Mobile Video Conferencing for a Globally Distributed Workforce

Since the advent of video conferencing in the communication sector as a collaboration tool, it has garnered appreciation from all quarters. However, like any technology solution, it has its own limitations, for example it cannot connect remotely located people with their colleagues in an area where resources are not readily available. However, the steady increase in the number of mobile gadgets as well as the advancements in associated technologies has provided the perfect solution to this problem as well. Singapore has the largest number of Smartphone and tablet computer users in the Asia Pacific region, followed by Australia. The mid to high range devices sold in these markets come with in-built front-facing camera that can be used for face-to-face conferencing, regardless of the location of the users. Thus, users can take part in video conferences with thousands of attendees over a reliable network. As telecom network connectivity improves in these countries, it comes as no surprise that the application area of these gadgets in the corporate sector has suddenly amplified manifolds. Nowadays, video conferencing applications by major companies like Cisco, Avaya, Polycom and Arkadin are readily available for mobile gadgets that run on Apple’s iOS, Google’s Android and RIM’s BBOS 7. Therefore, most professionals who use Smartphones and tablet computers for work can easily connect with their target audience irrespective of their location. Moreover, they never have to worry about issues like electricity, network and latency as these mobile-based video collaboration solutions do not need to be constantly connected to a power source and run on reliable 3G and 4G networks. Thus, enterprise-grade service can now be expected from the video conferencing solutions available in the market today. Using the apps developed by the leading companies of the conferencing sector, group members can connect with each other over any IP network. Likewise, office-based users can join the event using a Windows PC or Apple Mac over Wi-Fi or ADSL network and engage in seamless video conferencing. Since the solutions available in the market are interoperable, users working on different operating systems and platforms can collaborate without any hindrances, which will effectively bring the whole office in a single virtual meeting room. This will simplify operations for companies whose geographically isolated personnel want to conveniently connect with their business associates. The biggest boost in the prospects of enterprise video conferencing has been the vast improvement in Quality of Service (QoS). The solutions available nowadays are able to render HD video in the meeting, which brings the picture closer to reality and creates an in-room meeting environment despite geographical limitations. Fast video transmission and low latency ensure an unparalleled video calling experience for the users, which helps improve the acceptance rate of the solution in a professional environment. This Internet-based conferencing solution can be accessed at the touch of a button and allows users to set up or join inter- and intra-organisational events immediately. Moreover, it is delivered over the Software-as-a-Solution (SaaS) model, which makes it flexible, thus making it useful for growing as well as large enterprises.