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How to Implement a Video Conferencing Solution for Business VoIP

Do you really want to see what your telecommuting remote workers look like at 9:00 in the morning? Assuming that this is a desirable goal, then video conferencing provides a solution. The most basic video conferencing can occur with a broadband Internet connection, a chat program and a webcam, although this is useful mostly for occasional chats for personal use. For business-quality video conferencing, a more sophisticated set-up is called for.

Voice over Internet Protocol (business VoIP) will typically be required for a good video conferencing solution, since by nature, video conferencing involves multiple streams, including voice, video, and often data as well. Along with the voice and video connection, it also permits users to share information through innovations such as shared whiteboards or other types of presentation. Video conferencing can serve multiple participants simultaneously, making it well-suited for large business meetings, presentations, and educational uses.

Types of Video Conferencing

There are different types of systems based on need. A more sophisticated video conferencing system will be in the form of a dedicated hardware platform with a high quality video camera, which can be controlled remotely to move around the room. Less expensive desktop systems are also available when it is not necessary to present video in a large room. The desktop systems usually include a hardware board and a webcam. Some hosted systems are also available. Skype for example, offers a videoconferencing facility which would be useful for smaller conferences, and does not require the addition of dedicated hardware outside of the webcam or video camera. This and other webcam-based hosted systems however, are best suited for connecting individuals in front of their computers, rather than larger presentations.

For an on-premises video conferencing system though, in addition to the hardware (dedicated system or hardware board add-on, video camera or webcam) and software, a suitable high-speed broadband connection is also required for all participants.

Although video conferencing can take place over a private line such as ATM or frame relay, the availability of IP-based video conferencing has pushed it into the mainstream since this provides a much lower cost structure. The popularity of business VoIP has made possible innovations like video conferencing, primarily because of the flexibility of the Internet Protocol which allows multiple types of data streams to be sent over the same pipe.

The actual implementation will depend on the vendor's system. Implementation of a hosted system is straightforward and requires no integration with in-house systems. The dedicated hardware approach may require the main server to be resident at the main point of distribution, with each remote participant requiring a piece of downloaded software and a webcam. Setup for the remote participants can often be done by non-technical personnel since it does not require the addition of sophisticated hardware.

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