Criteria for choosing a video collaboration solution

Pedro Ballesteros, Polycom country manager for Spain and Portugal, highlights in this opinion article what are the three basic criteria that must be followed to choose a collaboration solution to ensure coordination and teamwork., geographically dispersed, be more efficient and productive.

There are a huge number of options when choosing a video collaboration system., but, How to choose the solution that best suits our needs and those of our company? There is such a wide range of solutions that it can be difficult to select the most suitable option for what we need.. There is a simple process, based on three steps, to make the best decision: integration, innovation and inspiration.

The usual thing is that some collaboration solutions are used in the company, and most of the time this includes a Microsoft environment, as well as email and instant messaging. If this is the case, The best decision is to choose a solution that natively integrates with Microsoft, including the new Office platform 365, as well as Skype for Business, key collaboration tool.

Besides, We must not forget that solutions based on open standards are interoperable and compatible with third-party solutions., thus facilitating the creation of a truly unified collaboration experience in organizations.

The innovation

Nobody wants solutions that are practically obsolete the same day they are installed. It is important to look for innovative solutions that come from a supplier with a solid track record in the market with transformative technology..

But innovative doesn't mean so groundbreaking that it doesn't make sense., means well thought out and based on research into end-user habits and preferences. Innovations may not be visible, but they must make a difference regarding the quality and effectiveness of the collaborative experience.

Intelligent noise management technology is important, Automatic muting of inactive video conference participants (that do not speak) and create virtual fences around those who are connected from open spaces. This ensures that background noise, keystrokes or if someone is eating, Disturbing sounds don't interrupt meetings.

It is convenient to choose solutions that anticipate the needs we have, with innovation incorporated.

Inspiring ideas

The biggest concern for anyone when selecting a new video collaboration solution, is how to facilitate the adoption of the use of this new technology by end users within their own company. The answer is simple: make it easy to use.

It is key to choose a solution that has a simple and intuitive user interface and provides a similar user experience in all the meeting rooms in which it is used and in applications created for both desktop and mobile devices..

This will help people feel more confident using the video collaboration solution without needing help from the IT department.. On the other hand, solutions that allow people to collaborate situated or collocated in a more natural way, Helps come up with better ideas in meetings. For example, standing in a semicircle or placing chairs in a circle around the devices., as they usually do in meetings so everyone can see each other's faces, instead of in line.

It is key to choose trusted solutions that facilitate their daily adoption..