VIDEO
CONFERENCING

Video conferencing is a key communication channel in the modern world, offering efficiency and comfort in both professional and personal environments.

What is video
conferencing?

The Method of Remote Communication

Video conferencing is a communication system that enables users to organize personal video calls and group conferences. When team members are geographically dispersed, telecommunication technologies enable real-time interactive exchange of audio and video data among participants. Communication becomes more convenient and efficient thanks to a wide range of features, including collaboration tools such as presentations, screen sharing, and annotations.

The Tool for Remote Work

Many companies worldwide use video conferencing to ensure comfortable interaction among employees separated by long distances. The Internet's widespread availability enables online communication, allowing teams to quickly solve emerging issues, discuss complex business tasks, and contact business partners. Video conferencing platforms often include a built-in messenger, which significantly speeds up the resolution of most challenging situations.

What are the advantages of video conferencing?

The problems that arose during the pandemic, related to the inability to personally visit the office, led to the emergence of remote work as a new form of employee employment: this shift made video conferencing a real necessity.

reported the benefits of working remotely

of employees will consider leaving their employer if required to return to the office full-time

believe that the remote format has increased their productivity.

Benefits for Employees

Many users noted a significant improvement in team relationships due to comfortable communication via video. This also positively affected team productivity, increasing cohesion and mutual understanding among team members.

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Benefits for Managers

The benefits of remote communication, such as reduced rental property costs and travel expenses, have become particularly noticeable over time and have attracted the attention of many employers.

Among the employees who switched to working from home, there was a sharp increase in productivity, prompted by flexible schedules and an improved work-life balance. Among the employees who switched to working from home, there was a sharp increase in productivity, prompted by flexible schedules and an improved work-life balance.

How does video conferencing work

As of 2023, endpoints for organizing online communication (SIP/H.323 endpoints, IP phones) are increasingly giving way to software solutions: special applications installed on regular computers. The video conferencing server is typically a program installed on a physical or virtual server. Let's briefly examine how these parts interact with one another.

On the participant's side of the video conference

The necessary peripherals are connected to each participant's device (be it a computer, smartphone, or even a Smart TV): a camera to capture video, a microphone to record sound, and speakers or headphones to output the received audio. Video and audio information is captured and digitized immediately on the side of the connected peripheral or at the device level (PC, smartphone, or TV). For example, webcams immediately transmit a digital signal from the sensor, and the headset can be connected to a 3.5mm analog audio jack. The client application processes digital audio and video signals, translating them into formats used by the video conferencing system. Special software codecs are used for decryption: the most popular video codecs include H.264, H.265, AV1, and VP8, while common audio codecs are Opus and MP3. The client application transmits the received data to the video conferencing server.

On the server side

The video conferencing server acts as a key node for processing data from client applications. Depending on the architecture used (MCU, Simulcast, SFU, SVC), the system processes the data in a specific way and, if necessary, combines it into a ready-made video layout. The media streams are then sent back to each participant so they can see and hear the other interlocutors. In addition to receiving and transmitting media data, the server constantly processes auxiliary signals: information about user statuses (online, offline, busy, etc.), signals about the start of a call or conference, and data on the quality of participants' communication.

On-Premises Deployment

On-premise

On-Premises Deployment

The on-premises deployment of the video conferencing model implies that all the necessary equipment and software for virtual meetings are located directly on the enterprise network. The organization has full control over its video conferencing system. The company handles the purchase, installation, and maintenance of equipment internally, ensuring the security of corporate communications.

The advantages of the on-premises model include improved control over data and systems, specific customization to customer requirements, and the ability to use existing IT infrastructure. This approach, however, may require significant installation costs.

Cloud-based

Cloud Deployment

The cloud-based video conferencing model involves storing all data and software on remote servers. Users access the system through the Internet. Thus, the processing and storage of all information takes place in the virtual cloud, and not on the equipment of the organization itself.

Cloud services have become increasingly popular among businesses over the past decade, due to lower initial costs and reduced infrastructure requirements. Nevertheless, several significant risks are associated with dependence on an Internet connection and the high probability of personal data leakage.

Hybrid

Hybrid Deployment

The hybrid model of video conferencing solutions combines the advantages of on-premises and cloud approaches. The organization deploys the main data processing server locally, providing increased control and security. Cloud services manage and flexibly scale the platform, ensuring continuous communication and employee productivity even during connection problems.

