5 Questions to consider while choosing a Video Conferencing Solution

You may be convinced that you need a video conferencing solution, but that is just the beginning. This is especially true is you're a small business owner. However, worry not....video conferencing is useful for more than large-scale training or meeting sessions.

Small businesses can use video conferencing technology to enable collaboration with employees and partners around the world. They can also demonstrate products to potential customers and more. Video conferencing offers a cost-effective way to hold face-to-face meetings with anyone, without travel required.

However, there are 5 questions to consider before you choose the right video conferencing solution for your business. Here goes...

1) Should you opt for an in-house video conferencing solution?

If you have the bandwidth to support video traffic on your network, or you're ready to upgrade to a converged network that will support advanced communication technologies, then an in-house solution is probably right for your company. You should consider how the additional traffic will impact your existing infrastructure before taking a decision.

2) Do you need new components?

You may only need to subscribe to a video conferencing service if your laptops and desktops are already equipped with webcams. However, if you do not have even basic audio or video equipment, an installed solution that includes monitors, video cameras, and microphones may be a better investment for your business.

3) How will your employees use video conferencing?

Figure out whether your employees typically conduct small meetings with just one or two participants or if they run large meetings that include dozens of participants. You also need to find out whether the video conferencing solution will only be used among employees or with outside parties such as partners. This will help you choose the right features in a video conferencing solution, as well as let you choose one that integrates with various vendors.

4) Do your employees and other users need advanced video conferencing technology?

You may simply want your employees to be able to talk to other people face to face. However, other users may want to use video conferencing software and technology to enhance collaboration efforts, so that people can work together from various locations as though they're in the same room. If you need the latter, you should find  solution that combines video conferencing with collaboration features such as desktop sharing and whiteboarding.

5) What are the devices your employees will use to conduct video conferences?

Most video conferencing systems offer support for a variety of endpoints, including the hardware and software used to see and hear the conference. You can get client software for desktops, laptops, and mobile devices. If you plan to conduct several high-quality executive video conferences, you may want to opt for a room-based solution with large HD monitors, stereo sound and voice-locating cameras.

So these are some factors to keep in mind before opting for a video conferencing solution for your business. Keep these in mind and you'll rarely go wrong. Here's to seamless collaboration using video conferencing!