Communication, great communication, is often at the core of a successful company. It’s the kind of communication that allows teams to easily connect with each other, in seamless, hassle-free fashion. From emails to text messaging to calls and one on one interactions, humans continue to create multiple modes of communication with one goal in mind: to gain access to each other, a better one.
HD Video Conferencing
The newest addition to these is the video conferencing technology. Though already in existence as early as the late 1980s, it wasn’t until the last several years when the technology needed to support video conferencing was further developed, expanded and refined. These days, video meetings are becoming a necessary part of the basic communication infrastructure for many companies.
So how do you find the right one for your business? Business 2 Community suggests the following:
- Make a list of possible virtual meeting tools.
- Narrow down that list. Compare the features and specifications of those tools. Which features do you need the most? Which ones can you live without? Which one will give the company the best value for value?
- Take the time to check out reviews for each brand/name on your list. Don’t just rely on the manufacturer’s site since those reviews might be far from the truth, or at the very least, a bit biased in favor of the tool. If you can, ask people you know. Do you have some experience using this product? Were they satisfied?
- Give trial offerings a shot. This is one way you could see for yourself if the system really is great to work with or not. Some systems often sound great on paper but fail when you actually use it. So check if the system is solid or if it’s all gloss.
Online Meeting Platforms
If you’re finally ready to start using video technology for work, why not take a look at some of these platforms? Bring your team to the next level by integrating video conferencing systems into your day to day communication. For starters, you can pick any of these brands. You won’t go wrong with any of these winners.
1. GoogleHangouts.
Don’t you just love Google? There’s almost nothing Google can’t do. From bagging the top spot in search engines in the entire world, launching its own email services and now offering us its very own version of an internet calling service, ready to go toe-to-toe with long-time players like Skype. That’s chutzpah for you. Conferences over at GoogleHangouts allow you and your team to keep the conversation going. So long as there are only 10 people in that conference, you’ll be fine.
2. Blue Jeans.
When it comes to superclear video technology, one of the most compelling choices out there is Blue Jeans. It’s one of the industry’s popular brands. HD video conferencing with Blue Jeans Network offers you high quality resolution that, 10 years ago, would’ve been impossible. It comes with a ton of other features and cloud based services that you and your team can definitely use to satisfy any number of your communication needs.
3. Skype.
If you don’t know Skype, then you must’ve been living under a rock for the last ten years. Basic Skype features include video calls, chat, file transfers and more. Sure, you’ve gotta download the app first. With over 300 million users, you and your fellow Skypers can take advantage of a lot of services—for free! That’s a definite plus point for joining Skype and probably one of the reasons why a lot of people stay. That and longevity. It’s been around for forever. When you factor that in, along with all the other free Skype services you get, users end up just sticking with Skype.
4. GoToMeeting.
Want something that supports group video calls in the best way? GoToMeeting will strike you as ideal. It’s got the basics covered: chat, conferences but only to as much as 3 people. If you’ve got a large team, you pay. The Upgrade, GoToWebinar, gives you supreme conferencing service. It’s designed for conversations of 1,000 participants. Though it’s highly unlikely that you’ll ever put that good use, here’s to knowing that when you do need that, GoToWebinas has those needs covered.
5. Join.me.
Want a great screen sharing service? Join.me is a great tool for freelancers who need to go over files or presentations with their clients. If there’s anything you need to discuss, page by page, chapter and verse, then this is the video conferencing service you have to get. It’s also an excellent training tool for you and your staff since the medium allows greater focus on directed at the work instead of the face to face contact that’s a core function for many video conferencing platforms out there.