It must be understood, however, that in most cases, a hybrid model is a turnkey solution that adapts to the specific needs of each enterprise. Most often, large companies turn to these video conferencing systems, which need to unite many employees through corporate communication.

Types of Video Conferencing Systems

Regarding the functionality of video conferencing systems, it's important to clarify that video communication sessions are typically divided into two types based on the number of participants: personal and group.

Types of Video Conferencing Systems

Personal video calls (or «point-to-point») allow two people in different locations to exchange multimedia data in real time using video and audio devices.

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Group video calls («multipoint») are online meetings attended by three or more users. The term «multipoint» implies that each participant is a separate «endpoint» or connected device. The terms «group conference» and «video conference» are also used.

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Capabilities of Modern Video Conferencing Systems

Over the years, video conferencing software has become increasingly advanced, expanding its offered functionality. At the same time, some video conferencing features have become almost indispensable for users worldwide.

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Audio and Video in High Quality

High-resolution video and clear sound form the foundation upon which successful online meetings are built. Video conferencing solutions now offer capabilities to optimize video and sound quality, reducing the risk of technical problems like audio or visual delays: this ensures a smoother, uninterrupted communication process.

Integration with Сorporate Сalendars

The vast majority of online meetings require advance planning, especially for business purposes. Thanks to integration with popular corporate calendar services, including Outlook, organizing events and virtual discussions takes only a few seconds, and invitations to participants are sent automatically.

Unified Communications System (UC)

Unified Communications (UC) is a set of technologies that allows team members to interact in a single virtual space through chats, video conferences, emails, and calls. Thanks to the well-coordinated work of all services, this system enables effective management and monitoring of tasks and projects.

AI-based Features

Many people work not only at home but also in crowded places such as cafes or airports, so an automatic noise reduction system is crucial for them when choosing a video conferencing solution. Many advanced services are already equipped with the ability to optimize each speaker's voice clarity, allowing you to participate in discussions under any circumstances.

Integration with SIP and H.323 Devices

Thanks to the support of SIP and H.323 protocols, users of classic video conferencing endpoints, IP phones from different manufacturers, and third-party services can participate in conferences together.

Integration with Directory Services (LDAP)

Account control and server administration are simplified through LDAP protocol support, which clearly distinguishes access rights to corporate data. Video conferencing vendors typically support many popular directory services, including Microsoft Active Directory, OpenLDAP, FreeIPA, 389 Directory Server, and ALD Pro.

New Video Conferencing
Technologies

Artificial intelligence has become not just a trend but an undeniable vector of development that has influenced many modern video conferencing solutions.

Microsoft

Among the numerous machine learning-based technologies, «intelligent capture» proposed by Microsoft Corporation stands out.

Thanks to this development, in 2019 it became possible to make the speaker more transparent when overlapping with broadcast content.

Agora

Agora has proposed a technology based on artificial intelligence that analyzes video data and participants' emotions in real time, then reports the findings to the interlocutor.

This SDK is designed to provide a timely opportunity to call for medical help in case of a sharp deterioration in well-being.

EmbodyMe

«EmbodyMe» also developed an interesting idea based on machine learning. The developers allow users to virtually change their hairstyle, wear suitable clothes, and even choose appropriate makeup during video communication.

This technology works in real-time, saving users from having to prepare for online meetings in advance.

With the help of artificial intelligence and thoughtful video capture, EmbodyMe can transform a person from a video into any character. This latter function is not particularly useful for large companies and offices, but it presents an intriguing concept.

As technology constantly evolves, tracking the latest ideas and trends becomes increasingly challenging. Thanks to the inexhaustible supply of vendors equipping their solutions with the most advanced features, video conferencing is gradually reaching a new level of communication.

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Applications of Video Conferencing

Business

Video conferencing is an effective way to conduct trade presentations and demonstrations. Thanks to the screen-sharing feature, you can easily share a pre-prepared presentation or showcase your product in real time.

Effective communication with teams has become more crucial than ever before. While the traditional office environment allows for more impromptu meetings with team members, remote employees may begin to feel disconnected without regular interaction with their colleagues. This is why video conferencing is used for weekly meetings or face-to-face interactions. They provide an excellent means of staying in touch and sharing important company updates or business initiatives.

