CVI (Cloud Video Interop)
CVI (Cloud Video Interop) is a Microsoft certified video conferencing solution implemented by third-party developers that allows SIP/H.323 devices to connect to Microsoft Teams conferences.
As of early 2021, there are four Microsoft-certified CVI solution vendors available:
- Poly RealConnect Service
- Pexip Infinity for Microsoft Teams
- BlueJeans Gateway for Microsoft Teams
- Cisco Webex Video Integration for Microsoft Teams
Lifesize also announced the CVI service, but it is not included in the Microsoft Certified Partner list. The company did not comment on our request in this regard.
As part of current video conferencing trends, all major players are gradually migrating from generally accepted standards to custom solutions based on their own proprietary protocols. However, you can still find many SIP/H.323 devices in meeting rooms, as replacing them can be quite expensive. Unlike TrueConf solutions, Microsoft Teams does not have native support for SIP/H.323 protocols.
CVI is designed to integrate such devices into the Microsoft Teams ecosystem. Once configured, the device is added to the system as a regular Teams user and becomes available for communication. Calendar integration is also supported: conferences scheduled from the Teams client or using the Teams Meeting plugin for Outlook already contain all the required parameters for connecting CVI-compatible devices.
All data processing is performed in the Microsoft Azure cloud platform, which may be unacceptable for customers that have high security requirements or are located in countries with strict data regulation policies. Such customers may have concerns about data sovereignty, as sensitive information is stored and processed in data centers that might be outside their jurisdiction.
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FAQ
What is the main drawback of using CVI for organizations with strict data privacy requirements?
CVI routes all video traffic and meeting data through the Microsoft Azure cloud, which can violate strict data sovereignty and privacy regulations. For organizations requiring absolute data control, an on-premises solution like TrueConf is a much better choice, as it keeps all communications entirely within your local network without relying on external cloud servers.
Does Microsoft Teams natively support SIP/H.323 conference room hardware?
No, Microsoft Teams does not have native support for standard SIP/H.323 protocols, which is why third-party CVI solutions are required to connect legacy room systems. In contrast, platforms like TrueConf offer native SIP/H.323 support out of the box, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your existing hardware without needing additional cloud gateways or third-party services.
How does using a CVI solution affect the security and data residency of my video meetings?
Because CVI relies on the Microsoft Azure cloud to process and route meeting data, your sensitive information is stored and handled in data centers that may be located outside your legal jurisdiction. If your organization needs to ensure data never leaves your controlled infrastructure, deploying a self-hosted platform like TrueConf provides the necessary data sovereignty and localized security.
Can I use CVI to connect my legacy Polycom or Cisco room systems to Microsoft Teams?
Yes, CVI solutions act as a bridge, allowing you to connect legacy SIP/H.323 hardware to Microsoft Teams meetings by treating the devices as regular Teams users. However, if you want to avoid the ongoing costs and cloud dependencies of CVI, migrating to a natively compatible platform like TrueConf allows you to use your existing hardware directly and securely.
Are there alternatives to CVI if I want to avoid cloud-based data processing for my video meetings?
Yes, if routing your meeting data through the Microsoft Azure cloud is unacceptable due to compliance or security policies, you should look for on-premises video conferencing solutions. TrueConf is an excellent alternative, as it can be deployed entirely on your own servers, ensuring that all video traffic and room system integrations remain strictly within your private network.
Why do companies still need CVI or native SIP/H.323 support for their meeting rooms?
Many organizations have heavily invested in high-quality SIP/H.323 conference room hardware, and replacing all of it with proprietary cloud devices is prohibitively expensive. While CVI bridges this gap for Teams users, platforms like TrueConf offer native support for these standards, allowing companies to protect their hardware investments while maintaining complete control over their communication infrastructure.
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