Video Conferencing

Video conferencing has evolved over the years into an entirely new dynamic that is fostering growth and accelerating communications capabilities for users of all kinds.

 

Video conferencing solutions of the past, with slower connection speeds, and not so great quality, are continually replaced today with solutions that offer the ability to communicate and share information naturally and efficiently with users located at different physical locations.

 

SightSpeed (News - Alert), a provider of desktop video conferencing services brings to the market an affordable, unique offering that makes fast, quality video calls over the Internet possible for any user.

 

To find out more about the company and their video conferencing offerings, I took some time to speak with Eric Quanstrom, VP Consumer Marketing & Business Development at SightSpeed.

Who is SightSpeed can you briefly describe the company?

SightSpeed, Inc. is the leading provider of free and premium Internet video and voice communications services (VVoIP and VoIP), such as video conferencing. SightSpeed software enables consumers and small businesses to make the best quality video and voice calls and to send video mail over the Internet. SightSpeed's award winning service turns a PC or Mac into an easy-to-use video communications center to communicate with friends, family and colleagues around the world.

 

SightSpeed grew out of research done at Cornell University on how to make audio conferencing and video conferencing more like normal human interaction. The company is based in Berkeley, CA (News - Alert).

 

Whats SightSpeed's position in the marketplace and what sets the company apart from others?

We have always led with video; that is our calling card. SightSpeed offers the highest quality video conferencing services at the most affordable rates in the marketplace.

 

The SightSpeed offering has distinct advantages for real-world video conferencing usage beyond even award-winning quality:

 

We are very well adapted to having the highest usability rates for the broadest range of user environments. You get the benefits of room-based video conferencing and communications services, including voice-over IP calling, instant messaging, video e-mail, and file sharing—without being tied to the room. SightSpeed works wherever you want it to, in the current landscape in which you work.

 

 

How can business users find benefit in video conferencing, what does SightSpeed offer to support the business user?

Video conferencing on the desktop gives business users the freedom to keep all their business contacts face-to-face. To develop a quicker rapport; to begin a relationship that will be deeper, richer and more useful than would otherwise be the case. This is a versatile technology that can be used across employees, contractors, suppliers and clients. SightSpeed is there for the business user with an offering that delivers quality and flexibility on a budget.

 

The business user can download, setup and be up-and-running on SightSpeed in a matter of minutes. The same is also true for their clients or colleagues. So the technology can be used each and every day to stay connected. The business user can not only save time and money on travel expenses, but also have the flexibility of scheduling face-to-face meetings wherever they are! As the world grows more mobile, face time becomes more important—and SightSpeed delivers the perfect technology for the times.

 

How has consumer uptake in video conferencing helped to popularize the technology?

Substantially. At SightSpeed, we’re seeing a significant uptake rate in two important areas: broadband availability and embedded webcams. These two technologies are the platform from which SightSpeed becomes useful, as having a meaningful video conference is now only a download away.  

 

In a broadband world, staying connected means having the tools to make an impression, and to stay connected. With SightSpeed, you’re never out-of-touch.  

The major improvement centers around what has been removed from a cumbersome process: No more expensive equipment, no more designated rooms or heavy fixed costs, no more interoperability struggles, and most importantly—no more IT staff needed to set up and use the system. SightSpeed brings video conferencing to everyone. The technology is easy-to-use and delivers the goods in terms of quality and reliability.

 

When you look at these major paradigms in the video conferencing market: reduced cost, increased flexibility and higher quality, it is likely the market will continue to grow at a fairly fast pace. SightSpeed is approaching 1 million registered users – the vast majority of which have come from word-of-mouth alone… So we think the revolution is just starting.