Regarding telepresence, forking over the cold hard cash for such a sizable purchase is the least of an enterprise's concerns. With its high technical demands and sophisticated video conferencing software network requirements, it's crucial that users properly deploy and maintain their telepresence systems.
It's a task. However, that's easier said than done, given telepresence's web of room systems, collaboration tools, software, and business-to-business connectivity issues. The physical installation of a telepresence solution calls for ceiling height assessments and acoustic adjustments. The telepresence deployment process can take a few weeks to several months.
Standalone vs. Hosted
Nor are any two system deployment processes the same; hence understanding telepresence infrastructure is important. For example, notes Jayenth Angl, a research analyst at Info-Tech Research Group, "One fundamental difference is that Cisco's telepresence is a standalone system whereas HP's Halo Collaboration Studio is a managed service that is managed over HP's Halo Video Exchange Network."
That's because, unlike Cisco Webex, HP offers a hosted telepresence solution. For a monthly fee, users enjoy access to the Halo Video Exchange Network, a dedicated fiber-optic network that connects Halo studios worldwide. Moreover, all diagnostics and calibration are handled remotely and during off hours without troubling by in-house staff. A Halo concierge is also available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to field questions.
"There is an incentive to go with a managed service for peace of mind," says Angl. "Yes, there is a cost involved, but HP can set aside the resources to actively manage 24/7 service so that you don't have lag or potential quality issues."
Not all businesses, however, are eager to place the bonus of telepresence features on a vendor. Cisco offers a standalone application that can run over a business's network, provided it meets the bandwidth requirements. Only 24 VARs are authorized to set up Cisco's telepresence product because it must be installed according to Cisco's specifications to create a specific experience.
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What Is the Cost of Telepresence?
Telepresence solutions can significantly benefit businesses in terms of cost savings and ROI. However, the initial investment in telepresence technology can be high, including the hardware cost, installation, and ongoing maintenance.
Some providers may offer a more affordable option for small businesses, while others may offer more comprehensive packages that cater to larger enterprises. It is important to carefully assess the costs and ROI of each provider's solution to determine which is the most suitable for a business's needs and budget. As a result, businesses need to consider the long-term cost benefits of implementing a telepresence solution.
One key benefit of telepresence is its ability to reduce travel expenses. With high-quality video conferencing, businesses can conduct meetings with remote participants without needing travel, reducing transportation, accommodation, and meal costs. Additionally, telepresence solutions vs video conferencing can improve productivity and collaboration, enabling employees to work more efficiently and effectively.
The ROI of a telepresence solution depends on various factors, including the size of the business, the frequency of remote meetings, and the cost of travel. By considering these factors and evaluating the long-term benefits of telepresence, businesses can make informed decisions about whether a telepresence solution is a worthwhile investment. It is important to carefully assess the costs and ROI of each provider's solution to determine which is the most suitable for a business's needs and budget.
What Is Telepresence Interoperability Protocol?
Compatibility and interoperability are critical considerations when it comes to deploying telepresence systems in the workplace. While telepresence solutions offer unparalleled video and audio quality, telepresence must also be able to integrate seamlessly with other communication and collaboration tools, such as video conferencing, instant messaging, and virtual meeting rooms.
The primary benefit of contact center interoperability is that it allows users to connect and communicate with individuals and teams using different systems and platforms without experiencing issues related to compatibility. For example, users of a telepresence system may need to collaborate with colleagues using a video conferencing solution from a different provider. Telepresence interoperability ensures these individuals can connect and communicate without technical hitches, ensuring a smooth and seamless experience.
Another important consideration is integrating telepresence solutions with collaboration tools, such as instant messaging, virtual meeting rooms and events. These tools are essential for businesses operating in distributed and remote environments, enabling teams to communicate and collaborate effectively regardless of location. By integrating telepresence solutions with these tools, businesses can enhance the overall collaboration experience and ensure remote teams can participate fully in meetings and other collaborative activities.
By selecting telepresence solutions that offer seamless integration with other communication and collaboration tools, businesses can ensure a smooth and effective collaboration experience, regardless of the systems and platforms being used by participants.
Management Considerations of Telepresence
As for managing the solution, customers can either leverage in-house expertise or sign up for Cisco Select Operator Service, an offering that provides remote monitoring and management, including an option of real-time administrative support with the Cisco TelePresence Remote Assistance Service.
Teliris' VirtuaLive telepresence tool is delivered through the Teliris managed service with end-to-end ownership of a high service level backed up by a contract. This managed service ensures that all of the technical parts of the meeting are preset and tested before anyone walks into the room. When a meeting participant walks into a VirtuaLive meeting, the displays are already on, preset to the proper cities based on the automated scheduling system, and zoomed to the right level to include the correct number of people on each display.
Polycom provides complete cloud-based management of a customer's telepresence solution via a staff of experts. The concierge-level service includes call scheduling, suite reservation services, call management, remote monitoring, and monthly reporting. TANDBERG offers remote installations for customers who prefer a hands-on approach and on-site installation.
In the end, though, selecting the telepresence option that best suits your business is all about determining which implementation approach is likeliest to yield a problem-free implementation and management of your telepresence solution. Compare the best video conferencing software that seamlessly integrates with telepresence solutions to transform business communications. Close more deals and enjoy more revenue with telepresence solutions for business.
