GITEX Global 2024 on October 14 — 18 in Dubai

Video matters.
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Sick of endless emails and staff meetings? Enjoy the freedom to work and study from anywhere with video conferencing. Start your meeting in one click and cut it in half with screen sharing and video recording. Add a personal touch to your work communications with TrueConf!

Video matters

What is Video Conferencing?

Video conferencing is a visual communication session between two or more users regardless of their location, featuring audio and video content transmission in real time.

In broad terms, video conferencing software is a solution that allows two or more persons to talk and see each other remotely. Initially video conferencing software only enabled users to make video calls or hold group video conferences. However, as technology advanced, video conferencing software acquired plenty of helpful tools and features for remote communication and learning.

Today, video conferencing is rather a tool for integrated into video collaboration and unified communications platforms that also offer screen sharing, slideshow, recording, instant messaging, project management tools, telephony integration among other features. As an increasing number of companies switch to remote work, video conferencing is gradually becoming the new normal, shaping the way we communicate, learn and work.

Video conferencing benefits

You can run video meetings with remote colleagues on the run right from your desktop or meeting room. With a video meeting solution you don’t waste your time and money on business vacations, cut event management costs, etc.

Save your time

As compared to phone talks, video conferencing is much closer to real life as it features visual contact. During a video meeting you can see the user's emotions and articulation and establish eye contact, which is crucial for social communication and especially business interactions.

Get real-life impressions

You just need to schedule your video meeting, invite your colleagues and start video conferencing right away! Your conferencing software will also send you a notification to remind you of your meeting.

Meet with ease

Video conferencing trends

In 2020, video conferencing apps have seen an unprecedented rise in downloads due to COVID-19 pandemic. According to Transparency Market Research, the video conferencing market is expected to grow from $6.1 billion in 2019 to $11.56 billion by the end of 2027. What are the main growth drivers of the video conferencing market?

The rise of remote working

An increasing number of companies tend to switch to remote work and online collaboration. This trend has persisted for a number of years, however, it has certainly become mainstream due to the far-reaching implications of COVID-19. Many businesses have to adopt video conferencing solutions in effort to maintain their efficiency amidst travel restrictions and quarantine. In many ways, recent events have made it quite clear that effective video collaboration tools are critical for the proper performance of any organization.

Ease of use and no downloads

Video conferencing software should be easy to adopt and use by non-experienced IT users. It should be simple to start or join a video meeting, invite meeting participants or manage your conference from any device. It is also important to allow users to connect from their browsers without installing any apps. This opportunity was opened up by the development of WebRTC technologies facilitating in-browser communication.

From meeting rooms to huddle spaces and workplaces

Users do not want video communication to be limited by the boundaries of conference halls and meeting rooms. Instead, video conferencing has become a simple day-to-day communication tool that is used on workplaces: you can take part in large video meetings, share your content, record conferences, exchange messages - all of it from your own PC. Such changes have been made possible by the wide adoption of SVC (scalable video coding) architecture allowing organizations to hold thousands of conferences on usual servers. Besides, this technology has made it easier and less costly for businesses to connect new users.

Security and reliability of your meeting solution

Meeting solutions should be able to operate in changing network conditions or low bandwidth to allow consistent video conferencing experience. This is essential for users working from home in regions where there’s insufficient internet bandwidth.

Video Conferencing Modes

Point-to-point video calls

Point-to-point video calls

Video session involving two participants who can see and hear each other simultaneously. Video calls are perfect for face-to-face communication with your colleagues.

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Multipoint video conference

Multipoint video conference

Full-duplex video session involving more than two participants who can see and hear each other simultaneously. Multipoint video conference is similar to a roundtable discussion where all participants have equal rights. This video conferencing mode is perfect if you need to engage all meeting participants.

Learn more

Video lecture

Video lecture

Video session where the speaker can see and hear all the students, while the students can see and hear only the speaker. This way, the students easily focus on the learning process and don’t get distracted by other students, while the instructor is able to monitor each of them.

