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Posts Tagged ‘Video Conferencing’

Now that the iPhone 4S has launched, it features version 5.0 of Apple’s iOS operating system. iOS 5 contains a number of advancements, including iCloud, better notifications, and support for synching over a Wi-Fi connections. One of the most exciting third-party applications that will run on the iPhone 4S isLifeSize(r) ClearSea(tm), designed by the industry leader in HD video conferencing to support video collaboration between anyone, anywhere.
LifeSize is now the only vendor in the enterprise video conferencing market to offer natively interoperable video calling from the conference room to the PC and Mac as well as to iOS 5 and a broad range of smartphones and tablets. Lifesizeturns the iPhone 4s into a send-and-receive capable videoconference node which supports HD video, as well as crystal-clear audio.

It seamless connects to any H.323 or SIP-based video conference system or infrastructure solution, thus interoperating with  most enterprise video conference suites. LifesizeClearSea prepares the smartphone to be part of a very large network of video conference devices. With projections of up to 1.3 billion smartphones and tablets in existence just a few years from now, the ability to collaborate over HD videofrom any location is becoming more important than ever. Given the solution’ssimplicity, it brings video conferencing softwareto the masses, freeing it not only from the office, but also from the need to have an IT administrator nearby.

LifeSizeClearSea also lets a user connect to a whole range of mobile devices. In addition to the iPhone 4S, LifeSize has designed its solution to run on the Android platform, as well as on older iPhone devices. Supported tablets include the iPad 2, Xoom, Galaxy Tab and Dell Streak. All of these devices connect to a ClearSea server running on a dedicated piece of server hardware. The system is the only one to bridge iOS devices, Android devices, Macs and PCs into a single seamless video conference network.

LifesizeClearSea enables the iPhone 4S to connect to a corporate video conferencing suite, as well as multiple sites for a true virtual conference experience. With a properly configured server, your iPhone 4S can connect you to as many as 25 other sites in a 26-party multiwayconference. Everyone on the conference will be sharp and clear, thanks to the app’s support for the iPhone’s 1080p FullHD video camera.

Although the iPhone 4S comes with a consumer-grade video calling application, business users need apps that meet higher standards. LifeSizeClearSea offers the best possible video quality, the best possible interoperating capabilities with video conferencing suites, and the best ease of use. It extends a globally available video conferencing system, letting you check in with any connected user at anytime from anywhere. For the first time ever, all that you need to do to get these benefits is to simply visit the App Store.

Video conferencing is a communications tool that makes it possible to share both audio and video transmissions with each location associated with the conference session. Conferences of this type may involve no more than two locations, or include a number of different attendees who are using facilities around the world to attend the meeting. There are several benefits to using video conferencing, with many of those benefits revolving around the reduction of travel costs as well as efficiently managing tasks in a way that help to minimise other types of costs.

One of the immediate advantages of video conferencing is that the cost of holding this type of virtual meeting is significantly less than the expenses of arranging face to face meetings. For example, if a company wishes to arrange a meeting with all its regional sales managers, one option is to fly all of them into the corporate headquarters, pay for hotel accommodations and meals during their stay, and cover any other ancillary costs they may incur as a result of attending the meeting. By contrast, the cost for setting up and conducting a video conference does not require incurring any type of travel expenses and has the added bonus of allowing those managers to avoid the downtime that occurs while traveling to and from the meeting.

Using video conferencing in a factory environment can actually generate cost savings. This approach is often used in textile plants when support from an equipment manufacturer is needed to address an operational issue with the machines found on the production floor. Rather than flying in a technician from the manufacturer to inspect and repair the machinery, a video conference that makes use of mobile equipment allows that expert to guide plant personnel in how to identify the repairs necessary and to actually complete those repairs. The textile business avoids costly downtime that would occur while the technician was en route to the plant site, and also the substantial charges that many equipment manufacturers charge for site visits.

Video conferencing can even be the means of providing medical treatment sooner rather than later, which may result in saving a life. With this approach to telehealth, specialists can be brought in for consultations with patients using this virtual means of communication. For example, the specialist may attend an operation via the video conference, using the voice and video components to guide the attending surgeons in how to deal with a difficult procedure. Along with keeping the costs of providing the healthcare lower, this type of telemedicine solution also means that valuable time is not wasted while a specialist is flown in from some remote location, a factor that could be very important to increasing the chances of survival for the patient.

In many instances, video conferencing offers a viable means of saving money while still accomplishing essential tasks. Those savings may have to do with reducing travel expenses, preventing the loss of income due to production shutdowns, or reducing the costs and time associated with providing medical care. As the costs of video conferencing have become more affordable over the years, even smaller businesses can benefit from considering this type of communications solution.