All-in-one solutions combine hardware and software to bring distributed teams together, no matter how far apart they are
Many modern meetings take place across multiple locations. Large organizations need ways to bring distributed teams together. More than half of the U.S. workforce with remote capable jobs have settled into hybrid work, so connecting in-person groups and remote workers in real time is even more important.
That’s where enterprise video conferencing solutions come into play. In this article, we’ll explore the importance and challenges of video conferencing. We'll also outline critical components to look for in your next enterprise solution.
Find more ways to foster teamwork and productivity across a distributed organization in our guide, The modern manager's guide to video conferencing solutions.
Why enterprise video conferencing solutions are important
Video conferencing is already the norm for modern workplaces. Many popular solutions pair software apps with a device’s built-in camera and microphones. However, at the enterprise level, this combination may fall short of creating a true collaborative experience.
Enterprises have long sought ways to bring global teams together. Today, orchestrating hybrid work is table stakes. It's normal for some employees to gather in the office while others work from home. Facilitating collaboration, productivity, and camaraderie in light of those challenges is critical for organizations.
Research has shown that remote workers are more likely to feel isolated from their colleagues. Others feel disconnected from their professional purpose. Phenomena like “Zoom fatigue” can slow down progress and stifle innovation. But enhancing communication and collaboration across multiple locations is complex. It takes more than a two-way conversation.
That’s why the best enterprise video conferencing solutions combine hardware and software. They enable point-to-point and multi-point meetings. They also bring teams together beyond boxes on a screen. These solutions make employees feel like they're in the room together, even when they’re not.
Did You Know?The RICOH Meeting 360 automatically focuses on up to 8 individual speakers, and can identify them from up to 12 feet away. Learn more here.
Top challenges of video conferencing platforms
Video conferencing technologies promise to solve many problems for modern organizations. However, they also present some unique challenges.
Ease of use
Your enterprise video conferencing solution should enhance meetings, not add friction. Implementation needs to be seamless and simple, from hardware installation to software configuration. Navigating the dedicated meeting interface needs to be as intuitive as it is simple.
Experience quality
High-quality video and audio are the most important factors of successful video conferences. Your IT team will need to account for hardware, software, and network bandwidth to ensure seamless, uninterrupted, and high-quality connections.
In-person groups
Having part of your team gathered in person presents a unique opportunity. Even if they're using individual laptops, don't make them feel farther apart. Instead, invest in video conferencing equipment for large rooms. Look for an all-in-one solution that creates a cohesive, collaborative experience.
Did You Know?:The RICOH Meeting 360 offers 360-degree camera coverage and can pick up voices up to 20 feet away, making every attendee feel like they’re right there in the room (even if they’re not). Learn more here.
There are trade-offs when it comes to any video conferencing solution. But enterprise-level organizations need to tick all these boxes and more. Next, we’ll explore the combination of features to look for to accomplish this. Luckily, unified systems can help meet enterprise organizations' needs.
Must-have features of video conferencing equipment
Start with the most important video conferencing features first. Once you’ve covered the basics, you can layer on more advanced features. This combination will enhance collaboration even further.
These are four of the biggest must-have components in enterprise video conferencing solutions:
1: High-end cameras
Look for high-end lenses that record professional-quality video. If you’re looking to capture many speakers, 360-degree coverage will be important. Advanced camera features such as auto-focus will ensure that every speaker is always easy to see.
2: Microphone arrays
An advanced microphone array will ensure high-quality audio and help avoid the frustration of broken audio streams and hard-to-hear messages. Look for microphones with a wide voice pick-up range. Automatic volume adjustments will make communication feel more natural.
3: Advanced speakers
If some of your team is gathered in person, bring them together with one shared audio source. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a mess of headphones or constant "can you say that again" interruptions. Look for high-powered speaker capabilities and audio playback that is robust and adjustable.
4: Security features
Built-in security features are critical for keeping your meetings private. Encrypted data transfer, password-protected logins, and other security fundamentals are necessary. Ask about your provider's security bona fides to ensure you’re protected from every angle.
Our recommendation: RICOH Meeting 360
The RICOH Meeting 360 is an ideal enterprise video conferencing solution for business leaders looking to bring teams together. The 3-in-1 system delivers a complete meeting experience, enhances communication, and increases productivity. The panoramic 360-degree camera uses a dual fisheye lens to capture your meeting space. The microphone can pick up voices up to 20 feet away. Acoustic echo cancellation and background noise reduction ensure high-quality audio. Auto gain control adjusts the volume so each speaker can be heard equally.
The Meeting 360 interface also automatically showcases recent speakers in high-resolution frames to facilitate dialogue and promote collaboration. Using the system is as easy as it gets; just plug RICOH Meeting 360 into a laptop and start a call. Click here to learn more or shop the rest of our video conferencing product line.
Note: Information and external links are provided for your convenience and for educational purposes only, and shall not be construed, or relied upon, as legal or financial advice. PFU America, Inc. makes no representations about the contents, features, or specifications on such third-party sites, software, and/or offerings (collectively “Third-Party Offerings”) and shall not be responsible for any loss or damage that may arise from your use of such Third-Party Offerings. Please consult with a licensed professional regarding your specific situation as regulations may be subject to change.