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All hands meeting

All hands meeting

Video conferencing mode featuring two primary types of meeting roles: presenters and attendees. Presenters can participate in a meeting with audio, video and content, while attendees can engage using chat, reactions or push-to-talk. This mode is perfect for large-scale meetings and product demos.

Learn more

Key features of video conferencing software

Nowadays, video conferencing allows users not only to communicate by video, but also to use collaboration tools, which are essential for corporate communications.

Video conferencing

Gather your team and simplify workflows faster and more efficiently.

Video conferencing

Instant messaging

Connect with teams before, during, and after meetings in personal and group chats.

Instant messaging
Video conference recording

Video conference recording

Record conference to refresh the details of the earlier discussion at any time. Share video conference recordings with colleagues to keep them well-informed.

Support for multiple devices

Support for multiple devices

Sign in to your account on multiple devices simultaneously. Your chat and call history is automatically synced on every platform you are using.

Remote meeting management

Remote meeting management

Connect with teams before, during, and after meetings in personal and group chats.

Slideshow

Slideshow

Demonstrate slides, photos, drawings, diagrams, documents and PDF files to remote participants with TrueConf slide show feature.

The best video conferencing software

Which video conferencing platform is right for your business? The answer generally depends on your organization’s unique requirements and needs. While personal communication is not demanding and doesn’t require complicated setups, enterprise customers are usually looking at more advanced features, such as 4K resolution, large-scale meetings, integration with conference room systems, reports and monitoring, etc.

When choosing the best video conferencing software it is important to note that cloud-based video conferencing systems largely depend on an Internet connection and third-party security measures, creating vulnerabilities for enterprises adopting the technology. Privacy-conscious orgs usually opt in for self-hosted collaboration platforms that operate totally offline in your LAN/VPN network to ensure that all communications, meeting recordings and personal data stay within your company network under your supervision.

Here is an overview of the best video conferencing software with a breakdown of features our customers care about the most.

Deployment type
On-premises, hybrid or cloud.
On-premises, hybrid or cloud.
On-premises, hybrid or cloud.
Cloud.
On-premises or cloud.
Cloud.
Cloud.
Cloud.
Offline operation
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
Video conferencing features
4K (UltraHD) video support
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
Maximum size of video conference
1,500
1,000
1,000
1,000
100
250
200
1,000
Max number of on-screen participants
49
49
25
49
30
49
25
49
Address book with presence statuses
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
In Google Workspace integration.
Yes
Yes
Messaging and file sharing
Yes
Only during video conferences.
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Only during video conferences.
Recording
Conferences can be recorded on the user's device or on the server.
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
for Google Workspace subscribers.
Yes
for paid plan users.
Role-based conferencing
Provides role-based conferencing with the ability to assign moderators, speakers, and manage participant rights.
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Real-time translation
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
Calendar integration
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Security
Protection of users' personal data
Yes
No. Service staff have access to meeting details.
No. Service staff have access to meeting details.
No. Service staff have access to meeting details.
Yes
No. Service staff have access to meeting details.
No. Service staff have access to meeting details.
No. Service staff have access to meeting details.
Encryption of media streams
Yes
By WebRTC standard for all connections except H.323/SIP.
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Conference access authorization
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
Interoperability
Compatibility with H.323/SIP endpoints
Yes
Via the Zoom Room Connector.
Yes
Yes
No
Via the Google Meet Gateway interface.
Yes
Yes
SMTP integration
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Interoperability

What you need to know about Zoom

Zoom

Zoom is a cloud-based video conferencing platform that allows individuals and organizations to conduct virtual meetings, webinars, and collaborative sessions. It supports audio and video conferencing, live chats, screen sharing, and other communication features. Zoom is known for its ease of use, high-quality audio/video, and cross-platform compatibility, being available on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, as well as via web browsers.

