Cameras, loudspeakers, integrated rooms: videoconferencing hardware is now an essential component of every business communications stack.
It enables effective and efficient remote collaboration; empowering workforces to connect no matter where they are.
Feature-rich, high-quality functionality delivers a user experience akin to real, physical interaction: high-definition video, cutting-edge audio and smart-yet-simple set-ups combining to provide all-important meeting equity.
However, it is the hardware’s software that can really help to leverage it all.
It’s the often-differentiating, extra layer that elevates performance – an intuitive, easy-to-control ingenuity that brings added excellence to an already-brilliant product. When that kind of seamless fusion exists, that all-important user experience is significantly boosted.
That means picking a provider that checks all the boxes in the hardware and software categories, which can pay big dividends.
“Videoconferencing should be all about simplicity, convenience, and control – of course the hardware’s functionality and level of technological capability must be of the highest order, but the software smarts is where the magic can really happen,” says Eric Warner, product marketing manager at global-leading AV manufacturer Bose Professional, whose range of products and solutions – for both small-to-medium and enterprise-level businesses – is a potent example of that.
“Software should be simple to install, intuitive, and make sense to anyone. Everything should be listed right there, and installers and end users should not have to be an IT manager. Video meetings are here to stay, so it’s right that organisations do all they can to ensure their workforces enjoy the best possible user experience.”
In the case of Bose Professional, it offers customers three different pieces of software that support its Videobar VB1 and VB-S all-in-one USB videoconferencing solutions: configuration, administration, and mobile-device control.
All are free of charge (unusual in the AV sector) and easily downloaded from its website.
“Our Videobar Configuration software is used for the initial product setup,” says Warner.
“Users can adjust camera settings for zoom, intensity and brightness, and choose whether or not they want the device on their network for monitoring. It can also be used to update firmware.
“Our Videobar Administration software is network-based and enables users to monitor any or all of their devices. Technical support experts are able to respond remotely to any device issues and can push firmware updates remotely to all devices.
“Our third piece of software is our Videobar Mobile app which replicates the VB1 and VB-S devices’ hand-held remote control functionality onto users’ mobile phones. It uses low power Bluetooth connectivity, so when a user leaves the room, it automatically disconnects from the Video bar.
“All of our software is freely available on our website and is regularly updated with new and enhanced features.”
In addition, Bose Professional has also created a simple 90-second video which walks new users through device set-up, and there is expert, human tech support available if needed.
“The likelihood of needing tech support for our Videobar products is very low, but when that happens, we have a top-notch team that is extremely knowledgeable and they respond very quickly,” says Warner.
“Plus – and whilst our software is free and offers great configurability – all of our products are out-of-the-box ready to go within five minutes; all users need to do is make simple connections.”
So, in a world in which video meetings are now ubiquitous, it seems hardware’s software has the potential to add significant value.
Focus on that, and the bigger picture becomes even clearer.
To learn more about how Bose Professional can help your business maximize the quality of its video conferencing functionality, click here.
