Feb

21

What’s the best videoconference system?

February 21, 2008 |  Tagged |

I had good intentions with ‘Question of the Week’ but just didn’t get enough questions for one a week. So…. Question of the Week has become Question of the Month - and here’s the first:

What’s the best videoconference system?

I get asked this question a lot. Naturally it’s not a simple answer. There are a number of good videoconference systems out there. Once one vendor incorporates a new feature it doesn’t take long for the others to follow. So at any point in time any of the vendors could have the BEST system.

The important thing to consider is your supplier. Questions to ask about the firm you are buying from:

  • Are they a reputable firm that will be in business in 5 years?
  • Do they have a depth and breadth of knowledge about videoconferencing in general - not just about the features of their own product?
  • Do they have a good knowledge & understanding of the use of videoconferencing in your sector? Having installed a series of systems in the legal sector is no recommendation for the education sector - and vice versa!
  • Do they know how to set up the optimum room for your particular use? As above - a legal videoconference room is set up very differently to a classroom.
  • What support services are they offering? You’ll need technical & maintenance support as well as training in both operational & effective use - for your particular needs. They may not offer this from their staff - but they should be able to recommend providers who can support you.
  • Do you have a good relationship with them? It’s important that you feel comfortable & confident is discussing your needs with your local rep.

If you have any other thoughts please add them to the comment box.

If you’d like to submit a ‘Question of the Month’ you can do so via the form on the CONTACTS page.


Comments

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1 Comment so far

  1.    Roxanne Glaser on February 22, 2008 1:04 am

    Carol, the title of this really caught my eye…

    You have captured the essence of what we are going through this year. There are many good systems out there. We have focused on developing a whole solution for our network based on our educational goals.

    1. We want our schools to have ease of use at the endpoints.
    2. We want to be able to capture and archive our student projects.
    3. We have to be able to manage all endpoints and projects with existing personnel (Shane and myself!).

    While the equipment is a big part of the equation, the bigger part for us is our reseller…I-2-I Technologies. They are a small firm staffed with outstanding engineers and are specialized in distance learning. They purchase equipment from all the “big name” manufacturers and do testing in production environments with a level of support and service that enables us to learn how to best use all our equipment.

    Videoconferencing does require specialized knowledge of video and networking and we have been so successful from the relationships that we have built with our vendors.

    Great question, Carol…thanks for starting this one.

    Roxanne

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