Videoconferencing becomes more affordable for SMEs

By Lucy Arole, analyst, OVUM | Jun 29, 2009

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At this month’s Infocomm, vendors announced plans to introduce lower-cost high-definition videoconferencing equipment and solutions. This is good news not only for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which have expressed a growing interest in videoconferencing according to our recent SME country surveys, but also for large enterprises that are interested in low-cost, high-quality video solutions. The business case for video is now becoming more compelling even to the SME, which has previously been out priced by the high cost of videoconferencing equipment.

Vendors make HD video more affordable and accessible for SMEs
Polycom recently announced the launch of its HDX 6000 solution, priced at less than $6,500 (about €5,000). The HD videoconferencing solution uses standards-based interoperability and lost packet recovery technology. The solution is aimed at the budget-conscious SME and education sectors, and will be generally available from August 2009. The solution can be integrated into Polycom’s videoconferencing portfolio. As videoconferencing becomes more acceptable, Polycom’s HDX 6000 solution enables SMEs to participate in videoconferencing without investing in an expensive solution they cannot afford.

Teliris has announced its 6G Telepresence solution, which is based on a platform that improves the quality of telepresence over general-purpose networks, improving the quality of telepresence at a low cost and making it accessible to SMEs. It also launched NanoPersonal Telepresence at a price point under $8,000. NanoPersonal Telepresence is designed specifically for the desktop and has a 22-inch screen. Teliris is an innovator in the telepresence space and focuses solely on telepresence solutions, so it is not surprising that it wants to bring telepresence quality to all types of videoconferencing and extend high quality beyond the boardroom.

LifeSize introduced a new software client called LifeSize Desktop. The solution delivers HD conferencing via the PC and a standard off-the-shelf webcam. LifeSize Desktop delivers HD video decoded at 720p, 30 frames per second, in full 16:9 format, as well as HD audio with echo cancellation for productive collaboration. It is interoperable with other SIP-based desktop and room solutions and enables travelling employees or those in remote locations to participate in video conferences without a reduction in quality.

As videoconferencing quality improves and becomes an essential part of communication for enterprises, LifeSize has introduced this solution to ensure that it can be reached by all employees within the enterprise. The software client can be deployed inexpensively across the workforce of an SME, which will be able to benefit from deeper collaboration between employees and other businesses.

All the low-cost solutions mentioned above are not only attractive to SMEs but also to large enterprises that want to expand videoconferencing through their enterprises. Many large enterprises are choosing HD videoconferencing solutions instead of telepresence, and the development of HD conferencing solutions by vendors will facilitate its adoption even further.