Don’t Overlook the Key Components of a Reliable Video Conference

It’s no secret that we are staunch believers in the power of online meetings to simplify collaboration with partners, team members, customers and others. And like any other business decisions, we also believe that choosing the right online meeting service is the best way to ensure this collaboration is seamless, secure and keeps your meetings on-time and on point.

While many love the convenience of video conferencing and the work it makes possible, few tend to think beyond the costs of their video conferencing service when choosing the right one. But, there are other factors that businesses should look into when making this decision – namely, reliability, connectivity, quality video and clear audio.

Why are important factors like these often overlooked? Many times, people simply don’t understand the benefits. From what I’ve seen, end-users overall believe video conferencing services all offer the same “pros” when they initially choose one. But, gauging the overall quality is difficult until the technology is used on a more regular basis.

While working for a small start-up in Palo Alto, several of my co-workers used Google Hangouts for quick, on-the-fly meetings. And while all of the fun “masks” and gag sounds Google Hangouts made for great entertainment, when my co-workers would meet with me across the WebEx service I used, they’d eventually ask our IT team for a license so they could use WebEx too. Why? Because they noticed the quality of the connection, the crisp video and the better audio features that WebEx offers. It was a huge difference and frankly, they found WebEx easier to use. Ultimately, we all found ourselves being more productive in our WebEx meetings.

Of course, the benefits of choosing a reliable web conference meeting solution aren’t just one-sided. Your clients, prospects and customers win as well when close attention is paid to the technical aspects of your web conference solution, especially when leaders and presenters think about the end-user experience. Walk through a mock online meeting using your current web conference product. Do you experience any glitches? Is the audio clear? When a presenter takes extra steps before a meeting to share how to join a video conference, ensure phone numbers, codes and links work, it makes for a positive experience for everyone.

Thankfully, the technical characteristics needed for a reliable web conference solution don’t require one to be a tech-whiz. Ensuring the video conference platform is compatible with the software and devices your team uses at work should be a key part of your vetting process. Think to the future as well. As you grow your business, you don’t want to have to change your video conference software because your original solution wasn’t scalable to your company’s unique needs. As with any type of technology, pay attention to the security features the video conference solution offers to keep your meetings secure and your next big idea under wraps until it’s time for a reveal.

Chances are, you already know if your video conference service is not reliable. All it takes is experiencing a slow connection, fuzzy video or constant choruses of “what did you say?” to let you know that your solution is not necessarily the answer to your needs. In the end, you want a solution that sets you up for the success you want. And as video conferencing continues to be a business communication staple, choosing a solution that fits your technical needs gets you one step closer to it.

WebEx has the high-quality HD video, clear audio and the reliable, secure connections you want and need in a web conferencing solution. See them for yourself – plus learn about a host of other tools that let you control who joins a meeting, share screens and even host one-on-one video chats – when you join us a Live Demo of WebEx.