Yes and no. SMBs do not need spend on big ticket, immersive TP systems for video conferencing. They can if they feel it's worth it, but that would be the exception not the rule.

High end systems are six figure investments, and you'd have to show a lot of cost savings around this to justify the investment. That's just not the norm for SMBs.

That said, there's no reason why SMBs can't have IP-based video conferencing. It's just as valuable to them as it is for enterprises. To address that, there certainly are mid and low end systems that cater to smaller budgets. All the major vendors - Polycom, Cisco/Tandberg and to some extent HP - offer scaled down versions of their TP/videoconferencing systems. Some are HD quality, and typically don't require a purpose-built room for the immersive environment.

In addition to that, there are other vendors like Lifesize (recently acquired by Logitech) who specifically cater to the mid market and can be a great fit. Going down a step further, there are plenty of desktop-based systems/solutions that provide very good video conferencing capabilities, not just on your PC, but on mobile devices as well. As smartphones become more video-friendly, they will become a key endpoint to support video conferencing, esp for SMBs.

So, all I can say is that there are affordable, viable VC options out there for SMBs, and as this end of the market matures, the choices will be even better.

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Joju Mangalam

Principal, MarketingBudgetAdvocate.com

Posted on Sept. 3, 2010

Jon has covered most material (some I did not know about). I would also add in Skype as a potential tool. My career coach and I communicate through skype video chat. It adds a new dimension to the communication (rather than just phone) and its's free. It may not have the best pictures. But, for free, it is a great value add.

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Kevin M. Watson

Managing Partner and COO, Mathews Michaels

Posted on Sept. 8, 2010

I would say that all types of businesses can take advantage of the various forms of communications available, regardless of size, provided that they purchase a solution that has a tangible return on investment strategy (ROI) for their business and environment.

I agree with both John and Michael. Large, Complex and expensive solutions probably don't warrant the investment required by most SMB players but certain companies could benefit and create a compelling ROI if the application is there.

I am familiar with both Lifesize and Skype and have used them both in our Business and Management consulting firm. In the right situation they can both be effective tools. One costs cents a day, the other significantly more. Equal to the cost though is reliability, quality and advanced applications that come with the price. We do a lot oof collaboration and for us the expense is cost justified, the majority of the time.

I would seek to really understand the business first, who they communicate with and the necessary quality. If that happens to coinside with the business need and if you can leverage it to drive costs out of their current model or increase revenue then it probably makes sense.

It doesn't have to cost a fortune to work. Skype in many cases gives the face to face contact and with a good ISP is pretyy reliable.

Kevin M. Watson
Chief Operating Officer, Mathews Michaels
www.mathewsmichaels.com

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Peter Russell

VP Business Development, VuCall Limited

Posted on Sept. 26, 2010

Agree with all the above but suggest you review VuCall for an affordable HD Video Meeting service - www.vucall.com. Up to 100 persons on a call 8 HD images on screen, document sharing, guest invite, voice only access, secure, business quality!!

Service specifically designed for SMB to enterprise organisations offering minimal cost of entry, flexible mobile style billing, and price structures to suite all.

Operates across the Global internet so the only network limiting factor is end-point internet access - wireless or cable.

Payback and ROI are exceptionally short making this potentially a very attractive proposition for international or geographically dispersed organisations or markets.

www.vucall.com is NEW - launched in June 2010 following extensive research and testing - definitely worth a look.

But then I would say that; I look forward to talking with you.

Peter Russell, CFO & Business Development Director, VuCall, London UK

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