We are pleased to introduce Zoom Meetings Hybrid (ZMH), a new add-on module to the NORDUnet-operated on-premise Zoom service.
Zoom Meetings Hybrid enables institutions to route selected meeting media within the trusted Nordic NREN and NORDUnet networks, while still benefiting from Zoom’s cloud-hosted features in a controlled, GDPR-compliant European environment. The solution combines the flexibility of cloud services with the control and security of local infrastructure — tailored for the needs of research and education.
How it works
Zoom Meetings Hybrid introduces local media handling through an on-premise Zoom Node (Hybrid Multimedia Router). This allows internal meeting traffic to remain within trusted research and education networks where appropriate.
Two deployment modes are supported:
- Hybrid mode: Internal participants’ media is routed locally via the on-premise Zoom Node. A single consolidated connection is established to the Zoom Cloud to support external participants and selected cloud-based features such as Zoom AI Companion.
- Private mode: Both signalling and media remain entirely within the on-premise Zoom Node and the research and education network environment. No meeting media is routed through the Zoom Cloud, making this mode suitable for meetings with higher confidentiality requirements.
External users can join meetings via Zoom Cloud services when needed. Media is bridged in a controlled manner, ensuring interoperability while maintaining local routing for internal participants.
Key benefits for user organisations
Zoom Meetings Hybrid offers a number of clear advantages:
- Local routing of internal meeting media within trusted Nordic NREN and NORDUnet networks
- Reduced dependency on public cloud media traversal
- Increased control of data paths to support institutional GDPR and regional compliance requirements
- Ability to access advanced, cloud-only features in a controlled and transparent manner
By combining flexibility with trusted infrastructure, Zoom Meetings Hybrid strengthens the digital collaboration environment for Nordic research and education institutions.
Privacy and GDPR
Transparency around data protection remains central to the services NORDUnet operates for the Nordic community.
If you have questions about GDPR, data privacy, and how NORDUnet-operated Zoom services handle personal information — particularly in on-premise or hybrid meeting configurations — we have compiled an overview of how the services work, what data is processed where, and how GDPR and other European data protection requirements are addressed.
