Adoption of videoconferencing systems by Adoption of videoconferencing systems by SMEs has increased. The reason is not far to seek. The advent of cloud computing is to a great extent responsible for this. According to analyst firm AMI-Partners, SMB web/videoconferencing is one of the fastest expanding components in the cloud, with a 20 percent compound annual growth rate.
And that's not surprising. Cloud-based services enable any videoconferencing unit, to connect with any other, without the need for investment in infrastructure. Instead, payment is handled with a per-call fee or monthly subscription. But the cloud is only part of the growth picture.
According to Infonetics Research, Global enterprise video conferencing and Telepresence system revenue is expected to double and reach $5 billion by 2015 and we expect revenues from India to increase significantly over the next couple of years.
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"Cisco is optimistic about the growth potential of TelePresence in the country, as organizations are increasingly looking at achieving a balance to create a cost reduction strategy that maximizes efficiency without the loss of valuable head count and intellectual capital," says Minhaj Zia, Director, Collaboration, Cisco India and SAARC.
He adds, "TelePresence and videoconferencing tools present an important opportunity for SMBs since it allows for quicker and smarter communication. While studying the unique needs and challenges faced by SMB customers, Cisco took a decision to not offer scaled-down versions of enterprise-class products and solutions to the SMB space, but to actually build the entire range of products and solutions from the ground-up. This called for a considerable investment in R&D, but the results have proven that this was the right approach. We reach out to SMBs across the world, and in all locations in India through a channel expansive network. This is an ethos we have followed across all our product ranges."
LifeSize has released LifeSize Connections, a cloud-based HD video conferencing platform that delivers immersive, multiparty communication at enterprise-level quality. LifeSize Connections delivers seamless, encrypted HD video calling across the enterprise - connecting LifeSize video conferencing systems in conference rooms to desktop users on PCs or Mac computers.
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Judith Tse, APAC Marketing Director, LifeSize says, "For the thousands of organizations sitting on the sidelines waiting to realize the power of HD video collaboration - the wait is over. LifeSize Connections is a fast, easy way to add and extend HD video collaboration within and outside any enterprise; a benefit that was previously reserved for executive board rooms with a hefty price tag and managed service burden. Now, our cloud-based platform is introducing a new way of working by enabling employees to improve productivity and collaborate in ways they never thought possible.
Cloud computing can offer businesses a flexible and affordable way to conduct effective virtual meetings and we believe that this will encourage a lot of SMBs to consider video conferencing.
Minhaj of Cisco adds, "Cisco's managed and hosted Telepresence service is a cloud based model specifically targeted towards SMBs. These services offer end-to-end solutions with simplified provisioning and scheduling as well as proactive monitoring and management. Also included are advanced cloud-based services for multimedia conferencing, interoperability, and the ability to securely connect to organizations across organization boundaries."
Cloud-based platforms are poised to expand the video conferencing market from the SMB to the enterprise, changing the way businesses use HD video collaboration. LifeSize Passport Connect is specifically designed to provide a simple user experience when communicating through cloud-based platforms. Because the product also works with SIP-based IP PBX systems, customers can enjoy a plug-and-play, high quality user experience. Additionally, LifeSize Passport Connect helps eliminate the need to locate another user or search for a lengthy IP address with its directory name-based dialing for intuitive calling.
Polycom and Jive have recently announced a strategic relationship to integrate Polycom HD video into Jive's social business platform. The new solution will transform how businesses engage and collaborate with customers, employees, and partners. The solution will allow Jive customers to conduct live video chats, including group video calls, as well as record video meetings or messages for archiving, training, and ongoing collaboration.
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"Integrating social business with real-time video is the next logical step in significantly improving how enterprise users communicate, collaborate, and become more productive. Together, Polycom and Jive will deliver a real-time HD video solution powered by the Polycom RealPresence Platform for social business that is incredibly easy to use and fulfills the growing demand for real-time workplace collaboration," said Sudhakar Ramakrishna, executive VP, GM and chief development officer, UC solutions, Polycom.
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Vu technologies, a sister company to Zenith Infotech and part of Zenith World Group, has launched its videoconferencing products aimed at SMBs. "We've made it very easy," said Devita Saraf, CEO, Vu Technologies. "We are after the SMB market."
A pair of new products from LifeSize addresses these issues. LifeSize Passport Connect is a plug-and-play system (with only four cables to connect the endpoint) designed to work with cloud-based solutions. Meanwhile, LifeSize Connections is a cloud-based subscription service that connects LifeSize videoconferencing systems in conference rooms to desktop users on PCs or Macs through simple download links.
Business Octane, an Enterprise Collaboration & Learning Accelerator Solution provider today launched "Immersive TeleAllpresence", a revolutionary new paradigm of business interaction for management and leadership teams across multiple locations that is game changing and will give any enterprise a strategic competitive advantage by helping to become more nimble and agile in this fast changing & ultra competitive business world.
It enables an unprecedented real-time, on demand, highest quality true-to-life get together of 18 to 600 participants across 3 to 40 locations simultaneously which till now could not be done both effectively and frequently. In fact Business Octane's TeleAllpresence™ patent pending experience is 50 to 100 times more effective than video teleconferences, 10 to 20 times more effective than legacy Telepresence experience and 3 to 10 times more effective than even face-to-face meetings.
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Sanjay Bansal, Chairman & Managing Director, Business Octane, said, "Business Octane is building a strong foundation in the telepresence market and today we are very excited to introduce the World's first TeleAllpresence solution. We have observed a great opportunity in the market today with traditional Telepresence solutions able to cater to only the basic enterprise need of connecting two locations only, which has hindered adoption of Telepresence till now.
Business Octane has launched seven new solutions based on Business Octane's TeleAllpresence which are available in two avatars namely Immersive Group TeleAllpresence and Immersive Dynamic TeleAllpresence suites.
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SME-Friendly Video- and Teleconferencing Offerings
Cisco Systems Inc. The TelePresence EX60 and TelePresence System 500 endpoints offer smaller footprints and lower prices than Cisco's enterprise solutions. Cisco has also improved the video quality for its WebEx Meeting Center collaboration platform. This means users can now share desktops simultaneously and connect to telepresence meetings through Cisco's WebEx One Touch feature.
Minhaz says, "We recently announce Cisco TelePresence Callway in the US -a subscription service that make it possible for smaller businesses to use telepresence with "plug-and-play" simplicity over an existing broadband connection, without any specialized IT expertise or equipment."
LifeSize Communications/Logitech
LifeSize Connections is a cloud-based, business-class HD video collaboration platform supporting HD video calling from PCs, Macs, and LifeSize endpoints.
Microsoft Office 365
Microsoft Office 365 is designed to cater to the SMB market for audio and video calling, document sharing, and collaboration in Microsoft environments.
Polycom RealPresence
Polycom RealPresence Ready is an easy-to-use SMB video solution that delivers business-grade performance in quality, reliability, security, and scalability at an affordable price, according to its developer. Polycom's HDX series room telepresence system features HD video technology and TIP support for direct connection to nonstandards-based Cisco environments. Calls can be made across a company network or over the Internet with Polycom Constant Clarity technology.
Vidyo Inc. The Vidyo Panorama telepresence solution delivers HD-quality video across immersive rooms, desktops, and mobile devices.
Vu Technologies
Described by the developer, a sister company of Zenith Infotech Ltd., as "the first telepresence product specifically designed for the SMB market," Vu TelePresence Pro is aimed at businesses that want to enable private conversations/multiparty conferencing for five locations.
