How to select video conferencing equipment
February 02, 2012
Companies all over the world in a variety of industries are implementing video conferencing services to increase productivity, enhance collaboration efforts and reduce overall costs. Because of the numerous benefits associated with video conferencing, the technology has become more mainstream, prompting vendors to offer a larger variety of services, equipment and applications to meet growing demand. In order for enterprises to find the option that best fits their needs, it is important for them to first understand what they hope to accomplish with a video conferencing solution.
When selecting video conferencing equipment, purchasing too much equipment can be a financial burden to the company and require more maintenance than is necessary, while not enough equipment will make it difficult for employees to fully integrate the technology into their daily tasks. Many video conferencing vendors offer customizable options that can be tailored to suit a company at present, while leaving room for additional growth in the future.
The basic types of video conferencing equipment on the market are PC-based systems, portable systems and installed video conferencing systems. First, IT departments and business owners should determine how much of the company budget will be invested in video conferencing technology. Next, companies need to identify how many employees will require access to the technology, and at how many locations. This number can change in the future, but is very important in the first installation of the equipment.
IT department heads should research vendors that offer the amount of equipment the company is looking for in their desired price range to compare the options and read peer reviews. Decision-makers must be focused on reliability and longevity of the video conferencing equipment so they are able to select a product that will produce positive returns on investment.
When selecting equipment, companies must remember the technology aims to take the place of in-person interaction. Therefore, audio and visual quality are very important if the video conferencing calls are to enable the same comfortable dialogue and collaboration as actual face-to-face meetings. Many vendors offer high-definition cameras and screens, as well as advanced audio systems to make the experience fluid. All equipment, such as the monitors, cameras and projectors, should be tested by IT department heads prior to purchase, and employees should be trained on best practices for deploying the technology for business tasks and communications.
Get the free
Managed Video Services White Paper
"Videoconferencing Managed Services – A comprehensive support strategy to drive ROI" from Wainhouse Research
When selecting video conferencing equipment, purchasing too much equipment can be a financial burden to the company and require more maintenance than is necessary, while not enough equipment will make it difficult for employees to fully integrate the technology into their daily tasks. Many video conferencing vendors offer customizable options that can be tailored to suit a company at present, while leaving room for additional growth in the future.
The basic types of video conferencing equipment on the market are PC-based systems, portable systems and installed video conferencing systems. First, IT departments and business owners should determine how much of the company budget will be invested in video conferencing technology. Next, companies need to identify how many employees will require access to the technology, and at how many locations. This number can change in the future, but is very important in the first installation of the equipment.
IT department heads should research vendors that offer the amount of equipment the company is looking for in their desired price range to compare the options and read peer reviews. Decision-makers must be focused on reliability and longevity of the video conferencing equipment so they are able to select a product that will produce positive returns on investment.
When selecting equipment, companies must remember the technology aims to take the place of in-person interaction. Therefore, audio and visual quality are very important if the video conferencing calls are to enable the same comfortable dialogue and collaboration as actual face-to-face meetings. Many vendors offer high-definition cameras and screens, as well as advanced audio systems to make the experience fluid. All equipment, such as the monitors, cameras and projectors, should be tested by IT department heads prior to purchase, and employees should be trained on best practices for deploying the technology for business tasks and communications.
Get the free
Managed Video Services White Paper
"Videoconferencing Managed Services – A comprehensive support strategy to drive ROI" from Wainhouse Research
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