Key Factors and Features when looking for an enterprise videoconferencing solution
Many companies have abandoned the traditional workplace. Companies today expect their employees to participate in virtual meetings and complete tasks when remotely, so they must have access to a sophisticated platform for doing so.
Following a discussion of the numerous advantages of video meetings, we'll offer advice on what to look for in enterprise meeting software and then reveal our top picks for the top platforms.
We understand that you require a platform that can work with a wide range of tools, has features to meet the demands of a corporate team and can scale with the best of them. Apps like Slack, primarily a webchat app with video calling as a side benefit, and Google Meet, better suited for individual use than business use, have been left off this list.
How remote meetings benefit businesses over in-person meetings
Let's look at the advantages of holding online meetings. Of course, there are times when nothing but a face-to-face meeting will do. Still, they are becoming significantly less and farther between.
Remote meetings, in particular, are a workplace necessity for businesses. They enable organizations to hire from a global talent pool while remaining confident that staff members can collaborate easily from wherever they are.
That isn't all. Other benefits of video conferencing that traditional face-to-face interactions do not provide. As an example:
It is less expensive.
Video conferencing solutions are typically inexpensive and priced on a monthly subscription basis. Using cloud-based unified communications software, you won't need to spend extra money on servers, recording gear, or transcription services.
Remote meetings also save money on travel (as well as real estate, since you won't need conference rooms). This can represent a significant cost saving for businesses with hundreds of employees across offices worldwide. Furthermore, it allows for forming teams that would not have otherwise met.
It increases collaboration equity.
Collaboration equity occurs when all employees, regardless of location, role, skill set, language, or disability, can contribute and communicate equally.
This is accomplished through the use of enterprise meeting software. No one is excluded because of their location, and those with mobility issues or childcare responsibilities are just as welcome to participate as anyone else.
Those with hearing impairment could even participate in video conferences thanks to tools like real-time transcription.
It simplifies scheduling.
Furthermore, organizing a recurring meeting is less complicated than gathering people in person (especially if everyone is in different time zones). You won't need to schedule a meeting room, track down coworkers, or organize travel.
When people's calendars are linked to meeting software, it's simple to see who is available. Create an invite in Google Calendar or Microsoft Outlook, add participants, and send. You can also start ad-hoc meetings with a single click or convert a chat or phone call into a meeting.
It also lowers your carbon footprint.
Going remote is good for the environment and reduces stress associated with commuting. It results in fewer cars on the road and allows participants from other countries to participate without flying. This becomes a high cost when applied to a workforce distributed throughout the country or the world.
If most tasks can be completed virtually, you may not even need a physical office. Spending less on necessities like rent, electricity, fuel, building repairs, and other infrastructure can save your company thousands of dollars annually.
Five factors to consider when selecting a business collaboration tool
Your company's size
A primary requirement for enterprise meeting software is the capacity to support the proper meeting sizes, as these are typically required for company-wide town halls held by businesses.
Many meeting software platforms cap attendance at 20, but some businesses may require tools that can accommodate large numbers.
Budget and plans for prices
Corporate budgeting focuses on efficiency. And a robust, consolidated communications platform that includes conferencing, messaging, and phone calls (as well as contact center functionality) offers that efficiency from multiple perspectives.
The platform's flexibility and scope of capabilities save money because you no longer need to buy multiple solutions to accomplish the same task. It saves time because you don't have to switch between apps throughout the day, and all of your data is in one place.
Solution capabilities and features
Consider which features you require and how they will fit into your workflows. Request feedback from the people who will be using the software the most. Companies are discovering that it is a good idea to select something that works well on mobile devices, even after their employees have returned to the office.
Customer service
Most enterprise plans should include 24/7 customer support via multiple channels, so this should be a simple item to cross off your list when evaluating options. It's worth noting that some collaboration providers charge for tech support, either per ticket submitted or based on the amount of time they spend with you, so read the fine print carefully.
Security
As a business, cybersecurity should be a top priority. After all, you have more clients and data to safeguard.
Look for GDPR/HIPAA compliance, single sign-on (SSO) capabilities, and meeting controls for the host when selecting a video call solution.
5 features should be present in any business meeting platform.
Integrations with other applications
Your meeting platform should be easy to integrate with other business applications so that all tasks, interactions, and data are in one place.
APIs allow you to go far beyond pre-built integrations and create your own. That means your meeting platform can work in tandem with any other mission-critical tools. That's a game changer for companies of all sizes, where many of these tools are likely to be used.
Call transcription and recording.
Recording and transcribing video calls eliminates confusion and allows you to share essential information with non-attendees. Certain businesses may need this for industry compliance, and it can also be used for monitoring and coaching.
Access to AI can provide live transcription, which is more accurate than closed captioning, and highlights and action items, which are then compiled into a meeting summary.
Screen sharing
Screen sharing is an excellent method for collaborating on visual content. You can give a presentation to a client, go over complex data with them, or provide coaching to remote employees.
It ensures that everyone is looking at the same thing at the same time and even allows you to annotate files in a group. You typically can share your entire screen or just a window or tab.
Chatting during the virtual meeting
In-meeting chat is also helpful when you need to have a side conversation. You can formulate a question or express an opinion without interrupting the speaker, or you can point out if someone's webcam or microphone isn't working correctly.
Attendees can, for example, use real-time messages with other participants or the presenter in both one-on-one and group chats, as well as use emoji reactions. You can also access a log of chat conversations if necessary—just in case that great idea came in the side conversation rather than the main call.
High-definition audio and video
A large number of people dialing in must be supported by enterprise meeting software. As a result, audio and video quality are critical. Better quality ensures you present a professional image without wasting time on "Can you hear me now?" or "Sorry, I didn't quite catch that."
All attendees can see and hear what you share on screen. You'll be able to pick up on nonverbal cues like body language and facial expressions.
Give your Company the Best Communication and Collaboration Solution Available.
There are currently a wide variety of video conferencing solutions to choose from. Businesses of any size can benefit from enterprise meeting software, especially when it is reasonably priced, like TeleSwitch Elevate.
TeleSwitch Elevate's fully integrated UCaaS and CCaaS tech stack mean your company has all the tools to succeed, enabling real-time communication and collaboration no matter where your team is.
Isn't it time you chose the appropriate enterprise meeting software for your company?
When looking for a cloud telephony provider, the best way is to connect with a telephony consultant like TeleSwitch. TeleSwitch will focus on your needs and bring the right service providers for your type of business. Our consultants could also help document your existing configuration and any desired change for a more efficient configuration of your new cloud solution.
