With the current trend for software-based conferencing platforms being utilised for room-based video conference environments on a high volume, low-cost basis, what are the benefits, what are the risks?
The benefits are clear – an agile workforce, supported by an effective soft conference communication platform focused on connecting users rather than rooms allows businesses to engage with clients and resources on a global scale while supporting reduced operating costs through savings in travel and real estate requirements.
A consistent user experience (UX) when mobile, or in the meeting room, aids adoption and utilisation of the technology investment.
The risks, however, are less considered
We have to accept that there are limitations in quality and experience when joining a video conference from your laptop in a busy coffee shop. However, for those important discussions, or when collaborating with a broader team, dedicated meeting environments with high-quality room-based solutions are essential.
All too often, we speak with businesses who see the benefits that a communication strategy utilising soft conferencing solutions can bring, but the experience is often less than optimal because the video experience is poor, or team members are missing out on what the quieter speakers or those furthest away from the microphone are saying.
The bottom line is, when communicating your message to a client or colleague via video conferencing technology, it is essential that they can see and hear you just as well as if they were sat in the meeting room next to you, or you risk the message not being delivered effectively, and at what cost?
It is often assumed that because cameras and microphones connect to the device running the in-room soft conferencing platform via USB, they should be super cheap.
