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What are the Best Video Conferencing Solutions and is VoIP Required?

Video conferencing has come a long way since the science fiction-like dream of videophones first hit the comic books. We do not yet have Dick Tracy wristwatch videophones, but in reality, that may not be too far off. Video conferencing has become mainstream, the technology is solid and robust, and based on international standards. Furthermore, it is not expensive to install and maintain, and is available to even small businesses and individuals.

One of the major reasons for the emergence of video conferencing is the prevalence of business VoIP. The idea of sending voice packets over the Internet, as opposed to the public switched telephone network (PSTN), took time to mature, since the Internet was initially not designed for voice traffic. However, compression codecs, high-speed broadband and new technology has made it possible, and today, voice and video sent over the Internet are of high quality, and well-suited for business purposes.

Business VoIP & Technological Advances

Business VoIP makes it possible to send voice packets over the Internet, along with data and video packets, so that they all converge on the receiving end for a complete video conference package. Video conferencing typically incorporates business VoIP in some capacity, although it may not be necessary to purchase a separate business VoIP system if one is not already in place.

The best video conferencing solution will be based on need. Before deciding on a system, ask yourself what it will be used for. Is it for connecting individuals in remote locations, or is it for larger group presentations? How many people will be on a videoconference at the same time? Is it for business or personal use? For basic occasional, personal use, such as communicating with a child at college, nothing more than a webcam and a computer-to-computer VoIP system is required.

After evaluating need, consider whether to deploy a hosted or on-premises video conferencing system. Both offer excellent quality. For smaller organizations that may lack the in-house personnel to install and maintain an on-premises video conferencing system, the hosted option will be best. This option requires no additional hardware outside of the webcams. For larger companies with more intensive needs, or those who will be making presentations with large groups, on-premises solutions will be a better fit. For example, when a video conference is required for connecting a large group, such as a conference room or a classroom, with other remote participants, the simple webcam will prove inadequate. A more sophisticated set-up with a larger, remote-controlled video camera will be required.

For simple, hosted video conferencing, Skype presents a suitable option that may even be free if all participants are members. Other hosted offerings such as SightSpeed offer more business-specific video conferencing tools that include collaboration features and the ability to share files in real time. The display on SightSpeed is also flexible, allowing the participant to view desktop applications while having a smaller video conference window on top and out of the way. Many of the major telecom companies, including AT&T, also have full-featured video conferencing systems available as managed services.

Business VoIP Quotes

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