Before the release of the latest hi-tech devices, mobile video conferencing struggled to take off according to Ian Carter from VC specialist Videonations. “Face-to-face communication over a standard mobile phone was in the past too data-heavy and often delivered a poor user experience. Video collaboration was restricted to the conferencing room, and expanding video across an organisation couldn’t be completed to full effect.”
Ian feels the introduction of tablets and smartphones has reignited interest in mobile conferencing. “Whether you’re using an iPad or Android tablet device, or even a smartphone, the applications used for video communication have been optimised to deliver the best possible video experience. Tablets and smartphones are much more intuitive and convenient which makes the video experience far more enjoyable.”
With multiple organisations introducing tablet devices into their business operations Ian says many benefits can be experienced from mobile video conferencing.
•Face-to-face video communication whilst on the move – Even when you are out of the office you can participate in important meetings over video. Face-to-face communication is far more productive than teleconferencing.
•Fast, simple connectivity – Applications for tablets and smartphones are optimised to deliver a high quality, user friendly experience. It’s as easy as making a telephone call and you don’t have the inconvenience of having to wait for a laptop or PC to power up.
•Convenient – When a laptop isn’t suitable for the environment, especially whilst on the move, a tablet or smartphone is a convenient, efficient replacement.
•Bring your own device – Many businesses have introduced bring your own device (BYOD) to the workplace. Employees can use their personal device, whether it’s a tablet or laptop, for business use. BYOD can save the business money.
•Continue your conversation– Your conversation doesn’t have to end in the boardroom. If a critical decision needs to be made, but your time slot has finished in the meeting room, you can continue your conversation on your mobile device.
Videonations is now part of the Nycomm Group of companies that includes Nimans. Ian concluded: “2012 saw the introduction of mobile solutions from all the leading video conferencing vendors. The launch of these applications have been quickly followed by the release of cloud based offerings which all support mobile devices. Now face-to-face communication from anywhere, on any device is no longer a possibly but a reality.
“Will these recent developments be the start of mobile video becoming the preferred choice in communication in place of traditional telephone conversations? It may be too early to predict, but as costs are driven down and bandwidth availability increases, we will no doubt see more face-to-face conversation taking place over mobile devices in both our business and personal lives.”