Zoom provides free high-quality video conferencing for up to 40 minutes per group meeting. With a Zoom Pro plan for $14.99 per month, you can host unlimited conferences with up to 100 participants (can be increased up to 1,000 with Large Meetings add-on which costs approximately $600 per year). The Pro plan also adds more features, such as cloud recording and streaming. A more expensive Business plan enables recording transcripts, company branding, single sign-on, and other enterprise features.

Key features include virtual backgrounds, breakout rooms for splitting larger meetings into smaller groups, and the ability to record sessions. Despite facing security concerns in the past, Zoom has implemented several security measures, such as end-to-end encryption, meeting passwords, and waiting rooms. It's widely used for business meetings and online education.

What you need to know about Google Meet (Hangouts)

Google Meet (Hangouts)

Google Meet is a secure video conferencing solution developed by Google. It's built for both business and personal use and is widely recognized for its integration with Google's suite of products like Gmail and Google Calendar. As part of the Google Workspace platform, it allows users to easily join meetings via shared links without the need for additional software, as it operates directly in modern web browsers and through mobile apps available on iOS and Android.

With Google Meet, users can host and join online web meetings for free. However, there are some limitations you should be aware of when using the free version. You cannot hold a meeting for more than 1 hour a day, while the number of participants is limited to 100.

Google Meet allows free access to many useful tools such as desktop sharing, gallery view, and many others. However, some essential features, such as meeting recording, “hand raise” function, and breakout rooms are only available in paid plans.

What you need to know about Skype for Business

Skype for Business

Skype for Business was a professional enterprise-grade communications platform developed by Microsoft, which offered features such as instant messaging, video conferencing, and voice calls. It was designed to integrate with Microsoft Office applications and provide a seamless communication experience in a corporate environment.

Skype For Business provides video conferencing for up to 250 participants, call recording, and anonymous polls. Some other Skype features worth mentioning are:

Integration with Outlook and other Microsoft apps.
Shared workspace. Meeting participants can not only discuss the project, but also collaborate on documents and follow workflow progress.
Up to 6 participants on screen.

Host controls: if a presenter suddenly forgets to turn off the microphone or someone breaks the rules, the organizer can quickly fix it
Security. Skype features enhanced protection against hacker attacks.

As of July 31, 2021, Microsoft stopped operating Skype for Business Online, redirecting its users to Microsoft Teams, which now is the primary communications platform for businesses within the Microsoft ecosystem. Skype for Business Server, the on-premises version, is still available with a specific expiration date for extended support.

What you need to know about Jitsi

Jitsi

Jitsi Meet is an open source WebRTC engine demo developed by 8X8 Inc. It provides free video meetings available from your browser. It is known for its flexibility and privacy-focused features. The main components of Jitsi include Jitsi Meet, Jitsi Videobridge, and Jitsi Desktop (formerly known as Jitsi SIP Communicator).

Jitsi does not provide desktop client apps, only mobile users can join a meeting from Jitsi app. Jitsi allows only 75 participants per meeting, which makes it a controversial choice for large-scale conferences.

If you're setting Jitsi on your server, you may require custom development and installation of additional software, which raises the need to hire an IT specialist. Finally, Jitsi may not be a good choice if you have an unstable Internet connection: it’s very demanding regarding system requirements and bandwidth.

What you need to know about Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams is a cloud-based unified communication and collaboration platform that combines persistent workplace chat, video meetings, file storage, and application integration. It is integrated into the Microsoft 365 suite of applications and is designed to help teams collaborate in a modern and efficient way. With Microsoft Teams, you can host meetings for up to 300 users.

With its deep integration with other Microsoft services like SharePoint, OneNote, and Office, Teams offers a comprehensive toolset for teams to communicate, collaborate, and streamline their workflows in one shared workspace.

Microsoft Teams platform may have certain disadvantages, including confusing file structure and limited security options. Teams works best when fully integrated with other Microsoft services, which can be less ideal for users or organizations that rely on a diverse set of non-Microsoft tools.

