Introduction to Zoho Cliq
Zoho Cliq is a comprehensive team collaboration and communication platform designed to enhance workplace productivity and streamline team interactions. It is part of the Zoho suite of productivity tools and is built to bring teams together, facilitating real-time communication, collaboration, and fun.
Key Features
Real-Time Messaging and Collaboration
Zoho Cliq enables real-time messaging, allowing team members to communicate instantly. This includes the ability to share ideas, make quick calls, share screens, and follow up on tasks with reminders. The platform supports both group and one-on-one discussions, making it versatile for various team needs.
Channels and Groups
Users can create multiple channels and groups, including public and private channels, to organize conversations by department, project, or socializing purposes. This helps in keeping conversations organized and relevant to specific topics or teams.
File Sharing and Management
Cliq allows easy drag-and-drop file sharing, eliminating the need for email attachments. Files can be shared directly within the chat window, and important files can be pinned to the top of a chat for quick reference. Additionally, features like file cleanup management help maintain a clutter-free workspace.
Audio and Video Calls
The platform supports audio and video calls, including a group video calling feature called Primetime, which is designed exclusively for team meetings. Recent updates have improved the reliability and speed of these calls, with 90% of calls connecting in under two seconds and smoother video streaming.
Integration with Other Apps
Zoho Cliq seamlessly integrates with other Zoho applications such as Zoho CRM, Zoho Projects, and Zoho Mail, as well as third-party apps like Google Drive and MailChimp. This integration enables users to perform actions like pushing or updating data to their online tools directly from the chat window.
Bots and Automation
Cliq comes with sophisticated bots that can fetch information, perform actions, and automate mundane tasks. Users can create custom bots and use existing ones like Taz and Deskbot to manage tasks such as sending messages, setting reminders, and updating tickets.
Custom Actions and Commands
Users can create custom message actions and commands to streamline their workflow. For example, messages can be turned into tasks in project management tools or uploaded directly to cloud storage platforms. Slash commands provide shortcuts to perform everyday tasks faster.
Administrative Controls
Zoho Cliq 6.0 introduces advanced administrative features, including data loss prevention (DLP), file cleanup management, bulk team import, and default channels and bots for streamlined onboarding. Admins can also manage users efficiently with improved loading times and device-based IP restrictions.
Compliance and Security
The platform includes compliance features such as data retention policies and an e-discovery module to help organizations meet industry regulations. This ensures that data can be accessed, removed, and restored as needed.
Artificial Intelligence
Zoho’s AI assistant, Zia, enhances the user experience by providing meeting summaries, follow-up reminders, and the ability to create action items as tasks in Zoho Projects. Zia also functions as a writing assistant and sentiment analysis tool.
Mobile Accessibility
With mobile apps available on all major platforms, Cliq ensures that users stay connected and productive even when on the go.
Additional Functionality
- Emoji Reactions and Forked Messages: Emoji reactions make conversations more interactive, while forked messages allow users to break out into new chats without losing context.
- Cliq Rooms and Live Events: Cliq Rooms enable scheduling meetings for conference rooms and hosting hybrid meetings. The platform also supports internal virtual events with features like stage management and audience interaction.
- Developer Platform: The Cliq Developer Platform allows developers to create custom apps, integrate with third-party apps, and automate workflows using features like slash commands, bots, and widgets.
In summary, Zoho Cliq is a robust collaboration tool that combines real-time messaging, advanced file sharing, integrated audio and video calls, and powerful automation features to enhance team productivity and streamline workplace communication.