Ottawa firm expands cloud-based video collaboration services

Ottawa-based Magor Corp. announced last week new updates to its video conferencing service that includes a new Windows desktop client and three new features to its cloud services.

So far the TSX-listed firm has offered its video conferencing and collaboration software via dedicated appliances powered by Ubuntu. Now the firm is offering a native Windows desktop app that is touch-screen friendly and is optimized for Windows 7 and 8. Magor’s video collaboration software is also available to anyone that can use a Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox browser – including mobile devices.

Magor launched its cloud collaboration platform, Aerus, in March 2013 and is now continuing to build upon its services with three new features. Magor is offering firms that want HD video conferencing an easier way to get their foot in the door, says Steve Anderson, vice-president of cloud services at Magor. Competitors in the video conferencing market often require a specialized infrastructure to be installed on premises before you can start connecting with video.

“What our competitors like Cisco and Polycom don’t have is the ability to bring someone else in, to share my spreadsheet with you,” Anderson says. “We’re a decentralized environment. If I happen to be in my office today, I can call any of my colleagues like I would call them on a cell phone.”

Aerus supports multiple video codecs and integrates them through the WebRTC protocol, he explains. So whether a user wants to connect with someone use Skype, Jabber, or another video conferencing tool, they can take the call using their Aerus client. Inviting a guest to take part is as simple as sending them a URL to join the conference.

Magor’s selling point for its Aerus collaboration cloud service is a flexible workflow system.

Three new cloud features were added to Aerus services last week as well: Aerus Invite, Aerus OnScene, and Aerus WebCollab.

Aerus Invite provides a user with a virtual meeting room. Instead of working on number of ports available, Magor lets companies determine the number of users they’d like to support on video conferencing software. The user could both take and place video conferencing calls using the service. Aerus manages the technology being used to answer the type of video call coming in.

“Its best to look at the Magor software as being multilingual and speaking natively with each application,” Anderson says.

Aerus OnScene is a set of services focused on public safety, designed for first responders such as police and fire response teams. Street-level officers could stream back real time video information that is geo-tagged to a command centre to aid in surveillance activities, for example.

“It’s coordinated and we get to see where all the people are on a GIS map,” Anderson says. “What you’re actually starting to see now are a whole bunch of buffet items sitting on top of our Aerus cloud.”

WebCollab lets you connect with video, audio, and desktop sharing in high quality to other participants through a web browser. Perhaps a professor could use this to host a class for students to connect remotely, Anderson gives as an example. The teacher can just share a URL with his students and push out content to the whole class, able to change the view to a different webcam, or a PowerPoint presentation.

Aerus costs $200 per month per user, Anderson says.

Article Source: Ottawa firm expands cloud-based video collaboration services

Online program supports new Canadians, ESL learners

Technological online teaching software, multimedia devices and interactive teaching software are being used to provide targeted instruction, assessments and reviews for people who need to learn English.

English as a Second Language (ESL) courses are often taken for academic purposes, but many see the best online teaching software as a way to advance international careers and global businesses.

Technology, especially the Internet, is changing the way we teach and the way we learn, and it is particularly useful in language instruction, with its ability to connect people with differing languages skills in real-time so they can interact and converse with each other as a way to enhance learning. Mobile applications and web based training software programs are also helping people who could not access foreign language education before.

Many of these digital learners are talking to Canada and the language coaches at TalktoCanada.com.

TalktoCanada was developed and launched by partners Alysia Bartley and Marc Anderson, who first and foremost had identified an software for online teaching need for language resources; having just finished their own university studies, they set out to become teachers from their home in Thunder Bay, ON.

The company now employs several dozen staff members who provide software for teaching online English lessons to private students and businesses in more than 50 countries around the world.

(For ESL learners and adult immigrants in and around Calgary, there is an free teaching online software collection of resources and information to help people who are new to the city, or are looking for help learning the English language.)

One tangible benefit is the use of and exposure to authentic language, idioms and accents used by real people; foreign language students say the immediate feedback helps boost their confidence, and it increases their global awareness through real time interaction. Students can progress at their own pace and keep track of their own progress with the support of the teachers and the technology.

The students also report that online education software is less stressful at home, and the computerized instruction has shown learners to be more responsible for their own learning and managing their own timetables.

Online teachers say they appreciate the versatility, the multimedia capabilities, and a myriad of interactive functions. Specific instruction can be targeted and maximized. Student assessment, skill and concept review, and ongoing record keeping are enhanced. Instruction can be personalized for the beginner, advanced, and business-specific learner.

Various literacy skills are taught. Listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills help develop English fluency, alongside an emphasis on vocabulary and grammar.

There are supplementary online training software such as voice message boards, games, and online dictionaries. Forums and video chat software can be scheduled among students and with teachers. Before formal instruction begins, there is an initial assessment to determine which specific course is appropriate for the student.

It’s been estimated that over free one training software billion people worldwide now study ESL. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected and networked, more foreign students are enrolling in online English classes. Europe boasts a third of all students who study ESL. There are a high number of online ESL learners that reside in countries in Asia such as Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and China, clearly the country with the largest potential of future ESL learners.

