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  • #2211225

    Implementing a Video Conferencing System?

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    by indecon ·

    Hello TechRepublic-ites,

    I am in the process of researching video conferencing systems in the hopes of purchasing/implementing one in the near future. The company I work for would like one unit initially to connect those working off-site with employees at our main office. The main concerns we have are compatibility (IP, bridge to ISDN, Skype-related applications, GoToMeeting would be a benefit) and integration with our current systems (Polycom). I am unclear whether the bridge to ISDN is critical as most businesses are migrating to IP. We currently use Polycom for conference calls, but are open to other brand suggestions for a video conferencing system.

    Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time and expertise.

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    • #2893733

      Clarifications

      by indecon ·

      In reply to Implementing a Video Conferencing System?

      Clarifications

    • #2844557

      does it have to be "in house?"

      by pgit ·

      In reply to Implementing a Video Conferencing System?

      I can see how security concerns would suggest having total control over the server is the way to go. Are you trying to establish an entirely independent “in house” solution?

      This is one area where the problems can be of the variety that I’d much rather pay someone else to handle the headaches. But on the other hand, I can see some of my clients not fully trusting the likes of go to meeting or other web based solutions.

      It’s a tough call. Mind you “in house” does not automatically mean “better security,” indeed the security of the system is entirely on your shoulders.

      For the majority of customers with these needs one of the commercial web based systems if totally acceptable.

      BTW I can’t recommend any commercial server software, my purview is open source, hopefully also free… I’ve deployed a few gnomemeeting (now Ekiga) servers over the years, they worked well, even when tunneled through ssh. This won’t help you, it’s Linux based software.

    • #2844355

      IOCOM- Cheap/good solution

      by bullsbears ·

      In reply to Implementing a Video Conferencing System?

      IOCOM seems like a good solution for you (iocom.com) they offer services on their public server but you can also purchase your own server to work off of. IOCOM’s Visimeet can dial into H.323, Polycom, IP, Etc. Visimeet also has low price points ranging from free to outfitting an entire Telepresence room. The contact list is a good feature for companies since employees can easily IM each other, invite each other to meetings without calling or emailing, and see who’s available. It offers free calling to US and Canadian phones from anywhere in the world and a recorder. The site obviously has a lot of information but I think since you currently have worked with Polycom or may encounter Polycom users this would be a good fit especially since compared to others its pretty cheap and offers great customer service.
      http://www.iocom.com/pricing.php

    • #2884327

      On-Premise video conferencing solution

      by janettfung ·

      In reply to Implementing a Video Conferencing System?

      While in-house does not equal to 100% security, it definitely gives you more protection. Hosted solution will direct all your meeting data through a third-party server. With on-premise solution, you could deploy a video conferencing appliance behind your firewall and use your firewall to get ultimate protection. Juniper has some adds-on appliance and RHUB has video conferencing appliance. http://www.rhubcom.com/

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