What are the top features of Video Conferencing Devices?

The term 'video conferencing device' may not be used all that often, however, all of us have had, or most likely own multiple of these devices. Let's break down what a video conferencing device is. This device enables two or more people, from different locations to communicate. This is completed by computer connection (internet), audio and video. These devices are put into use in an array of ways, including team meetings, webinars, job interviews and even to communicate with friends and family who may live far away.

Now let's talk about the video conferencing device that you own. The computer or phone that you are reading this on currently is, or has the potential to be a video conferencing device. As mentioned above, it requires audio, video, internet, a display and video conferencing software. These three requirements are satisfied by a microphone, camera and your network provider. Every smartphone that has been released in the past five years, and all tablets and laptops contain all of the required hardware to complete a video conference. Now that we know what a video conference is, and what the devices are that enable them, let's talk about the most important features of choosing a video conferencing device.

Firstly, we want the device to be relatively easy to use. And by this I mean anyone in the office or at home being able to use it. Chances are if you are purchasing a video conferencing device for business, you are leaning on someone else thousands of kilometres away to set it up…we don't want that to be painful in itself. Also, once the device is set up, it is important that that equipment supports the software being used, whether that be Skype, Zoom etc.

Following this, we want the device to be able to support the array of functions that are integral to video conferences. Can they handle several people talking at once, or does the audio get fuzzy? Does the device give the option to provide a closer up shot of the person talking, or is it a wide-angle lens? Will, the microphone picks up clear audio so that people can hear you clearly on the other end? These are all important factors to consider. Essentially, you want a device that brings high-definition video and high clarity audio for a smooth video conference. This will happen if you have best phone systems for business.

Finally, the pricing. Personally, I live under the premise of "You get what you pay for". However, sometimes concessions have to be made to fit within the budget. And a video conferencing device follows the same premise. The top-of-the-line device with all of the best software and hardware incorporated will cost upwards of $15,000. Now, this is not your average price, as you can pick up equipment from as low as $250, and a massive amount of other video conferencing devices in between!

What is the importance of having a good business telephone system?

It's a new era of communications, and businesses need to be ready for it. The digital age has led to more than the development of technological advancements; it has redefined how business processes are completed as well as how employees connect with one another through their interactions in remote or mobile environments. This has seen the emergence of the cloud-based phone system that enables a business and its staff to operate from anywhere at any time with no interruption to the customer experience. Cloud-based and VoIP telephone systems are usually the best choice for small businesses because they allow you to introduce technology into how basic communication strategies work. For example, a VoIP system gives your customers and employees access to it as well. With such a reliance on constant communication here are four reasons why your business needs to have a good telephone system.

Great customer experience

A cloud-based small office phone systems is the only way you can answer calls and contact people wherever the user is. However, there are other benefits as well for your small business telephone system: increased service quality for customers; competitive advantages from consumer-centred strategies, such as answering phones however they like – even while on travel! You will never miss a call again and your customer will enjoy a greater level of service from feeling like you are always contactable.

Easy to scale

A scalable enterprise solution can help you through its ability to expand programs and users as needed. With Cloud communications in Australia, it has the direct effect of customer service combined with other successful factors result in your company growing and taking on more calls, inquiries, and messages from customers. With a business phone system that scales well without the need for hiring additional staff members or changing systems every time there is an increase in call volume, it's hard not to see how this would benefit small businesses greatly!

Easy to use

Business phone systems are on the rise because they take away a lot of stress from employees while helping with answering and transferring calls. For one, business phone systems come with all the help and support you need by being vendor-supported in either an on-premise or cloud version. You can feel confident that your people aren't going to have any issues when it comes to technical troubleshooting since these companies offer assistance for both new and veteran users so this takes the pressure off of them as well!

Save money

With no need for extra hardware, infrastructure or line rentals you are saving money straight away. All you need is a PC, smartphone, tablet and an internet connection and you are away. Never wait for a technician again to come and hook up a new staff member, with the click of a button you are connected. The savings for your business are huge.

What are the new phone system installation checklist?

If you are looking for a telephone system for small business, there are a few questions you need to ask yourself before deciding what system is best for your business. There are so many options available between standard PBX and now cloud based PBX systems. The key is to understand what is best for you and why. Below we will discuss the key points you need to keep in mind when deciding which telephone system is best for you small business.

Should I join the cloud-based revolution?

There are a few things that you need to consider when deciding between a standard PBX or a cloud-based telephone system for your small business.

·        Size of workforce

The size of your workforce is an important aspect of deciding what system is best for you. if you have a small workforce then a standard system might be the best solution but, in my opinion, regardless of the size of your business a cloud-based system is the best option. Whether you have 5 or 500 staff a cloud base telephone system is easy to manage, has zero installation fees, less hardware to maintain and as long as you have an internet connection you are always connected whether you are in the office, working from home or on the road.

·        How many staff are in the office?

