Video communication is without a doubt the richest medium for long distance interaction we have today.
But businesses are still slow to adopt video. Why is it that we have the technology to make it happen, but we’re still struggling in 2016 to get buy-in from leaders in large enterprises?
My colleague and I visited a large, global technology organization last week in Austin and had the privilege of talking about video with their VP of sales. We sat in a conferencing room with an audio conferencing hub in the center of the table and a projector screen for sharing, but no video codec in sight.
This did not set off any alarm bells as first as there are plenty of large organizations that reserve large conference rooms for in-person meetings, have smaller video enabled huddle rooms, and software clients for long distance communications. Turns out they didn’t have that either. Video conferencing was something they had looked at in the past, but they were not impressed by the complicated, time-consuming deployment from a vendor, so they put it on the back burner where it’s been ever since.
A simple deployment is not the only thing enterprises seek when it comes to video, however. Many enterprise decision makers look at cost over time, cost to maintain video and improve ROI above anything else. We looked at a couple of industry experts, vendors, channel partners and service providers to see how they were demonstrating the value of video in enterprises. Check out the different ways these organizations illustrate the value of video communications for business. (you might notice a pattern)
Highfive
Highfive offers an out-of-the-box video conferencing solution that is as simple as plugging in a video codec, ethernet cable and a display and boom – video. Highfive boldly states on their website “All hail face-to-face conversations – the mightiest of all collaboration.”
Why does highfive find video conferencing valuable?
- Simple video conferencing empowers employees to get work done with video calls and screen sharing. Bad technology in conference rooms is a huge barrier to video adoption.
- Video calls make face-to-face interactions possible for geographically dispersed teams plus with Highfive you have the ability to initiate meetings from your calendar, Slack or even via text.
Dimension Data
Dimension data is a large service provider and visual communication technology reseller. They have been in the video conferencing game for a while and have problem-solved to deliver the best services for improving and managing video technology for large organizations.
Didata says, “It’s a well-known fact that 70% of communication is visual, hence video collaboration is becoming more mainstream. Why then is video conferencing underutilized?”
Why does dimension data find video conferencing valuable?
- Understand your users needs.
- Invest in fit-for-purpose video tools.
- Address bandwidth concerns.
- Develop a strategy to meet the needs and working styles of users.
- Procure and manage video tools in a way that best suits your business.
IVCi
I love this graphic from iVCi. They are a video conferencing service provider and channel partner with a heavy emphasis on video communications in the enterprise.
Why does IVCi find video conferencing valuable?
It’s important to highlight that all of these points of value only matter if your employees use video. So while they don’t cover the ways in which you can reduce friction of video technology in your organization here, these points address the big areas where video really pays off.
Vidyo
Vidyo is a medium-sized video technology vendor that offers room and software video solutions that compete with the big boys in video right now – Cisco, Polycom, Highfive etc.
They’re message overlaps with a few of the above, but what I really like is that they highlighted one of the biggest use cases for video in the enterprise right now – recruiting.
What Is The Value Of Video Conferencing?
- More engaged and productive meetings
- Improved recruiting and staff retention
- A better work-life balance for employees
On the recruiting front, I have been able to experience the impact of video first hand. Vyopta is currently in the process of recruiting for all departments. An initial screening over video has had a huge impact on our recruiting efforts in terms of engaging with candidates in a face-to-face meeting before they set foot in the office. This video call enables us to more efficiently assess whether or not the candidate meets the criteria, by allowing screen sharing and a visual experience similar to an in-person meeting. It saves us and the potential candidate time and money.
Hopefully, the points above will help arm you with some of the important areas where video can help your organization. Here is a summary of the points so that you have some key takeaways to start a conversation about video in your organization:
What Is The Value Of Video Conferencing?
- Simple video conferencing and screen sharing empower employees to get work done.
- Video calls make face-to-face interactions possible for geographically dispersed teams.
- Build better relationships with customers and potential prospects over time.
- Reduce your carbon footprint.
- Save money in travel.
- Understand your users needs.
- Invest in fit-for-purpose video tools.
- Address bandwidth concerns.
- Develop a strategy to meet the needs and working styles of users.
- Procure and manage video tools in a way that best suits your business.
