Video Collaboration is a tool that some companies expertly implement. However, in 2020, video collaboration became an even more instrumental tool to companies and shows signs of continuing to gain traction in the years to come. This is partially thanks to the pandemic, which forced companies worldwide to move to an entirely remote working environment. Social distancing requirements and stay-at-home orders required companies to adapt by restructuring their business models. As the world reopens, many companies are choosing to stay partially, if not fully remote.
With this decision comes an imperative need for video collaboration to keep employees connected across states, countries, and even time zones. At Applied Global Technologies, we are a pioneer in AV integration and video collaboration services with more than 20 years of experience ensuring your company is connected no matter where your work occurs.
In This Article:
What is Video Collaboration?
Put simply; video collaboration is an umbrella term used to describe companies utilizing video conferencing tools to make virtual meetings, events, and employee activities accessible on a global scale. While video conferencing can be accomplished by anyone with access to MS Teams, WebEx, or Zoom platforms, collaborating within your company or with other companies involves thousands of moving parts and sophisticated technology that can be tricky and unreliable at best.
Successful video collaboration requires experienced AV integrators who understand the platforms needed for a respective industry. A well-laid-out video collaboration plan can help your teams work together outside of an office environment. But first, you'll need to ensure you have the proper hardware, internet connections, and conferencing software service. An additional component necessary for successful video collaboration is a well-thought-out solution to integrate and manage your team digitally.
The Tools: Video Conferencing Platforms
To successfully integrate video conferencing, you'll need a reputable conferencing platform that suits your company’s needs. There is a variety of conferencing platforms out there, but all are not created equal. AGT chooses to work with industry leaders whose focus is never to compromise quality and ensures all your video conferencing needs are met.
Cisco Webex
Cisco Webex is one of the leading video conferencing services globally, providing solutions for small and large companies alike. What makes Cisco superior to other platforms is its unique security features. They offer end-to-end encryption for your video conferencing, something many of its competitors do not. In addition to E2EE, they also utilize a Transport Layer Security Channel (TLS) for your video streams. Media streams are also encrypted for a final layer of security.
What else does Cisco offer you? They integrate with more than 150 applications, including Slack, GSuite, and Calendy, allowing your employees to schedule meetings from Google Calendar easily, without any extra steps. Larger businesses can benefit from Cisco's AI-powered assistant that transcribes meetings and takes notes in real-time.
Their Webex Room series brings intelligence and adaptability to both small and full-scale video collaboration rooms. Their hybrid solution is optimized to run on a cloud platform but is built for use in on-premises collaboration rooms if needed. Companies can host conferences with ease in fully or partially remote environments.
Zoom
Zoom is the leading web-based platform for video conferencing, and more companies use its services than any other software. This platform isn't just for businesses. It is also an excellent tool for schools utilizing distance and remote learning and families trying to communicate from across the globe.
Zoom also integrates seamlessly with multiple platforms like GSuite and Calendly, which lets your employees schedule meetings with ease. Zoom uses a 256-bit TLS encryption server to protect your information during conferences. Zoom is convenient for small businesses and large corporations hoping to connect hundreds of employees at once.
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is more than just a video conferencing platform; it is a complete suite that offers office teams a plethora of productivity applications. They provide services for small and large business needs, including benefits like live events that accommodate up to 10,000 people.
In addition to chats, you can share Word docs and PowerPoints in one interface, even during your video call. Microsoft Teams backs up everything to the cloud and provides immediate access for your entire staff.
The Tools: Equipment
Just like with conferencing platforms, there are many equipment options out there to do the job, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Solutions using Poly endpoint hardware work well, as they provide the highest level of audio and video quality.
Their cloud-based RealPresence Clariti is an advanced set of software tools that offer solutions for all your electronic platforms, including mobile phone options. Their suite of tools integrates easily, enabling you to connect your video conferencing in any environment, whether in the comforts of your living room or a boardroom with your most essential clients.
What else does RealPresence Clariti give you? They offer all the software components you need, allowing you to have video call control, web collaboration, soft endpoints, and device management all in one place.
You can integrate Poly endpoints technology with whatever conferencing solutions you currently use, including platforms such as Cisco Webex and Zoom, and Microsoft Teams.
Successful Video Collaboration: Finding a Company That Can Provide Solutions
Getting video collaboration right is not as easy as it sounds. When you combine remote and in-office staff with different platforms, programs, and pieces of technology, you need an experienced team to ensure everything runs smoothly. While a well-configured collaboration solution can help your in-office and remote teams work seamlessly together, a poorly executed solution can cost your company time, money, or worse.
So, in addition to having the right equipment and video conferencing platform, you must select the right team or company to help you pull it all together. Many companies claim to offer you the services you need, but just like conferencing solutions, not every company can appropriately meet client needs.
AGT has been offering video collaboration solutions for more than two decades and has worked with every business size, providing everything from AV integration to video collaboration to helping unify companies by building state-of-the-art meeting rooms.
Successful video collaboration can be a fantastic solution to help your team be productive no matter their location. Contact our team to learn how we can help elevate your business.
