How Is Modern Video Conferencing Technology Improving Business?

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Video conferencing technology and solutions are becoming the mainstream, and nearly 90 percent of companies use multiple conferencing platforms according to the 2018 State of Video Conferencing Report. Adding video to the conversation gives people visual information like body language and facial expressions, which helps meeting members stay engaged and recall what they heard. It’s been decades since video conferencing technology was introduced to businesses, so it’s not a new solution. However, there are new video conferencing technologies and trends that are making this solution even more successful.

The Cloud is King

The cloud is everywhere, and it’s only growing as more and more services are made available through it. With cloud-based services, users can access what they need from any device with an internet connection. An emerging trend in video conferencing technology is hosting the conferencing service through the cloud, so it can be used with a desktop, a laptop or a smartphone. The cloud offers companies several advantages. Because cloud-based video conferencing can be used with most devices, it’s easy for businesses to keep their teams connected, no matter where they live and work. In a world where about half of employees work at least one day from home per week (according to a Gallup poll), that flexibility is important. Moving video conferencing to the cloud also means companies don’t have to invest so much in infrastructure. The services can be managed offsite and scaled up as the business grows, so there’s no need to overcommit and invest more than what is needed. Reliability and intercompatibilty are also major priorities among cloud-based video conferencing platforms. Professionals demand technology that always works and with a variety of devices, browsers and applications. In response, developers have created cloud-based video conferencing solutions that do just that, so the technology disappears while the meeting is taking place.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

AVaaS Adds More Flexibility To The Mix

AVaaS, or AV-as-a-Service, covers much more than video conferencing, but many companies have moved to an AVaaS model regarding their video conferencing technology. With AVaaS, companies aren’t required to make a lump sum payment through a traditional CapEX model. Instead, an integrator provides the video conferencing solution and technology for a manageable monthly expense. This OpEx model offers major flexibility and cost efficiency advantages to businesses. An AVaaS agreement also comes with long term maintenance and support, which ensures the solution provides optimal performance. There’s no need to commit to a major capital expenditure, either, so companies can realize immediate returns on their video conferencing investment. AVaaS doesn’t disrupt budgets, and as soon as additional technology is needed, it can be added with only a modest increase in monthly cost. Moving to an AVaaS model allows companies to explore their video conferencing options and modify them as needed. In this way, businesses can quickly match their communication needs to the optimal video conferencing solution.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

Downsizing The Conference Room

According to a 2018 Cisco report, 93 percent of companies moving to an open office layout believe that they need additional huddle spaces. Huddle spaces allow teams to quickly gather for a meeting, set up collaboration technology right away and move through a meeting efficiently. Huddle spaces are also much smaller than traditional conference rooms, so multiple huddle spaces can replace a single large conference room. As huddle rooms are designed for collaboration, they function best when they are paired with video conferencing technology. In fact, the same Cisco study reported that 65 percent of companies prefer video conferencing in place in at least half of their huddle rooms. Nearly 20 percent believed video conferencing should be in every huddle room. The rise of the huddle room means the rise of huddle room-focused video conferencing technology. Solutions like the Poly Studio combine excellent audio, camera technology and connectivity in a single, compact piece of hardware. They’re also designed for easy setup, so companies can improve a network of huddle rooms at once without delay.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

Better Whiteboarding is a Must

The 2018 Cisco report also highlighted the need for digital whiteboards, as more than 90 percent of organizations stated they wanted more. Interactive digital whiteboards are a frequent addition to video conferencing solutions, as they allow for real-time content sharing, note making and collaboration. Interactive flat panels like the Clevertouch are designed for high-powered collaboration. Users can save whiteboarding sessions, bring in remote team members, search online for additional resources and bring them in to the session. The Clevertouch also allows multiple people to use the display at once and connect nearly any device for rapid screen and content sharing. Meetings are more effective when people have voice, video and graphics to work with, and an interactive whiteboard adds that extra dimension.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

There’s a Lot More on the Horizon

Video conferencing may be mainstream, but there’s still more to come for the technology. The addition of artificial intelligence, for example, means better camera tracking. Improved usage and performance data is also arriving, allowing companies to monitor how their conferencing systems are being used, and how well they are functioning. These developments mean the future of video conferencing is as bright as its present. With flexible options like AVaaS, video conferencing is attainable for any organization.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1594405322352{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}"]

FAQ

[/vc_column_text][vc_toggle title="Can video conferencing cameras track speakers?"]Modern video conferencing cameras can track speakers, and some use artificial intelligence to do so. As soon as someone begins speaking, the camera finds and frames them so they can be easily seen.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title="What video conferencing equipment is essential?"]All video conferencing solutions require a camera, a display, speakers, microphones and a codec (either soft or hard) to function. Collaboration technology, like interactive whiteboards, are recommended to better present information and involve people in the meeting.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title="When do companies need an AV integrator to set up video conferencing?"]AV integrators are experts in intercompatibility and in creating a consistent, reliable conferencing experience. An experienced integrator can help a new video conferencing system work with any existing AV infrastructure. Integrators can also provide long term support and maintenance for the video conferencing solutions they implement, ensuring the system offers ongoing value.[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row]