What is video conferencing? Types and programmes you need to know
We live in times that require recursion and adaptability to keep functioning at our best. Among the new work dynamics we have had to adopt, face-to-face meetings have been replaced with audio and video webcam interactions. But what is video conferencing, anyway?
We have prepared this article to tell you everything you need to know about one of the tools that, now more than ever, is gaining prominence and importance in our lives: videoconferencing systems.
From the basics, through the different types of systems that exist and the advantages they bring to the smooth running of your professional activity, to the programmes that you should not lose sight of, appvizer accompanies you in your digital transition process.
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Videoconferencing: what is it and why is it important?
Definition
In the business world, this two-word term, video-conferencing, is an alternative resource to face-to-face meetings held to discuss different matters of interest.
This type of communication, not being face-to-face and requiring the transmission of video in real time, requires:
- a mobile or desktop device ,
- a webcam,
- a microphone,
- a sound system,
- an internet connection.
Importance in today's business world
It is clear that we need a change in the way the world of work works.
Communication technologies have arrived to revolutionise and facilitate our business dynamics and to offer us more and more connectivity, without the need to invest large sums of money.
Situations of force majeure that require us to work remotely require adapted solutions that provide an effective response. Videoconferencing programmes that facilitate business communications are part of these solutions.
Advantages of videoconferencing
Promoting communication tools such as videoconferencing not only fosters a more collaborative work environment, but also:
- Decreases corporate expensesby replacing a face-to-face meeting at another location with a video call.
- Facilitates the expansion of your business by allowing you to connect with customers in other countries.
- Strengthen corporate culture by encouraging interactions between colleagues, thus fostering their engagement and collaboration.
- Simplify your internal and external communications with features such as "screen sharing", through which you can clearly present graphs, charts and tutorials.
- Encourage teleworking by no longer seeing face-to-face meetings as an impediment to time away from the office, thereby increasing productivity.
Teleworking improves labour productivity by 30% and saves 47 hours per month that would normally be spent commuting.
Indecopi, 2019.
Type of videoconference
Videoconferences can be classified into different types, as shown in the table below:
| CRITERIA | CLASSIFICATION | ||
| Type of network | ISDN | IP | |
| Protocol | Desktop application | Professional type application | |
| No. of participating sites | Point-to-point | Multipoint | |
| Presentation | Discussion | ||
1. According to the type of network
According to this criterion, the classification is made taking into account the type of network over which the information travels.
The most common is the use of IP networks, which offer the necessary speed. In contrast, the ISDN system is expensive and requires several networks to provide good stability for the video call.
Depending on the protocol
By protocol we mean the way in which the video conference is set up, either with desktop applications such as Skype or Google Talk or with professional systems such as Lifesize.
The latter are implemented on dedicated videoconferencing hardware and guarantee a higher percentage of operability and quality of service.
3. According to the number of participating sites
Within this classification criterion we find the so-called point-to-point video conferences, in which only two sites are involved, and the so-called multipoint video conferences in which a central unit (MCU) is in charge of distributing the image and sound to the different participating sites.
The particularity of multipoint videoconferences is that they can also be of two types:
- Presentation, where there is a main participant who presents and the others listen and intervene briefly.
- Discussion, where the interventions take place at the same level, in a mosaic manner.
2 professional videoconferencing programmes
If you are considering implementing a professional video call software to help ensure the quality and continuity of your business communications, here are two of our favourite solutions.
3XC
© 3XC
With 3XC's WebMeeting service you can conduct real-time online meetings, conferences, presentations and trainings.
3XC's WebRTC technology-based videoconferencing functionality allows audio and video transmission for several participants, without them having to download any additional plug-in.
The services offered by 3XC offer the following advantages:
- The option of transmitting video in high definition, with high quality sound and clear image.
- Classroom functionalities such as polls and comments, as well as remote control functionalities to promote the participation of all users.
- Unlimited number of users.
- Softphones for Windows and Mac, allowing you to make and receive calls through your computer.
- Integration with your CRM for better customer management.
3CX
Lifesize
Lifesize
Lifesize is a cloud-based video conferencing and meeting room solution, ideal for modern workspaces. Its proposals are designed and manufactured with the best technical support so that your experience is satisfactory from day one.
Among the great advantages that Lifesize offers, are:
- Its interoperability by being able to integrate with other services such as Skype for Business, Outlook, Slack, Cisco, among others.
- Professional equipment for audio and video conferencing.
- The plug and play configuration of the controls, which is quite intuitive.
- High-definition conference rooms for up to 40 participants.
- Screen sharing and calendar integration.
Lifesize
Collaborative working beckons
It is clear that the operation of your business cannot be dependent on the availability of physical resources. On the contrary: the digital revolution is here to stay and offer you increasingly powerful and efficient solutions.
It is up to you to decide how quickly you make the transition and implement, within your business culture, video conferencing solutions that promote collaborative work and facilitate your internal and external interactions.
What are you waiting for to answer this call and forget about the stress of not having an office and the associated commute?
Article translated from Spanish