Article Source: Online program supports new Canadians, ESL learners

Texas high school uses video conferencing to bring the world to the classroom

Del Valle High School teacher Michael Cunningham has found a way to knock down the walls of his classroom and engage his students in rich conversations with other high school students around the world.

Cunningham is using teleconferencing technology from LifeSize. The system enables him to connect members of his speech and debate classes with students at other high schools in the US, Australia, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. The live discussions are part of a larger initiative to broaden the student learning experience through video technology.

"The purpose [of these cloud video conferencing is to provide a world class education in my school by bringing the world to Del Valle," said Cunningham in an e-mail interview with T.H.E. Journal.

Cunningham, a 28-year veteran educator, first introduced free video conferencing online into his lesson plans in 2001. DVHS uses LifeSize's ClearSea system. Cunningham has used the system to stream presentations from guest lecturers as well as to hold moot courts, mock trials and debates with schools around the world.

"Today we had a moot court with the Czech Republic and then a debate with Sisler High School in Winnipeg, Canada," he noted. Earlier this month, his students debated the topic of drug trafficking with students at Findon High School, in South Australia. "And last fall we had a video conference server about Iran from Pittsburgh at the same time my students were arguing with Kehrad High School of Iran."

The free video conferencing sessions have given Cunningham's students a rare real-world glimpse into the turbulent social and political environments of their global peers. He recounted a time when a conversation with students at a school in Uzbekistan was cut short because the army appeared for a "crackdown" of local residents. Another time, a discussion with a class in the country of Georgia ended abruptly when Russian troops invaded the region. And just recently, while talking to a teacher at her home in Kiev, rioters took to the streets, protesting the government.

Cunningham sees big opportunity for best online meeting software in education, particularly for students at schools in low-income areas. Three years ago, he launched a project called online teaching software. The program is designed to bring educators from around the globe to teach in the United States, via teleconference.

"It [is] the ultimate concept of bringing the world's best and brightest teachers to schools in urban areas," he explained. The initiative aims to level the academic playing field by providing a way for all students -- at all schools -- to have access to high quality educational content.

"In the 21st century, you do not have to go to the suburbs to get the very best teachers," Cunningham said. "Come to the inner city and we have a faculty that is truly second to none in the world. Why? Because we have brought the world to that school."

Article Source: Texas high school uses video conferencing to bring the world to the classroom

VCSU to host videoconference with university in Philippines Feb. 26

Four faculty members from Valley City State University will make presentations as part of an international cloud video conferencing with the University of the East (UE), Manila, Philippines, to be held Wednesday, Feb. 26, at 7 p.m. in Rhoades Science Center on the VCSU campus.

VCSU faculty Shou-Ching Chao, Daisy Figueroa, Jodi Shorma and Rob Walsh are panelists for the free video conferencing online titled “Preparing English Language Activities for Cultural and Linguistic Diversity in the Classroom.”

The web video conferencing will electronically connect VCSU presenters with their counterparts in the Philippines—UE professors Mark Fabella, Paolo Danduan, Menandro Mortel and Arnold Santos. The international collaboration features presentations by each VCSU professor, followed by a brief response to each by the UE professors.

In addition, the event will include the culmination of an intercultural assignment in which students of VCSU’s Jodi Shorma were paired with students of UE’s Arnold Santos.

Once the largest university in Asia with more than 60,000 students, UE is a leader in technology, dubbed “most wired university” by Computer World Magazine and Enterprise Magazine in 2006.

The event is open to the public free of charge.

Article Source: VCSU to host videoconference with university in Philippines Feb. 26

New video conferencing network launched to cater to HD

Media Network Services (MNS) launched of a new global video conferencing network enabling any business with video conference equipment to experience high-quality to Telepresence and Internet video conferencing without the need of traditional dedicated networks.

The increase of businesses choosing to use online video conferencing to communicate and interact with employees, customers and partners led to a high demand for enhanced video presentation software quality.

While companies traditionally have invested in expensive dedicated networks to experience high-quality to telepresence and web presentation software, MNS now offers affordable guaranteed-capacity network to meet any demand for maximized video conferencing experience. And there is no need for businesses to invest in new video conferencing equipment when taking advantage of MNS’ global network.

“We are very excited about our new global webinar software network. Media Network Services can  enable any business to experience a maximized online training software experience while leveraging their existing online video teaching software equipment”, says Haakon Bryhni CEO, at MNS.

Article Source: New video conferencing network launched to cater to HD

Telstra to offer Blue Jeans video conferencing service

Telstra will start selling cloud-based video conferencing and collaboration service developed by Blue Jeans network.

The web-based product, that works with most video systems and devices, allows businesses to use the internet to connect face-to-face while sharing content and presentations with staff, customers and suppliers.

“With full compatibility with other industry leading web based video conferencing providers and an ability to dial in from a phone line if no video options are available, Blue Jeans makes it possible for billions of devices which were previously incompatible to now join together in an easy video call,” Blue Jeans chief operating officer Stu Aaron said in a statement.