Education

During the COVID-19 pandemic, video conferencing technology enabled educational organizations to continue their activities despite the inability to attend classes in person. Conference services provided all aspects of the distance learning process: digital whiteboard functions, breakout classes, webinars, and individual interaction with teachers.

Video conferencing is currently used for teaching not only in schools, colleges, and universities but also in corporate training programs. This popularity stems from the potential to more easily draw attention to the studied material during an online lesson compared to other formats. Some students perceive information better visually, some by ear, and others learn the material faster through practical study.

Medicine

Telemedicine offers convenience to patients and practitioners by eliminating the need for in-person visits to receive medical advice or treatment instructions at home. Remote consultations are especially useful for people working in potentially life-threatening places: oil rigs, cargo ships, and floating lighthouses.

In addition, telemedicine is convenient for adjusting previously prescribed treatments. It also allows patients to obtain opinions from specialists in other countries or even assemble a council of experts to discuss complex medical cases.

However, telemedicine cannot replace traditional consultations. If additional procedures are required, such as an examination using special equipment, tests, or surgery, the patient will need to visit a medical facility in person.

Recruitment of Staff

Online conferences have greatly simplified and improved the hiring process for companies. They have widened the pool of potential candidates, including applicants from other cities or even countries.

Experience has demonstrated that video conference interviews offer advantages over traditional face-to-face meetings. The online format eliminates psychological barriers that may arise during face-to-face meetings.

Additional advantages include eliminating the need to organize a special place in the office for interviews and the ability to record interviews with applicants for an accurate assessment by the manager. In this case, the probability of hiring an unsuitable employee is minimized, and the interviews themselves are much more effective.

Government Agencies

Interdepartmental communications in the public sector require establishing real-time communication with all government bodies. Here, video conferencing helps not only to communicate with colleagues from other cities and regions but also to hold full-fledged virtual meetings on urgent, important issues.

With this approach, joint work on documents, projects, and laws becomes more efficient. Solving problems that arise in the process also proceeds much faster.

The most important criterion for video conferencing in the public sector is security, which can be ensured through encryption and local deployment. These solutions can operate without an Internet connection in closed networks, which ensures stable communication even in case of emergency situations.

Personal Use

Video conferencing allows you to increase work efficiency and organize virtual meetings with family or friends living far from you. No matter the distance between you, you will always be able to see your loved ones in real time, as if you were gathered in one place.

Thanks to client applications, you can communicate from any convenient device. The choice of location is entirely up to you, whether it's a quiet living room at home or a noisy, crowded festival.

How do I choose the best video conferencing platform?

Various video conferencing systems are available on the market today, but it's important to note that they differ in their features and capabilities. The right solution should be both easy to use and secure enough to meet your needs without risking data leaks.

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Is the solution safe?

As mentioned above, when conducting corporate video conferences, confidentiality is paramount. Attackers must be prevented from accessing data, even during transmission. That is why TrueConf Server has several levels of security implemented simultaneously.

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How reliable is the platform?

If you have a major business meeting or a product presentation for a client, you need to choose a reliable solution. TrueConf supports SVC (Scalable Video Coding) technology, which allows the video conferencing server to easily select the optimal video image quality, resolution, and frame rate based on the available bandwidth of the communication channel.

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Is it easy to manage the solution?

The convenience of administration and management, as well as detailed analytics, are a necessary part of the video conferencing platform. Thanks to the rapid deployment of within your corporate network and its easy administration, you can start conferences in 15 minutes without wasting time on additional settings.

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Supplier Evaluation

The Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ is an annual research report in the technology field, providing essential insights for selecting the right video conferencing solution. is a developer without global analogues, monitored by analytical agencies Gartner, IDC, and Frost & Sullivan.

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Accept calls and participate in conferences on any available device — the chat history synchronizes automatically.

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TrueConf Meeting Room Software and Devices

TrueConf Server

Solution №1 one for corporate communications.

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TrueConf Enterprise

The scalable video conferencing platform for large businesses and telecom operators.

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TrueConf MCU

A classic transcoding server for hardware endpoints.

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TrueConf Group

TrueConf Group is a hardware video conferencing endpoint designed for medium and large meeting rooms.

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