Until recently visual collaboration solutions were reserved for large enterprises that could afford the hardware, infrastructure, fees and the maintenance that went along with these installations. However, today information and telecommunications technology makes it possible for anyone with a broadband connection to visually communicate with their employees, customers or family and friends. The technology is going to be available to even more people as cloud computing and WebRTC removes many of the propriety software and hardware currently limiting video conferencing. Lifesize, a video conferencing service provider, has launched Lifesize Cloud, the first and only service that provides a connected experience to anyone using smartphones, tablets, laptops and conference rooms.
More businesses want to use visual collaboration to bring together their remote workforce and customers because it is cheaper and more effective. The computing power of smart mobile devices and broadband wireless technology now makes it possible for businesses to use video conferencing virtually anywhere, and with Lifesize Cloud they now have the platform to do it in.
The platform is delivered as software-as-a-service (SaaS (News - Alert)) with the right combination of software, hardware, service and UX to give organizations business-class visual collaboration solutions without high CAPEX or taxing IT resources.
Visual collaboration is increasingly becoming one of the most sought after resources by organizations. This is primarily being driven by affordable room video systems as well as free platforms that will eventually take over the market, such as WebRTC. Although WebRTC is still early in this development, Lifesize has recognized the potential of this technology and makes it available for consumers. "I think you'll see directionally that WebRTC will get more traction over the course of the next few years. It's still nascent and it's not an official standard yet, but it will all get sorted out," Casey King (News - Alert), CTO of Lifesize, told Enterprise Networking Planet.
Key features of Lifesize Cloud include:
- A connected experience on any device
- Anyone, anywhere unlimited guest capability to connect with individuals outside of your organization
- Fully interoperable with up to 25-way calls in HD video or audio for every user and virtual meeting
- Shared internal company directory by auto-populating instantly on every device you use
- Fully loaded features with click to call, check presence status, connect instantly or in scheduled calls, have single and group calls, share presentations
Another great benefit of this platform is it allows instant scalability by inviting new users to a Web login.
The company announced availability starting May 21, 2014 in US, Canada, Mexico, E.U., Norway and Switzerland.