The multipoint video conferencing market is rapidly picking up steam with even the likes of Google getting ready to take on heavyweights like Cisco and Polycom.

While it has been around for twenty years, for organisations making the most of the technology has historically gone hand in hand with prohibitive costs

Typical deployments are usually limited to only a handful of rooms in large office locations. But with the mean capital cost of a telepresence deployment hovering between $250,000 and $300,000 there has always been a built in barrier to right of use.

However, the proliferation of mobile devices has added a new dimension to unified communication (UC) deployment, with a recognition that important conversations just don’t need to happen in purpose-build screens and rooms.

With rank and file appetite for conferencing services on the rise businesses are now acutely aware of investing in viable services.

Telstra Business group managing director, Will Irving, says that combining Blue Jeans technology with the reach and reliability of Telstra’s networks provides a compelling service to local businesses.

“With this new solution employees at work, at home, or on the road can connect face-to-face with their colleagues, partners, and customers whether they are in a boardroom, an office, a living room, or a coffee shop,” Irving said in a statement.

Launched in 2011, Silicon Valley-based Blue Jeans is keen to take the fight  up to the legacy giants, with the only interoperable video conferencing server service on the market right now.  

Australia is currently the sixth largest market for the company following the US, UK, Canada, Germany and India

Article Source: Telstra to offer Blue Jeans video conferencing service

Comparison between teleconferencing and video conferencing

Teleconferencing is not a new technology. In the corporate world in particular, conference calls have been a common event for many years. What has changed though is the technology that is used. The new technology makes it much easier to set up conference calls involving large numbers of people in different locations.

In fact, it is now simple to set up a call involving as many people as necessary in an unlimited number of locations. All of the participants simply call into a common number and they are connected to the call. It’s simple and effective.

Video conferencing is a fairly recent technology, but even in its short history it has evolved considerably. Many companies have traditionally used elaborate hardware setups to organize video conferencing, but with computers equipped with webcams simple video conferencing is much easier to arrange.

The pros and cons of teleconferencing

Teleconferencing is, simply put, the ability to hold a meeting or conference over the telephone. You may already be familiar with simple two-way calling features provided on most telephones, but teleconferencing takes this simple method of communication a step further by allowing dozens of participants, sometimes hundreds, to listen in.

Some of the positive attributes of teleconferencing include:

1. The ability to attend a meeting anywhere in the world without traveling, and the reduction of expenses associated with such;

2. Flexibility when it comes to scheduling meetings;

3. Increased ability to communicate with other business office branches or even clients.

As with most pieces of technology, however, teleconferencing is not without its drawbacks. Fortunately, most are technological in nature and can be resolved with a minimal amount of training. These include:

1). A lack of experience may result in equipment that is not hooked up correctly before a presentation is set to begin;

2). The lack of face-to-face communication may be a turnoff to some potential clients and it may also be difficult for employees to grasp certain concepts without human interaction;

3) Because your attendees can’t see each other they may have a hard time working together to brainstorm or come up with solutions and may also be less likely to participate by asking questions or making comments;

4) You have to find a room from which to hold your teleconference that will not conflict with your phone or equipment. You need a room that provides for optimal sound to make sure you don’t echo, sound far away, or pick up disturbing background noises;

5) Unless you have the proper tools to mute callers, it will be difficult to control who is speaking and even more difficult to interrupt someone who is attempting to monopolize the meeting by speaking out of turn.

While it seems like teleconferencing has more drawbacks than positive attributes, all are issues that can be resolved with proper planning and equipment. Establishing guidelines for the participation in a teleconference and giving them to participants in advance will greatly enhance your success as well.

The Pros and Cons of Video conferencing

Video conferencing is a little different than teleconferencing. Instead of using the phone to communicate with your clients or employees you’ll use the internet. The use of the web allows you to incorporate a few more helpful features so that you can make your points more effectively.

The benefits of video conferencing include, but aren’t limited to:

1. The elimination of travel and related expenses,

2. The same flexibility as with teleconferencing when it comes to scheduling meetings;

3. The ability to incorporate real-time white boards where participants can see the presenter write and draw notes to illustrate his thoughts;

4. The ability to incorporate cameras, PowerPoint presentations, and real-time screen sharing to demonstrate or illustrate points;

5. The ability to prepare a presentation with a face-to-face feel even when you can’t be in the same place.

The drawbacks of video conferencing, as with teleconferencing, are again more technological than anything else. They include:

1. The need to learn about advanced communication tools such as how to use a camera, microphones, and other recording devices;

2. Equipment failures, such as broken cameras and loose wires;

3. Equipment glitches associated with not knowing how to upload a presentation or work the system once the presentation begins;

4. The need to find a designated place to host a web conference in order to avoid distractions, noises, and clutter;

5. The need for very careful planning in order to make sure the presentation runs smoothly; you can’t go off on tangents, allow attendees to monopolize your speaking time, etc.

Video conferencing allows businesses of all sizes to provide their attendees with functional and well rounded presentations, no matter when or where the meeting is held. The real question, though, is whether or not it’s necessary to make a choice.