There is no doubt the way we work has changed a lot over the last year with more staff working from home during the pandemic. Business’s have also discovered that their staff can be just as effective if not more so working from home. This lends heavily to a cloud-based telephone system. The ability to have your whole workforce online and available no matter where they are will ensure a greater customer experience.

 

Scalability

What does the future hold for your business, do you have plans to expand and grow your workforce? If the answer is yes, then a cloud-based solution would be best for your telephone solution. The ease of which you can add new users and extensions without the need for installations having to be booked as well as ordering new hardware. Smart phone, PC and an internet connection is all you need to set up a new user.

Evolving Landscape

I think an important thing to realize is that this area is a forever evolving landscape. The importance

of a quality telephone system for your small business, implementing a good cloud-based solution will ensure that not only your users but your customers have the best experience possible when dealing with your business.

Service continues to be the number one factor gaining repeat business and if your business is contactable 24/7 then that can only be a positive.

Cost

Last but by no means least, The Cost!!! At the end of the day small business as all business is ruled by the mighty dollar. A cloud-based phone system for your small business will save you money, a lot of money. No installation fees, no line rental, no extra hardware costs. The future is the cloud for you small business telephone solution and the team at IPVS are experts in the field. Join the revolution with IPVS.

The advantages of an IP phone system for your business

Today’s hyper-digitalized business world demands that in order for you to remain competitive and in front of the competition; your business is connected with modern IP phone systems around Brisbane.

Some of the positive advantages of an IP phone system for your business are:

·       Call transfer

IP office phone systems in Brisbane now have a very simple to operate call transfer feature. Any call you receive can be instantly transferred or redirected to any other available number, whether a mobile number, landline, personal or business number anywhere or anytime.

This makes sure all your team members are easily contactable at any time ensuring your customers always get the best possible service and can talk to the right person as needed

·       Video Call Conference

Meetings between your partners, customers, clients, advisers and experts can be achieved at any time by video call conferencing, even when those involved are scattered in totally different geographic locations. Having a virtual face to face meeting reduces the chances of misunderstanding and means important and informed decisions can be made instantly.

Avoiding costly delays and traveling expenses this feature offers maximum connectivity and keeps stakeholders and team members in real-time contact

·       Call Queuing

Having an effective and caller friendly call queuing system that minimizes callers waiting times is able to play personalized greetings, offers relevant information and tasteful music to make any delay or waiting as pleasant as possible is important for business with a large customer base.

Streamlining and minimizing call queues and ensuring callers are directed to the right person as quickly as possible with proactive and flexible support is a vital customer service

·       Interactive Voice Response

Providing the proper support for your customers with easy to use automated voice menus that allow callers to quickly redirect themselves to the appropriate person, extension numbers or departments ensure minimal delay and increased customer satisfaction with your customer services.

Having interactive IP office phone systems in Brisbane keeps your company ahead by solving your customer’s problems anytime

·       Call Barging

This very useful feature allows a third party to enter or overhear calls and conversations on virtual numbers so companies can monitor company calls to clients.

Invaluable during training and providing support for team members and representatives

The modern IP office phone systems in Brisbane and the rest of the world have presented new and exciting opportunities in communication so even small business can compete with other organizations on an equal footing globally and locally. There are a range of competitively priced calling plans tailored to suit your individual needs regardless of whether you’re a new startup, medium sized or large business.

The customized and individual communication systems give you the facilities you need with plenty of cloud based options and minimal downtime. By investing in an IP phone system for your business, you’re increasing your vital profitability parameters and expanding your customer services without the need for extra manpower or office space.

Top Tips to install IP Telephone Systems

 When you’re looking for a cost effective, but very high quality and trouble free telephone system for small business there are a few things you need to consider to make sure you install the best IP telephone systems for your needs.

Each IP service offers slightly different features and options as well as the standard things you expect from an ordinary land based system. One of the advantages of a IP phone system is they often work out as having a much more affordable overall cost and low monthly rates. They also eliminate long distance or toll call charges.

These simple steps that follow, will help you to access your needs and help you decide which of the features they offer are best for your unique an individual circumstances. Knowing which features you need before investing in unnecessary hardware or plug anything in, can save you lot of money.

IP telephone systems benefits for small business

Because IP telephone systems for small business are internet based there are many features not available on landline telephone systems including:

Mobility

You have the advantage of being able to use your existing smart phone to log in and receive or make calls through your IP system from anywhere

Integration

Most IP systems are able to be fully integrated and connected to most types of networks and solutions. This allows direct access to cloud based data and other apps as required

Accessibility

With IP telephone systems for small business you are always within easy reach of your business and all your data. Sharing information around your network and to outside entities is a simple matter of using your encrypted, dial in codes to access any features you require to properly manage your business.

Security

Security while using the internet as we all know that cybercrime is a huge growth industry and one of the largest business threats in online marketing and internet business in general.

You need to consider the all the necessary anti-cybercrime protocols and talk with your provider to find out what measures they are taking to safeguard your interests from their end.

