meetings or videos either.
Bharat.live supports clear calls with about 50 participants.
The app offers a free trial plan for 2 hours and 10 participants. Other plans are available with separate pricing for business and consumer categories.
Bharat.live app has crossed five lakh users with approximately one lakh users per day.