Which is Better – Teleconferencing or Video conferencing?

The truth of the matter is that the only reason you might have for having to choose between teleconferencing and video conferencing is financial. Businesses on more limited budgets may only be able to afford teleconferencing, but the costs associated with using tools that combine both teleconferencing and web features are usually pretty minimal as well.

At Message Impact we specialize in making sure you have all of the communication tools you need right at your fingertips. With teleconferencing tools like Ready Conference and video conferencing tools like CUMeeting, we can show you how to combine your resources to create the most effective presentations possible. Why limit yourself to either the phone or the web when you can easily incorporate the best of both worlds into your presentations? Let us show you how!

Need to find a proper video conferencing software? Here, you can turn to CUMeeting who provides reliable, secure and HD video conferencing for people all around the world to join in the same meeting at one time with full-featured functions such as whiteboard, file sharing, media sharing, application sharing, screen sharing, desktop sharing, text exchange, remote control, conference recording, polling etc.

Article Source: Comparison between teleconferencing and video conferencing

In video conference job interview, heighten your efforts to impress

As  web based video conferencing plays an increasing role in the interview process, job candidates must use the technology to their advantage, says David Armendariz, managing partner of executive recruiting firm Lucas Group in Houston.

No detail is too small when it comes to making an impression on an interviewer, even over a computer screen, he says.

Whether the cloud-based video conferencing is the first or last step in the interview process, Armendariz says, it must be treated exactly the same as a face-to-face meeting. It can often be more important, and a bit more challenging, when it comes to conveying an impression.

"As soon as a multipoint video conferencing interview starts, the first thing that hiring manager sees is ingrained in their head for the rest of the interview process," he says. "This type of interview can make or break the hiring process."

Armendariz, who provides internal training to Lucas Group recruiters and candidates about how to come across well in a Internet video conferencing interview, recently shared the following tips:

1Practice makes perfect. The most important aspect of preparing for a online video conferencing interview is to practice with a friend before the actual interview, Armendariz said. That entails logging onto the technology (common programs are Skype or FaceTime) to make sure the process is seamless and can be completed in time for the start of the meeting. He suggests going through a practice conversation with the friend, asking for tips on what's working and what isn't. Common feedback might include talking too softly or too loudly or a suggestion to take longer pauses than in a typical phone conversation, since it can sometimes take the voice longer to travel over this technology.

1Look at the camera, not the computer screen. It is extremely important to know where the camera is on the computer or hardware that is being used to conduct the interview. Armendariz suggests flagging the camera with a small post-it note off to the side. The interviewee should remember to always look at the paper, which will ensure that the person is making eye contact with the interviewer instead of looking off to the side. Just as in a traditional interview, eye contact is key. But in this case, making eye contact means looking away from the person's image on-screen and looking directly at the camera instead.

1Dress for success. Dressing for a web video conferencing interview is just as important as dressing for a traditional interview, and often more challenging because the candidate needs to consider how the outfit works against the background and how it comes across over the screen. For example, Armendariz said candidates should avoid stripes and bold colors and stick with navy, black or gray. Attire should include a suit and tie for men and a blazer and skirt or pants for women. Video interviews are just as formal as in-person meetings and should not be used as an excuse to dress casually.

"Certain fabrics don't translate well over video, and the camera can catch them the wrong way," Armendariz said. "Keep it plain and simple."

1Back it up. The interviewee should carefully consider the background that will be seen by the interviewer, taking care to remove plants (which can create awkward shapes if they stick up behind the person's head) and other personal objects that can be distracting. Armendariz warns against conducting the interview in a restaurant or library and suggests avoiding a plain white wall as background. Make sure the background is well-lit and comes across clear in the practice interview. Again, simple is best.

1Sit up straight. Elements such as keeping good posture, relaxing the shoulders, nodding the head regularly and using the hands to elaborate points all indicate that the candidate is engaged in the interview. Nonverbal cues take on heightened importance in a best web conference software interview because the interviewer is typically trying to form an impression and then make a connection based on the idea that the candidate is relating to what they are asking or saying.

"In this case, small things go a long way," Armendariz said.

The recruiting expert urged job seekers being interviewed via best web conference software to try to relax and focus on the interview, not the technology that is being used.

"It can help to think of it as Public Speaking 101," he said. "It's about connecting with your audience."

Article Source: In video conference job interview, heighten your efforts to impress

Web conferencing: need for today’s business world

A highly mobile society demands alternatives to the usual office routines. Meetings no longer need to be held in formal conference rooms with everyone sitting quietly, taking notes and nodding their heads in approval. Today’s culture is filled with technology that offers flexibility in how businesses operate. The methods of a decade ago restricted creativity and self-management. Using the new technology allows employees to communicate from anywhere on the globe, with such options as video calls, instant messaging and web conferencing software.

