In this video version of our partner podcast series, I spoke with Simon Dudley, a “Video Evangelist” from a Carousel Partner LifeSize, to discuss the role that visual communications plays in the modern enterprise. We discussed trends, new opportunities and technology in our wide ranging conversation. Here are some of the highlights:
What Matters in Teleconferencing?
Before LifeSize was the industry leader that they are today, Simon went around and spoke with several heads of corporations to discuss what they thought of video conferencing. He spoke with one CEO of a big company that had over 500 video systems. After a number of platitudes, he told Simon that they were all “rubbish” and that everyone hated using them because the experience was mediocre and the complicated technology made the overall process difficult and unenjoyable. The CEO went on to say that “if the meeting matters, I will come see you, if the meeting doesn’t matter than I will get you on the phone or send you an email.”
Simon then asked the CEO what would make him want to use video conferencing and he replied: “Cut a hole in the wall of my office and give me a glass window to another place. The quality and experience need to be as if the person is just looking through that window to another location. If you achieve that and make the technology go away for the users, then it will succeed.”
Great insight….sounds like a corporate mission to me.
Why HD Video Matters in the Enterprise
Before LifeSize pioneered High Definition technology in video conferencing in 2006, competitor’s products had resolutions and frame rates that were ten times lower than that of LifeSize. Add to this the challenge that making the a video call was time consuming and complicated for most users.
Fast forward six years. Now with seamless connections and crystal clear video, businesses have begun using LifeSize video for purposes other than just one-on-one conference calls. Companies have started utilizing video to train employees, collaborate on complex projects, bring internal experts in for consultation even if they are 3,000 mile away and myriad other applications. “Making the calls easy for the end user and providing high-def resolution is making all the difference. It’s like being in the room with someone and companies are really learning how to take advantage of that”
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Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) and Mobility in the Workplace
The idea of an office is, in many ways, starting to go away. Back in the day, we needed to be in the same room as our co-workers to communicate and exchange information between one another. Now we have access to all of those things and more from wherever we are. The BYOD trend has accelerated this transition and is a perfect solution for teleworkers.
As Simon explains, Apple really kicked off the BYOD trend by making their products the iPhone and iPad so compelling. Devices such as these with a video app on them gives video the ability to become a mass deployed technology throughout every aspect of business. Lately, there has been a lot of noise in the industry about BYOD killing the room based devices that exist today. LifeSize doesn’t buy into this argument. “Think about watching a movie. You can watch it on your iPhone if you need to, but if you have the option and it is convenient, you will watch it on the 50 inch high definition TV in your living room,” Dudley explains. In fact, LifeSize is optimistic that the BYOD network effect will be a huge benefit for their company, connecting millions of additional endpoints to seamless video collaboration solutions.
For more insights from this entertaining discussion, watch the whole video. To learn more about Lifesize and Carousel can help your business effectively implement an enterprise visual communications solution, contact Carousel today.
