RAUM vs. Microsoft Mesh:
Spatial Work Beyond the Ecosystem
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When should you switch?
Microsoft Mesh is a sensible add-on for organizations deeply rooted in the Microsoft universe that want to run immersive meetings occasionally. RAUM is the alternative for organizations that treat XR as standalone infrastructure. If you want to connect real and virtual workspaces seamlessly without tying yourself to one tech giant, RAUM is the right choice.Why teams look for a Microsoft Mesh alternative
Microsoft Mesh scores with Teams integration, but for demanding XR scenarios the solution often hits limits:- The “add-on” trap: Work in Mesh often stays superficial and feels like a visual extra on top of a normal 2D call.
- Ecosystem lock-in: Full functionality is usually only available inside the Microsoft stack, which makes collaboration with external partners or other tools harder.
- Shallow spatial depth: Mesh is optimized for meetings, not for complex work with 3D content or integration of physical spaces.
The fundamental difference: Meeting extension vs. space fusion
Mesh extends the call—RAUM creates the place.- Microsoft Mesh (The meeting add-on): A tool that makes existing Microsoft workflows immersive “decoration.” The work logic stays strongly 2D.
- RAUM (The space hub): A solution that merges virtual and physical spaces into one context (spatial anchoring). The space is the primary tool, not the conferencing software.
Feature comparison: RAUM vs. Microsoft Mesh
| Aspect | Microsoft Mesh (add-on) | RAUM (workspace focus) |
|---|---|---|
| Core logic | XR extension for Teams | Standalone workspace |
| Ecosystem | Microsoft-bound (locked in) | Independent & sovereign |
| Work paradigm | Focus on representation | Focus on 3D productivity |
| Physical spaces | Barely considered | Virtual extension of real spaces |
| Persistence | Session-focused | Lasting & stable |
| 3D tools | Basic features | Rich professional toolkit |
When Microsoft Mesh remains the right choice
Microsoft Mesh is ideal for organizations already fully on Microsoft 365 that want a low-friction way to add avatars to weekly meetings without leaving their familiar software environment.
Why RAUM beats Microsoft Mesh
RAUM offers the depth and freedom needed for real spatial computing.
1. Digital sovereignty
With RAUM you stay in control of your data and processes. You’re not bound to one vendor’s licensing or technical constraints. That makes RAUM the safer choice for long-term strategy and cross-platform collaboration.
2. The bridge to reality (physical integration)
Unlike Mesh, RAUM thinks physical space into the design. Virtual work surfaces can be precisely aligned with real environments. That creates hybrid workspaces where the team works on one shared model—whether members are on-site or connected via VR.
3. Pro tools, not toys
RAUM offers depth in editing 3D assets that Mesh lacks. It’s not just about “sitting together”—it’s about jointly building, structuring, and understanding highly complex content in an environment built for performance.
Conclusion: The alternative for real spatial work
RAUM is the Microsoft Mesh alternative for everyone who wants to use the full potential of XR. If you only need immersive meetings, use Mesh. If you want to shape the future of work in an independent, professional space, use RAUM.The alternative to Microsoft Mesh when virtual spaces extend real work.