Web Conferencing Basics

When computer-based technology began infiltrating the business world a few decades back, attempts to meet by using phone or other equally-limited systems were quickly replaced with satellite links and fiber optic networks. However, as technology grew and developed, business managers began to seek new ways to communicate with their staff. The internet introduced new and more effective meeting options. These were no longer limited to office-to-office systems. They allowed people to communicate around the world, but they were still quite limited. Today, with mobile phones having full internet-based communication abilities, conducting meetings now no longer requires that people be in their offices or some formal location. They can meet online from a client’s office, while traveling on the road, or even from the comfort of their own home.

Best web conferencing software allow for your staff to join in a meeting any time and any place. They can see other participants, speak directly with them, and send data files and chat-room style messages from wherever they are. Such technology is becoming the norm, and the software that has become available allows managers to have access to their people at any time. Even for those who don’t require video capabilities in their conferencing, there are many excellent programs available that allow everyone participating to have full access to the session. Using online conferencing and meetings with CUMeeting, for example, allows participants to know who is online, if someone new joins in, or if someone leaves the conference, all without having to interrupt the meeting to find out who is online and who isn’t. Participants can choose to have private conference calls with others while still keeping track of the main session. The entire session can even be recorded for later reference. With that kind of technology at a manger’s fingertips, who wouldn’t want to take advantage of web conferencing?

Organizing a Web Conference

In past decades, organizing a conference often involved making travel arrangements for visiting staff members, including flights, hotels, and dining options. Conference rooms needed to be set up, reports and conference agendas needed to be printed, collated, and assembled for each participant. If something came up and one of the key individuals couldn’t make the meeting, managers were sent scrambling for solutions.

With web video conferencing, most of that activity has been replaced by this technology. Managing and organizing a web conference is rather simplistic.

•Plan ahead. You’d be doing this even if it was a traditional conference, only now most of the major headaches have been eliminated. Make sure you’ve reviewed your agenda, contacted every participant and verified their attendance.

•Test software. Before delving into a meeting for the first time, make sure that you know how to use the software. Nothing can sabotage a meeting faster than a failure to understand your conference software.

•Manage documents. Be sure to send email copies of all necessary documents for the meeting. If the recipients want to print and collate a copy, that’s their concern.

•Prepare video or audio recordings. If your meeting involves releasing video or audio files, be sure to have them prepared ahead of time and test them with your conference software.

Benefits of Web Conferencing

The benefits of best web conference software are many, but there are a few that stand out above all else. First of all, you no longer need to spend a large part of your budget on travel and lodging accommodations. The cost savings of using web conferencing is substantial. You are also able to bring in people from anywhere in the world to participate in the conference. People are much more productive as well, since they aren’t wasting days with travel time. As soon as the conference is over, they can get back to their work doing whatever they need to accomplish.

Best web conferencing is certainly a true benefit of technology. Whether you’re a large or small business, the technology and software are readily available. Anyone can make use of it, and because most products are extremely user-friendly, you don’t need a large IT staff to set things up. Taking advantage of this technology can free up your time so that you can accomplish even more than you were able to before.

Article Source: Web conferencing: need for today’s business world

New dynamic mobile video conferencing solutions available at video conferencing supply

By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor atTelecommunications Weekly -- Versatility is in high-demand as business hardware is more multi-functional than ever. With that, the average workforce is increasingly "on-the-go" and telecommuting is on the rise. 

Multipoint Video Conferencing Supply is at the forefront of this changing business paradigm, featuring a full assortment of quality desktop video conferencing platforms. The Konftel 55W conferencing device is the perfect compliment to these video conferencing solutions, offering wireless HD audio, with Bluetooth and USB connectivity to PC's and mobile devices.

The Konftel 55W wireless conference phone enhances desktop video conferencing, providing a high-definition audio solution. Connect the Konftel 55W to a compatible device with the onboard Bluetooth or USB connectivity. Available accessories and switch boxes enable the Konftel 55W to directly connect to cell phones or VoIP phones. This affordable and portable conference device leverages video conferencing platforms as never before.

Operate the Konftel 55W with popular cloud-based video conferencing solutions, such as the Polycom RealPresence desktop platform. With the Konftel 55W's built-in speakerphone, 360-degree microphone and option for expansion microphones, this conferencing device leverages a desktop platform for deployment in a small conference room. This Konftel 55W is also interoperable with the LifeSize Softphone desktop platform, Skype, Microsoft Lync, Cisco WebEx and numerous other video conferencing systems.

Internet Video conferencing provides face-to-face interaction without the costs associated with traveling. However, if the audio quality is terrible, then your message isn't being heard. The Konftel 55W conferencing device features Konftel OmniSound HD audio. Still missed part of the conversation? Replay the sound later with the built-in SD card reader

Highly expandable and portable, the Konftel 55W conferencing device is deployable as a wireless or wired HD audio conference phone. Online Video Conferencing Supply features the equipment to ensure your business conferences are impressive now and well into the future.

Article Source: New dynamic mobile video conferencing solutions available at video conferencing supply

Intelliverse to introduce HD video conferencing solutions

AVer solutions allow enterprises to easily and affordably expand their video communication capabilities with additional endpoints and multi-point systems

BANGALORE, INDIA: Intelliverse Telecom, a cloud-based hosted communications provider for enterprises, announced the signing of a distribution agreement with AVer Information Inc. a major global provider of education solutions, security surveillance solutions and multipoint video conferencing solutions.

