Better video conferencing in the cloud

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Former US Transportation Department CIO Nitin Pradhan discusses why advanced web based video conferencing systems are a smart choice for enterprises, and offers 12 tips for using them effectively. A critical part of the CIO's job is to keep the enterprise's technology environment up to date and relevant. When it comes to communication, most CIOs have focused on upgrading email systems and bringing in VOIP telephones -- but many have missed the boat on multipoint video conferencing. A more convenient and efficient alternative to traveling, cloud-based video conferencing is becoming a preferred way to conduct both one-on-one and group meetings. It allows employees to participate in a more relaxed and comfortable setting, whether they're working from home or in the office. Live video feeds allow participants to interact in real time. This leads to increased involvement and stronger personal connections. Within the enterprise, video conferencing server can also reduce time spent walking between campuses and buildings. Better yet, recent advances in videoconferencing technology make it more appealing and cost-effective than ever. Why conference room videoconferencing often fails When I served as CIO of the US Department of Transportation, many of our conference rooms were equipped with video meeting software technology. I observed first-hand why these systems failed. First, web conferencing software equipment is expensive and can be difficult to use. Without dedicated support staff at meeting time, meeting organizers often have trouble using the systems. Even when the system works properly, participants in other locations must have complementary systems. Then there are the scheduling conflicts and equipment limitations. Users who want to conduct a virtual meeting must compete for conference room resources with users holding in-person meetings. Since most online meeting software uses only one camera that generally focuses on the speaker, the reactions of other participants are lost. Alternatively, panning the camera renders most of the meeting's participants unrecognizable. Finally, there's the issue of time spent going back and forth to the conference room and in setting up and testing the videoconferencing equipment before meetings. This is simply not the best way to develop an effective virtual meeting software strategy. Internet video conferencing: here to stay Enterprise desktop videoconferencing -- in which each user attends the free web conferencing using his or her business desktop or laptop and a webcam -- is a smarter alternative. For many users, the image and reputation of virtual conferencing has been skewed by their audio/video experiences with free Skype and similar products. While Skype performance has improved under Microsoft -- especially with the new Xbox One system -- it is not, in my opinion, an enterprise-grade product with management controls. Better video conferencing in the cloud As for current leading players, CUMeeting and Cisco WebEx, they make meetings appear somewhat artificial, perhaps because these platforms were built as webinar products. They added videoconferencing features later. Next-generation cloud video conferencing My current favorite videoconferencing product? Zoom Cloud Meetings, developed by Silicon Valley-based startup Zoom, which counts more than 5,000 businesses and 900 universities among its customers. The Zoom cloud platform combines web meeting software, mobile collaboration, and simple online meetings. It was built with desktop videoconferencing and mobile users in mind. Zoom is easy to use and requires no training, and is attractively priced for business customers. Based on our research at GOVonomy, Zoom's platform would be an ideal fit for federal, state, and local governments to use for inter- or intra-agency communications and for interacting with businesses and citizens virtually. Zoom offers HD voice, video, and content sharing, along with anytime, anywhere, any-device online web meeting. Enterprises can use it on desktops, laptops, tablets, mobile devices, and H.323/SIP room conferencing systems. It allows up to 100 participants from anywhere and offers Web streaming (still in beta) for up to 1,000 people. Participants can choose either a full-screen or a gallery view (multiple participants on screen), with dual streams for dual monitors. The product allows screen sharing, annotation, private and group messaging, and iPad whiteboarding. Users can use Zoom for on-demand meetings or use it to schedule meetings. It includes a meeting reminder tool as well as MP4 and MA4 recording capabilities with company branding. It also offers user management, reporting, and encryption. After using it for a year, it has become my go-to communications channel for important discussions, even before email and the phone. Ready to scale up your enterprise with a great cloud-based video conferencing system? Here are some suggestions to help you implement and utilize videoconferencing most effectively in your organization. For detailed information, please visit