| By :
Jamie Simpson
Choosing the right video conferencing system will have an impact on, not only the success of the communication in your company, but can also directly affect the success of your company as well. Video conferencing includes the ability to communicate using video and sound with one person or group of people in the company at the same time. This is a form of groupware and can be vital to efficient transference of information in an accurate and timely fashion. Effective video conferencing can also help in making sure all the right people can share necessary information at once. This technology is an affordable boon to any business, but must be selected carefully. Ask the following questions about the video conferencing solutions you may be considering. 1. Does the technology deliver true HD capabilities? The first video conferencing might have been used by Germany during World War II. Back then, the systems were not very adequate for common use, but showed promise. It wasn't until the 1990's that video conferencing technology and internet technology developed enough to make it practical for most to use. Even now, with high resolution LCD displays and sharp displays on laptops and tablets, users are demanding HD capabilities in a video conferencing system. This can make a difference when seeing subtle expressions on the faces in the group as well as documents and graphics that are being shared. If one has a choice, it is always better to have a sharp picture that is easy on the eyes. 2. Does the technology easily integrate with other products such as Microsoft OCS? Having an open system can mean many things and this phrase can be interpreted in many ways. When we use the term 'open' as it relates to video conferencing, it means it can work with standards such as Microsoft OCS and its newer version called 'Lync'. These are platforms that allow you to integrate chat and conferencing and see who is available for an impromptu meeting all at once. Working with standards makes a solution that much more powerful. 3. How easy is it to use the software? Any team has players that come and go. Working with any group requires the orientation of new employees and even senior employees with new technology and systems. Is your video conferencing solution easy to learn? Are the options difficult to find? How long does is take a new person to get up to speed? It is discouraging and frustrating to have a new software program that no one likes to use because it is just too darn complicated. Pick one that is powerful but not hard to operate. 4. How reliable is the video conferencing solution? When it comes to actually using video conferencing software, one important feature stands above all the rest. Is it reliable? The last thing you want is the software to fail, the connection to go down, or people to drop off the conference in the middle of an important meeting. Of course, if the internet fails, you can't blame the software. But, this is rarely the case. Provided you have a strong connection between all points, the connection, the video, the audio should be extremely reliable. Otherwise, the meeting is ruined. Conclusion Before you make a decision about which video conferencing software to install, think through these 4 key points. Be a smart shopper now and avoid embarrassment and frustration in the future.
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