Under the agreement, Intelliverse has become the National Distributor, and will provide system-service-application support in India for AVer video conferencing. The partnership with Aver is in tandem with Intelliverse's growth strategy of expanding its solutions and commitment to providing customers with industry leading enterprise solutions and services. Following this distribution agreement, Intelliverse will be introducing AVer range of cloud-based video Conferencing solutions to its channel partners, SIs and enterprise customers across all industry verticals.

A company release said that AVer solutions allow enterprises to easily and affordably expand their video communication capabilities with additional endpoints and multi-point systems compatible with other H.323 products and standards. In addition to impressive hardware, AVer's 3-year standard warranty and remarkably low total cost of ownership (TCO) translate into astounding return on investment (ROI), making Internet Video Conferencing ideal for large enterprises, SMBs, VARs, Channel Partners and Systems Integrators.

Says V R Kirubakaran (VRK), country manager, Intelliverse Telecom Pvt Ltd: "In collaboration with AVer, we aim to expand our markets across all geographies in India. AVer's compelling capabilities and deep knowledge base in Video Communication solutions makes them an ideal partner for us, and we are excited to join hands with AVer to meet enterprise demand for Video-Conferencing capabilities. As a provider of cutting edge communication solutions we believe and confident that the scalability, flexibility and interoperability of Aver products will complement our portfolio and finally see online Video Conferencing being adopted on a broader scale in India. We will offer the most affordable video conferencing solutions to the Indian markets, which can be leveraged by both enterprise and mid-market/SME businesses."

Article Source: Intelliverse to introduce HD video conferencing solutions

Use video conferencing to avert Usmani-like escape

Over a month after the escape of alleged Indian Mujahideen operative Afzal Usmani from the Mumbai sessions court premises, Additional Director-General (ADG) Prisons, Maharashtra, Meeran Borwankar has written a letter to the State’s Home department requesting that all accused being tried in various terror and underworld-related cases be produced in court through Internet video conferencing.

The letter accessed by The Hindu stated that as all the prisons in the State were equipped with online video conferencing facility, adopting such a method would mean not stretching thin the manpower required for escorting the accused. There are 215 prisons in the State of which nine are central prisons which house over 24,000 prisoners.

Meanwhile, the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has also sent a letter to the Home department stating that it was going to appeal to the designated court to allow the accused in serious cases to be handcuffed. “We have already moved applications in the courts to handcuff the accused who are being tried in the August 2012 serial blasts in Pune and 2006 Aurangabad arms haul cases. The court has asked the defence lawyers to file their opinion. If the decision is in our favour then we will follow the same in other terror cases,” a senior police officer told The Hindu.

“When the undertrials are being produced only for extension of their judicial custody, multipoint video conferencing is a better option. It saves us manpower used in escorting these criminals and also ensures that they don’t escape,” added the officer.

It was on September 20, Afzal Usmani, accused in the 2008 Ahmedabad and Surat blasts escaped.

Usmani, a car thief, was the first arrest in the IM case by the Mumbai crime branch. His stolen car was found laden with explosives in Surat; luckily the bombs were discovered and defused by the police. Usmani’s arrest led to the cracking of the media-wing of the IM by the Mumbai crime branch in September 2008.

The police claim the module is responsible for all the blasts in India since 2005.

Deputy Inspector-General of Police, ATS, Amitesh Kumar was asked to prepare a report on the incident and also make recommendations on how the security could be strengthened. The details of the report were first published by The Hindu on October 6. The report highlighted the chronic problems faced by the escort teams which were under-staffed and overworked. The ATS also recommended that the trial in serious and sensitive cases be conducted through cloud-based video conferencing.

Article Source: Use video conferencing to avert Usmani-like escape

Virtualisation of Video Conferencing Infrastructure greatly improves management for IT and reduces hardware by 90%, according to new whitepaper by VideoCentric

Today, VideoCentric have released a white paper discussing the benefits of the Virtualisation of mutlipoint Video Conferencing to businesses with a VMWare or Hyper-V IT Environment, and how the high costs, complexities and inefficiencies of traditional video conferencing are now being overcome by Virtualising Video Infrastructure.

The whitepaper presents a non-vendor specific view that enables IT Management, financial decision makers and C-Level Executives to understand challenges faced when implementing cloud-based video conferencing infrastructure that enables secure, HD, multiparty business to business connectivity, and the specific key benefits of virtualising their video environment.

"The benefits of Virtualisation for IT infrastructure have been recognised for many years, but Video Conferencing has been slow on the uptake, mainly due to the intensive server requirements for business class performance and interoperability. However, recent developments have now made it possible for us to virtualise internet video Conferencing & Collaboration infrastructure, and this paper helps organisations recognise the benefits of integrating both worlds together," commented Emily Shimell, Communications Manager at VideoCentric Ltd.

