Cloud Computing – Reducing Costs using VideoConferencing

The improvements in the internet are opening up a whole new set of applications that are remotely hosted within the cloud. In each case all you need to use them is a PC (or other suitable device), a reasonable internet connection, and typically a web browser.

Videoconferencing has proved increasingly popular for multi-site organisations, to reduce the need to travel and thereby cut costs, time and hassle. But videoconferencing has typically required use of a meeting room and an expensive teleconferencing system.

You are probably familiar with Skype as an internet-based system that allows simple videoconferencing from your PC desktop to one other person, announced to be extended to 5 or so. However video quality can be poor and unreliable.

There are now other offerings that offer business-class video meetings to the desktop, for a modest monthly fee. One system better optimised for the internet, delivers on a reliable basis up to HD quality. It is possible to have up to 100 participants at individual PCs, or in combination with a room system. Whoever is speaking takes centre stage on the screen. It is also possible for any speaker to display a presentation, document or other window from their desktop. Two screens allows the presentation on one screen, and the video links on the other.

This opens up a wide variety of possibilities, where holding a virtual meeting is far cheaper and easier than traveling. Video meetings can also significantly improve a meeting's effectiveness. For example:

Sales Teams
The sales director can now hold face-to-face meetings with some or all of their team, wherever they are located. This allows such meetings to be held more regularly than  would otherwise be possible.

Development Teams
Multiple members of the team can join a video call, even if working in remote locations, and can show prototypes or their other work to each other.

Group Board meetings
Directors can join in video Board meetings from their desk or home, almost wherever they are. If some of the members are able to meet physically in a videoconferencing room, then those that can’t can join in.

Recruitment
Initial interviews can take place with candidates by inviting them as a guest.

Telemedicine
Other 1to1 calls can still take place at high quality, such as doctors' discussions with patients, or any other professional with their clients.

Remote Training
One trainer can relate to up to 100 delegates at individual locations, where the person asking a question is clearly displayed. Alternatively, the course can be presented on a large screen in HD quality to a room.


If you’d like further details of these options, do contact me by email or ring me on +44(0)1628 632914.