Webex

Webex

Cisco's Webex stands out as a solution crafted specifically for corporate virtual meetings and interactive online sessions. With a rich array of features including high-quality video calls, effortless sharing of screens and files, customizable virtual backgrounds, and a collaborative digital whiteboard, Webex meets all your remote gatherings needs.

Webex seamlessly integrates with widely-used productivity suites like Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and Salesforce, enhancing its adaptability across diverse business environments. Plus, Webex offers tailored solutions to address specific requirements such as training sessions, customer support, interactive Q&A sessions, real-time polling, and dynamic breakout discussions.

An outstanding feature of Webex is its robust security measures, encompassing end-to-end encryption and compliance with international security standards, ensuring the protection of confidential communications.

Although Webex boasts a comprehensive interface, new users may require some time to acclimate, particularly if they are accustomed to simpler platforms. Additionally, the free version's limitations often prompt users to upgrade to a subscription for full functionality. Furthermore, individuals with older hardware may experience resource strain when using Webex.

Nevertheless, Webex remains a dependable choice for professional-grade video conferencing needs, providing a secure and seamless platform for corporate communication.

BlueJeans

BlueJeans

Verizon's BlueJeans presents itself as a high-quality cloud-based video conferencing service tailored specifically for enterprise and business requirements. Its primary aim is to facilitate seamless collaboration and communication across various platforms. Users can effortlessly participate in multi-party video calls using their desktops, mobile devices, or room systems. BlueJeans places a strong emphasis on simplicity and adaptability, seamlessly integrating with a variety of third-party hardware and software solutions such as Microsoft Teams, Slack, and Office 365.

BlueJeans offers features, including top-notch video quality, content sharing, customizable virtual backgrounds, robust meeting recording capabilities, comprehensive analytics, and live streaming options for events. Security is a top priority, with the implementation of encryption protocols and secure meeting controls. Notably, BlueJeans distinguishes itself by incorporating Dolby Voice audio technology, ensuring crystal-clear sound with minimal background noise. Moreover, hosts have access to moderation tools to manage participant permissions and ensure smooth meeting proceedings.

Despite its notable strengths, some users, particularly those from smaller businesses, might perceive BlueJeans' pricing as relatively steep compared to other alternatives. Although user-friendly, the platform's interface and feature set may not rival the depth offered by larger competitors. Nevertheless, BlueJeans remains a reliable choice for those seeking a dependable video conferencing solution, with a strong focus on superior audio quality and cross-platform compatibility.

Lifesize

Lifesize

Lifesize represents a sophisticated video conferencing platform aimed at enhancing enterprise and business communications through the fusion of cutting-edge hardware and cloud-based software solutions. Emphasizing security, it employs end-to-end encryption to safeguard the privacy of video meetings across various modes, including one-on-one calls, large group meetings, and webinars. Lifesize's distinguished reputation for delivering exceptional video and audio quality is supported by its range of conference room systems and compatibility with 4K video resolution.

The platform seamlessly integrates with diverse business tools such as Microsoft Teams, Outlook, and Slack, among others, facilitating productivity and collaboration. Lifesize offers a comprehensive suite of features, including meeting recording, live streaming, real-time analytics, calendar integration, and an intuitive interface designed to streamline meeting management and participation.

A notable aspect of Lifesize is its provision of dedicated hardware that complements its software, ensuring a consistent and controlled video conferencing environment. However, the investment required for Lifesize's hardware and software solutions may pose a challenge for organizations mindful of budget constraints, particularly when compared to software-only alternatives. Although Lifesize enjoys widespread adoption in the enterprise market, its uptake by smaller companies may be impeded by the initial costs associated with establishing a complete ecosystem.

Get started with enterprise video conferencing system!

FAQ

What does video conferencing mean?

Video conferencing is an audio-visual form of remote communication between people in real time.