Miss Shimell added, "Virtualisation greatly improves efficiency, hugely reduces costs traditionally associated with online video conferencing, and enables organisations to easily and quickly trial infrastructure to prove its worth, which has never been possible before".

Article Source: Virtualisation of Video Conferencing Infrastructure greatly improves management for IT and reduces hardware by 90%, according to new whitepaper by VideoCentric

Polycom: Survey Shows Video Conferencing is Essential Team Collaboration Tool

Polycom has released research results revealing that 96% of business decision makers believe cloud-based video conferencing removes distance barriers and improves productivity between teams. Respondents who use video conferencing today rated video’s top advantages as: better collaboration between globally dispersed colleagues (54%), greater clarity of topics being discussed (45%) and more efficient meetings (44%). 

The survey found that business video is becoming more pervasive globally, and that video is in the top three of preferred communications and collaboration media, following email and voice / voice conferencing. The study also showed that laptops and desktops are the most popular devices for business multipoint video conferencing, followed by conference rooms, and mobile devices. 

Looking to the future, 52% of respondents expect video to be their most preferred collaboration tool in three years followed by e-mail and voice/conference calls. Just over three quarters of decision-maker respondents use video conferencing at work today, with 56% of video users taking part in video calls at least once a week.  Interestingly, in Brazil, India and Singapore more than two-thirds of respondents use Internet video conferencing at least once a week.

The survey also showed that video communications isn’t limited to business: 83% of respondents -- and almost 90% of those in their twenties and thirties, use consumer video conferencing solutions at home today, with half using video conferencing at home at least once a week.

Commenting in a statement on the proliferation of video, Jim Kruger, EVP and Chief Marketing Officer at Polycom said, “The growing popularity of online video conferencing at home, especially by millennials entering the workforce, is a big driver of increased preference for and adoption of video collaboration in the workplace.”  He added,  “Some key factors to making video as popular in the office as it is at home is ensuring it’s easy to use, providing a high quality connection, delivering enterprise-grade security, and participants’ willingness to accept and adapt to cultural differences as they communicate across borders.  We’re seeing businesses around the world defy distance every day using video collaboration, including increasing productivity, enhancing employee engagement, improving time to market and helping to save lives.”

The research, “Global View: Business Video Conferencing Usage and Trends” surveyed over 1,200 business decision makers in 12 countries; it was conducted by Redshift Research and commissioned by Polycom.

Article Source: Polycom: Survey Shows Video Conferencing is Essential Team Collaboration Tool

Video conferencing expected to be preferred business communications tool in 2016

Polycom the global leader in open, standards-based unified communications and collaboration (UC&C), has announced that that almost all (96 percent) business decision makers believe multipoint video conferencing removes distance barriers and improves productivity between teams in different cities and countries.

According to the “Global View: Business Video Conferencing Usage and Trends”survey of more than 1,200 business decision makers, conducted by Redshift Research and commissioned by Polycom, cloud-based video conferencing is an essential tool helping improve team collaboration and closing the physical and cultural gap between colleagues doing business across distances.

The survey found that video is becoming more pervasive in businesses across the globe.  When asked to choose their preferred methods of communications today, respondents ranked Internet video conferencing third (47 per cent) after e-mail (89 per cent) and voice/conference calls (64 per cent), and those same business leaders and managers expect video to be their most preferred collaboration tool in three years (52 per cent), followed by e-mail (51 per cent) and voice/conference calls (37 per cent).  Respondents who use video conferencing today said the three biggest advantages are: better collaboration between globally dispersed colleagues (54 per cent), greater clarity of topics being discussed (45 per cent) and more efficient meetings (44 per cent).

Over three quarters of decision-maker respondents (76 per cent) are now using online video conferencing at work with 56 per cent of video users taking part in video calls at least once a week.  The survey found that in Brazil, India and Singapore that number jumps up significantly, as more than two-thirds of respondents in those countries use video conferencing at least once a week.

The survey also revealed that 83 per cent of respondents, and almost 90 per cent of those in their 20s and 30s, use consumer best web conferencing software solutions at home today, and almost half of all respondents use video conferencing at home at least once a week.

“The growing popularity of best web conferencing at home, especially by millennials entering the workforce, is a big driver of increased preference for and adoption of video collaboration in the workplace,” said Jim Kruger, EVP and Chief Marketing Officer at Polycom.

“Some key factors to making video as popular in the office as it is at home is ensuring it’s easy to use, providing a high quality connection, delivering enterprise-grade security, and participants’ willingness to accept and adapt to cultural differences as they communicate across borders.  We’re seeing businesses around the world defy distance every day using video collaboration, including increasing productivity, enhancing employee engagement, improving time to market and helping to save lives.”

The study also showed that laptops and desktops are the most popular devices for business web video conferencing (75 per cent of respondents), followed by conference rooms (48 per cent) and mobile devices (42 per cent).  As video conferencing continues to become more pervasive, in three years laptops and desktops are still expected to be the most preferred device (72 per cent), while mobile devices and conference room usage will increase to 55 and 51 per cent, respectively.

