When it comes to video conferencing technology there are a wide range of resources capable of replicating the traditional, in person, conference room meeting to enabling less than three remote employees to conduct a successful video conference with frills. Deciding which is the best option for business needs and budget, will be most business owners’ top consideration before making the purchase.
Video conferencing platforms
Video conferencing with all of its impressive conferencing tools, applications, and features essentially come down to two platforms: hosted and on-premise solutions.
Hosted
Hosted platforms tend to be favored by smaller businesses with ostensibly much tighter budget constraints and fewer numbers of people to accommodate into video conferences. Also this option might be particularly attractive because small business owners can avoid making significant upfront investments in video conferencing systems and instead pay set monthly fees. With hosted platforms, business large or small have the option of purchasing or leasing the video conferencing technology which are then hosted in a secure hosting center to provide access to the host IP conferencing network, the public internet or directly to the business’ network.
On Premise
Business owners considering on-premise will find a plethora of low cost to premium priced options which provide a varying range of results for the price based on company need. At the lowest end solutions comprising PC-based video-telephony programs, which were once used almost exclusively within large-business meeting settings, give businesses relatively good video-telephony quality delivering small business video conferences far better results than it did just a few years ago. Keep in mind, however, the quality of a video-telephony solution depends largely on the speed of its internet connection. At the highest end in terms of on-premise solutions providing staff with a complete media room with individual microphones per participant. There are wide angle cameras enabling everyone at a table to see each other and feel as if they are in real conference room with others. Of course with resources such as these, costs are exorbitant but ideal for company willing and able to pay for it. Also, a dedicated staff is necessary to maintain the media room technology optimally.
Needless to say, there’s much in the way of finding the perfect video conferencing solution for every budget and business need, ultimately business owners, employees, and staff members who regularly believe among all of its other attributes, it is a productivity tool which saves both time and money.
