Virtual Office Resource

Most organizations want to integrate the latest technology to make their organizations more efficient, but certain issues can stop them from doing so. The problem can be related to lack of resources or even awareness of what is available in the market place. Research by Blue Jeans Network, a cloud-based videoconferencing solutions provider, has revealed more than half, or 56 percent of those surveyed, have videoconferencing hardware that is outdated and not fit for purpose.

The reluctance by many companies to upgrade their system is often based on the initial purchase of their outdated system. While old videoconferencing platforms were very expensive, hosted solutions offered in the cloud today can be accessed by even the smallest of businesses. The increased adoption of the technology is lowering the price point, which is being driven by the collaborative and remote working environment in the workplace.

The research was carried out from a survey of 116 IT and operations decision makers throughout the U.K., with 76 percent emphasizing the positive impact the technology has on their employees and business. That data point however clashes with the 92 percent who said they did not plan to do update, which left only eight percent making the decision to upgrade in the next 12 months.

As the research stated, “It demonstrated a significant gap between what businesses deem efficient and the technologies that support that.” With budget cuts and other IT priorities taking the place of videoconferencing, this survey revealed it may not always be possible to access the latest solutions.

Additional points the research discovered include:

• Eighty seven percent of companies predicted to be using more videoconferencing by 2017.
• Interoperability is an issue; 49 percent of all respondents said they are dissatisfied with the conflict they are having with other systems.  
• Ease-of-use is a big hindrance, and 53 percent stated videoconferencing tools are too difficult to use all together. Additionally, close to 60 percent believe the ability to easily join a meeting is important, but only nine percent indicated their current provider delivers an easy-to-use experience.
• Instead of using the solution their company provides, 55 percent said they prefer using other platforms, which backs up why one in three companies find it difficult to achieve a return on investment.

“IT decision makers need to ensure that the solutions provided to the workforce are as flexible and easy to use as possible, without this, expensive hardware equipment can end up gathering dust. We see customers dramatically increase the return on investments made in expensive video hardware; essentially upcycling equipment to increase productivity and improve collaboration, both internally and externally,” said James Campanini VP & GM EMEA, Blue Jeans Network.

The decision to upgrade any solution within the operations of an organization is a difficult one. However, with a technology that is becoming an essential tool for recruiting the best talent, improving productivity, delivering better customer service and increasing efficiency, the decision has to be reconsidered, because videoconferencing has become that technology.