Article Source: Video conferencing expected to be preferred business communications tool in 2016

Abcam turns to BlinkPipe for reliable video conferencing

Leading life science company, Abcam, has been using BlinkPipe for ‘just dial’ HD video conferencing since January 2012. BlinkPipe caught up with Dr Ed Ralph, CIO, and Dr Fay Moutevelis, Senior Project Manager, at Abcam to discuss the impact that BlinkPipe has had on their business.

Abcam supplies protein research tools including over 120,000 antibodies, kits, proteins and other reagents.  Abcam is headquarted in Cambridge, UK, with additional offices in the UK, USA, Japan and China. They also have software development teams based in India.

Abcam has been using BlinkPipe for ‘just dial’ High-definition video conferencing since January 2012.                      

BlinkPipe caught up with Dr Ed Ralph, CIO, and Dr Fay Moutevelis, Senior Project Manager, at Abcam to discuss the impact that BlinkPipe has had on their business.

The drive towards BlinkPipe

Abcam has existing Polycom systems - two in the Cambridge office, one in Boston, one in San Francisco and smaller versions in Tokyo and Hong Kong.

Abcam had outsourced some software development to India and, being fully aware of the business benefits of cloud-based video conferencing meetings, wanted to conduct daily stand-ups between the UK and India using video conferencing.

However, there was limited availability of the Polycom systems in both offices (the boardrooms are hard to block book for daily stand up meetings), and cost was a barrier to equipping other meeting rooms with similar equipment.

Seeking an alternative solution, Abcam initially tried Skype for these meetings but encountered problems.

Ed Ralph, CIO explained, “We were doing distributed stand-up meetings between the UK and India, trying all kinds of things – e.g. a typical stand-up would have had us using Skype for video, and then dialling into a phone bridge.  The Skype video was usually too small and poor to be useful and setting up (who is going to call whom etc.) was a nightmare.”

 “The main problem with Skype is that it needs a good internet connection end to end.   With our calls being between the UK and India it is often unreliable and a lot of time is wasted.  If you take the time of 30 people you can’t afford for this to happen.  For us, Skype wasn’t a good solution,” said Fay.

This is where BlinkPipe came in.

“I just wanted to flick a switch and see the other team.  The cost structure of the BlinkPipe cameras made for a low barrier and the ease of use was a no-brainer, so we tried them out,” said Ed.

Heavy use of BlinkPipe HD Video Conferencing

Abcam has made over 2800 minutes of BlinkPipe calls in the last 30 days alone.

“I use BlinkPipe from 9-12 every day for software development team stand-up and other regular meetings with typically 8/9 people in Cambridge and 10/11 people in India,” explained Fay.

“At Abcam the BlinkPipe advantage is not having to compete with people to book Internet video conferencing. Being able to dial the other meeting room and the video just coming on is fantastic,” said Ed.

Would Abcam recommend BlinkPipe?

“I’m very happy with BlinkPipe and would recommend it for businesses wanting an easy to use best web conferencing software system. With BlinkPipe I can focus on the meeting and not on the technology which is a win-win for Abcam,” said Fay.

“Just do it,” concluded Ed.

Call out box

In the last 30 days…

BlinkPipe in meeting room ‘Derbyshire’

2600 minutes of calls using 1 camera @£49/month 1.9 pence per minute.

Polycom in the boardroom

1080 minutes of calls at £280/month = 25p per minute

 *******

Article Source: Abcam turns to BlinkPipe for reliable video conferencing

The health benefits of video conferencing

Video is used as a communication tool across organisations on a daily basis. Video is far more productive than email and audio calls, and leads to faster decision making and improved collaboration within dispersed teams.

Home working has dramatically increased as a result of Internet video conferencing technology. Rather than spending up to two hours traveling to get into the office every day, employees can start their working day earlier, have an improved work-life balance, and are available at the click of a button for a face-to-face conversation over video. Although some businesses are weary of adopting home working, the majority of organisations have seen productivity levels surge as a result of home working.

Cloud Video conferencing technology has not only contributed to productive home working, it has helped improve people’s health all over the world.

Listed below are just some of health benefits of cloud-based video conferencing.

• Reduces stress – Less business travel and for home workers, reduced travel to and from the office, has seen the stress levels of many significantly drop.

• Work-life balance – Less travel and the flexibility to work from home has significantly improved the balance in people’s work and personal lives, making it one less thing to worry about.

• Less strain on the heart – Reduced stress levels as a result of less business travel and less time traveling to and from the office reduces strain on the heart.

• Encourages exercise – An improved work-life balance means people are much more likely to exercise. Home-workers in particular are much more likely to exercise on their lunch break, even if it’s just a 20 minute stroll to their local park or convenience store.

• Avoid road accidents – Less time on the road means workers are less likely to be involved in road accidents.

For detailed information, please click here.

Online video meeting technology not only improves the health of people in the workplace. It is used in hospitals all over the world and is referred to as telemedicine. Telemedicine is the use of telecommunication and information technologies in order to provide clinical health care at a distance. It helps eliminate distance barriers and can improve access to medical services that would often not be consistently available in distant rural communities. It is also used to save lives in critical care and emergency situations.