5 Ways to Fail at Videoconferencing

Most organizationsthat invest in a new video collaboration system are looking for a way toconnect teams in different offices, enable remote work and bring a level ofpersonalization and collaboration to their users that simply isn't possiblewith voice-only communication. But if you're not interested in achieving any ofthose benefits, then this is the guide for you!

All joking aside,the serious truth is that many organizations really do make a number of easilyavoidable mistakes that thwart their video collaboration initiatives andprevent them from getting maximum value out of their investments. Byrecognizing these missteps, business and IT leaders can avoid them and settheir own video collaboration environments up for success.

Here are fivesurefire ways to tank a video collaboration effort:

1.Deploy Clunky Hardware

Many of today'ssoftware-based video collaboration solutions allow organizations to select anddeploy whatever cameras, video displays and other hardware they want. That'sgreat, but if an organization opts for extremely basic equipment which mayperform poorly and be difficult to use those choices can kill a video pilotbefore it even has a chance to get off the ground. If you don't deploy theright hardware to support videoconferencing, end users will be frustrated, andmany will simply not employ the solution.

2.Skip Call-Back Features

Audio is, arguably,the most important component of a video collaboration system. (If you can'thear what people are saying, it really doesn't matter how clearly you can seetheir faces.) One way to ensure crisp audio is to opt for the call-back featureoffered by most video collaboration vendors. With this feature, users can havethe system call their phones, ensuring that the connection happens through apublic switched telephone network, which typically produces clearer sound thanaudio connections through the IT network. Call-back features also create africtionless experience for users, as they automatically sync users' video andaudio, and also prevent employees from having to enter long access codes tojoin a meeting. But because this feature costs extra, many organizations skipit. That's a mistake.

3.Treat Every Conference Room the Same

Smallerconference rooms need wide-angle cameras because users will likely be sittingclose to the lens. Larger rooms, on the other hand, may require cameras thatcan pan, tilt and zoom to automatically follow the action. These larger roomsmay also require more microphones, along with noise-cancelling technology.Putting the wrong tools in the wrong rooms will lead to a subpar userexperience.

4.Fail to Align Policy with Technology

There's littlepoint in supporting video collaboration for users who already work face to faceeach day. If a company doesn't already have a policy in place to encourageremote work, the deployment of a video system provides a prime opportunity toadopt one. Remote work can improve employee satisfaction (and evenproductivity) and can also provide a powerful incentive for workers to quicklybecome expert users of a video collaboration system.

5.Don't Get Company Leaders on Board

This is a big one. Sometimescompanies spend large sums on video collaboration systems, only to hold videomeetings where executives dial in on audio alone (perhaps due to uncombed hairor the fact that they haven't yet changed out of their pajamas). Often, thesesame leaders will spend an entire day travelling to meet with someone inperson, and yet they aren't spending the few minutes necessary to prepare for avideo call. When this happens, employees throughout the organization get themessage that video collaboration isn't important, and they don't need to useit. If you're looking to kill your video collaboration initiative, there's nofaster way.

Want to learn more about how to deliver a greatcollaboration experience to users in your organization? Visit CDW.ca/collaboration