Assess the number of users you require

Consider how many lines your customer service people will require and if you need audio video conferencing to determine the maximum number of lines your company will require at one time.

Network Compatibility

Be sure your network is compatible with the IP telephone systems you choose and the speed and band width you will need.

Features

Decide of the features you require as some providers only charge for the systems you use and the time your use them. Most IP systems will come with a range of equipment and software designed to improve your business communication. Some of the features are cloud based while others are more suited for your office

The physical installation procedures of IP telephone systems for small businesses are installed very easily as you only need to connect the devices your using to a route and suddenly you’re in business.

How important is it to have best video conferencing devices for businesses?

Using a video conferencing device for business is becoming more important as it reduces misunderstandings that often occur when relying on emails and normal phone calls.

When involved in a video conferencing session using a high quality device, it gives all participants the opportunity to recognize facial expressions and body language which many people rely on to gain a better understanding of what others are trying to convey.

Some important advantages of using a high quality video conferencing device in your business

·       Feels more real

Using the best quality video conferencing device in your business feels like you’re engaged in a face to face conversation. The older type of video conferencing equipment and many of the cheaper versions do not give a totally clear picture or sound and can feel more like you’re talking to some on a TV set rather than talking in person

·       Maximizes your human resources

Having the best quality video conferencing devices mean all participants are more likely to be paying closer attention. Participants are also more likely to be more conscious of the need to articulate accurately. It also encourages participants to speak up, ask questions and it ensures there is a complete degree of understand between all participants and that all information is clarified to every ones satisfaction

 

·       Professional

Using the best quality video conferencing devices gives the impression to those you’re communicating with that you’re a professional and use the best equipment available. It also implies that your business is modern and technically advanced so they can expect a high quality level of service from you and your business.

If you use low grade or older equipment it implies that you are liable to cut costs and may not always provide a high class, professional service or products

 

·       Saves you money

With high quality video conferencing devices you can conduct your business professionally without having to leave your office or conduct high quality business meetings from any location to any other location provided there is an internet connection.

Video conferences can also be recorded for later reference of for demonstration purposes, so you do not need to repeat meetings in different places.

 

When using a high quality video conferencing device you can eliminate a large amount of travel expenses. With the restrictions imposed because of the Covid viruses, video conferencing is becoming the new normal way many people now conduct their businesses.

Sharing knowledge and ideas has never been easier using video conferencing fro these advantages:

·       Provides for better business relationships and improved interactions

·       Improves communication with more effective meetings and better collaboration

·       Improves employee satisfaction by easily providing complete instructions

·       Helps to improve your competitive edge while fostering creativity

·       Allows a business to move more effectively towards its ultimate goals

 

Using the best quality video conferencing device in your business gives all participants a feeling of being more in sync with each other.

How does video conferencing build a strong business relationship

The way many people work patens have changed over the last few years because technology has allowed more freedom with location and communication and now using an advanced video conferencing device it’s becoming much easier. Over the last 12 months with the world wide Covid Pandemic, many people have been forced to reconsider their work options. While people have discovered the benefits of remote and work at home options, there are also drawbacks such as the lack of opportunities to build strong personal relationships because if the enforced isolation. Being able to use a video conferencing device has allowed for a much friendly remote working atmosphere and helped many people to build stronger business relationships.

Why video conferencing is successful

·       Face to face communication is powerful

Face to face meeting allow for a much greater amount of understanding between people because of the nonverbal communication that happens via facial expressions and body language. These signs are lacking or missed in email, text and to a degree in normal phone conversations where both parties rely on tone of voice and inflections to give meaning to the words spoken.

·       Open and Honest

It’s harder to hide emotions and be deceptive while talking face to face, so it’s more likely that a higher degree of trust and a stronger business relationship will develop through using a video conferencing device

·       Boosting morale

Partaking in video conferencing allows all participants to join in and have the feeling they are involved rather than getting a second or third hand memo of meetings or decisions that affect them. Being able to ask direct questions and have the opportunity to respond directly and spontaneously both creates and instills trust and confidence in others involved in the conference which helps to cement the foundation of a good business relationship

·       Increased attention

Because when using a video conferencing device everyone involved can see each other clearly it encourages those involved to pay more attention to the meeting and what’s being said or shown and not to multitask

·       Customer relations

By using a video conferencing device to talk with customers, helps you to get a better idea of what they really require and to cater for their needs. It also gives you a better insight to the real situation and allows you a greater ability to negotiate a better deal. You also have the opportunity to collaborate with others and view documents in real time, this makes sure everyone is privy to all the information required to make quick and informed decisions leading to a more satisfactory meeting and outcome for all concerned

 

Using a video conferencing device in business helps you to develop stronger business relationships, even if you are unable to meet those people in the flesh because of restrictions imposed by time, distance, location or Covid retaliated restrictions.

A high degree of trust can quickly be build up as people have the opportunity to talk face to face.