What is the purpose of video conferencing?

Video conferencing is a technology that allows users to hold meetings remotely in real time, often at little to no cost. This time of communication is used in emergency cases, to reduce travel expenses in geographically distributed organizations, for judicial proceedings with the remote participation of convicts, and as one of the elements of telemedicine and distance learning technologies.

How can I arrange video conferencing?

Step 1: Download TrueConf Server Free and get your registration key.

Step 2: Install and register in TrueConf Server.

Step 3: Create user accounts.

Step 4: Install and log in to the TrueConf client applications.

Step 5: Enjoy video conferencing.

Who can use video conferencing?

The software is actively used in the B2B, B2C, education and healthcare markets. Interviews, employee onboarding and webinars can be conducted via video conferencing.

What are the advantages of using video conferencing?

The valuable advantages are improved workflow efficiency and saved travel costs. All the user needs is basic computer technology and video conferencing software.

Why is video communication important for your business?

In today's fast-paced world, video conferencing has become one of the most important tools that helps businesses reach new prospects, meet new partners, and close profitable deals despite long distances and different time zones. This is due to the fact that video-based communication takes formal conversations to a higher level of mutual understanding through face-to-face contact and ability to follow the body language of your interlocutors. In addition, online conferences allow companies to boost productivity of remote workflows, as well as expand business activities outside the domestic country.

What is video communication?

People started wondering what video communication would have looked like back in the early 1920s. However, revolutionary ideas were ahead of their time, and field tests of closed-circuit television in the 1960s and the Picturephone commercial service in the 1970s failed due to high cost. A few years later, in 1982, AT&T launched a ground-breaking Picturephone Meeting Service, with an hour of video communication between two offices costing $2,380. Some success was achieved in 1986 when PictureTel, today’s Polycom, designed a relatively low-price VC system that offered 60 minutes of video communication for $100.

In the early '90s, Tim Dorsey at Cornell University wrote a program called CU-SeeMe, which became the first desktop video meeting solution. However, online meetings were still a quite expensive option that only large organizations could afford. But technology does not stand still and in 1995, group video conferencing was released.

In fact, video communication is a virtual conversation between 2 or more participants, who can hear, see, and talk to each other in real time via video-enabled devices, desktops and mobiles. As for the business realm, a growing number of companies around the globe are taking advantage of online meetings, expanding connections with partners, customers, and suppliers, while keeping remote collaboration processes afloat in today’s hybrid working environment.

How does video conferencing work?

Developing over the decades, video conferencing has become one of the most convenient and effective ways to communicate remotely. Today’s online meeting solutions allow users not only to connect in real-time regardless of location, but also to share messages in chat, display content, take polls, collaborate with teammates on projects, and more. As for how this technology operates, the process can be divided into three major steps:

1. Compression (coding). The camera and microphone capture analog audio-visual input as continuous waves of frequencies and amplitudes: sounds, colors, brightness, depth, and shades. Afterwards, codecs convert the data into compressed digital packets to minimize bandwidth usage.

2. Transfer. Compressed data packets are sent over the network to the service provider, where the media streams are transmitted to conference participants.

3. Decompression (decoding). Once the packets reach endpoints, the codecs decompress the data back into analog audio and video, thus enabling users to see and hear the decoded feed.

What are the best tools for video communication?

In fact, the following 3 tools are required for a successful video conferencing experience:

1. Hardware. These are video-enabled devices, desktops and mobiles, or meeting room systems. For example, you can take either a laptop/PC with a webcam and headset, or a smartphone and tablet with a built-in camera.

2. Software. You need to choose a video conferencing platform you like, e.g. Microsoft Teams, TrueConf, Google Meet, download and install its client app for the operating system running your personal computer or mobile device.

3. Internet. Holding a video conference requires a stable Internet connection and minimum bandwidth of 8 Mbps for download and 1.5 Mbps for upload.