Determing if Managed Video Conferencing is the Right Solution for You

As business technology advances rapidly, it’s clear that video conferencing is here to stay. However, the overall success of your organization’s video communication is dependent on the proper execution of each element of the video conferencing process.

If your organization requires streamlined video services, it is in your best interest to work with a team of managed video conferencing service providers. Managed service providers (MSPs) assist your company by undertaking operations for your entire video conferencing environment so that your team can divert their attention to more pressing matters.

When you leverage this communication solution, it also reduces the likelihood of system errors and provides external support if issues arise. In addition, it offers additional protection for sensitive information and increases your staff’s productivity. In short, managed video conferencing is a superior communications solution — and here’s why.

What Is Managed Video Conferencing?

Managed video conferencing has the power to transform collaboration within your company by streamlining communication processes. Essentially, managed video conferencing technology supplies your company with a team of professional video specialists who care for all your company’s video conferencing needs.

Managed video service providers offer different services based on their area of expertise. Providers typically offer video services that can extend from maintenance and support to customized video conferencing solutions. The specific services available are dependent on the provider, but these services often include features such as a help desk for remote solution monitoring, professional consulting services, and concierge services that elevate your company’s professional image.

Different Types of Managed Video Services

Your company’s unique needs will determine which managed video conferencing services are the best fit for you. There are three main types of managed video services:

On-Premises Model

When your managed video conferencing services are on-premises, the infrastructure exists on your company’s network, while the services provider controls it remotely. In some cases, this model is ideal because specific applications are more efficient in an on-premises environment. When using an on-premises model, the infrastructure operates behind your company’s firewall on your network.

Cloud Model

The cloud model, also known as hosted IT, occurs when your infrastructure and applications are stored within your provider’s data center. For some organizations, it is better to have their services hosted by a single provider within a singular data structure. Companies that employ a cloud-based model benefit from its enhanced scalability.

Hybrid Model

A hybrid model allows organizations to experience the best of both worlds. This model uses a combination of cloud-based and on-premises services, allowing some operations to exist within the company’s infrastructure while the service provider’s software undertakes others. A hybrid model simplifies management processes and enables the service provider to ensure added security.

Benefits of Managed Video Conferencing

Although virtually any company can experience the benefits of managed video services, they are most noticeable for companies with an expansive network of audiovisual meeting rooms or video conferencing systems. Companies that struggle with creating standardization in their meeting rooms are prime candidates for managed video conferencing services.

If you’re considering implementing managed video conferencing within your organization, consider meeting with advanced audiovisual specialists who can assess your unique needs. They can recommend best-fit solutions to ensure you make the most of video conferencing’s many benefits, such as:

Frees Up Internal Staff

When your internal staff is constantly preoccupied with resolving simple issues or attending to malfunctioning equipment, it reduces their ability to focus on the tasks that should be their primary responsibility. Managed video conferencing services supply your team with expert-level support at the exact moment that they are needed.

Furthermore, the immediate support that managed service providers offer will allow you to funnel your labor hours and company resources into more lucrative ventures. Internal issues that disrupt productivity and slow down projects will be diminished as employees no longer waste precious time trying to resolve technical issues. With employees more focused and on-task, your company’s overall communications will improve both remotely and on-site.

24/7 Support

The rapid implementation of audiovisual solutions within the workplace began with the expectation that the technology would enhance business operations and improve productivity. However, if technology fails to do its job, it can considerably impact your daily business operations. Given that virtually all modern communications take place using video conferencing technology, a mishap can spell ruin for client relationships and employee management.

When your video conferencing isn’t working correctly, it costs your company a sizable share of capital. As IDC concluded, unplanned downtime adds up to an astronomical amount of $58,118 lost for every 100 users. To put this in perspective, the average employee lost 12.4 hours a year due to server downtime and 6.2 hours a year for network downtime.

With the 24/7 support of managed video conferencing, you can resolve such interruptions quickly, no matter when or where they occur. It’s no wonder, then, that the implementation of managed video conferencing services allows companies to reduce their server and network downtime by over 85%.

Years of Expertise and Industry Knowledge

Your company is likely brimming with talented, hardworking individuals. However, the IT structure and software applications that pertain to video conferencing technology require highly specialized skill sets. Instead of allocating your company’s time and resources towards training an in-house team, consider allowing managed service providers to tend to your company’s needs.

The knowledge and expertise that managed service providers offer will enhance your team’s overall performance and decrease system errors. MSPs can quickly identify and solve problems within your network to keep your team on track.

Plus, the increased support from MSPs can make it easier for smaller companies to compete with larger companies. Typically, large companies have in-house support services that work side by side with their team of internal IT professionals. However, up-and-coming companies may not have the capital to acquire these services in-house. Working with managed service providers enables smaller companies to obtain the same insight and expertise that larger companies enjoy.

Protects Your AV Assets

Any communication carried out through technology is subject to a certain amount of risk. As data breaches become more common throughout the nation, companies must take every measure possible to ensure that their data and assets remain secure. Furthermore, government regulations, competition, and technology standards are prone to quick adaptations.

When you outsource your video conferencing to a managed service provider, they can mitigate this risk for you. Their highly specific industry knowledge relating to compliance and security issues can keep your company on the cutting edge.

In addition, when you outsource with an MSP, their familiarity with PCI (Payment card industry) compliance standards substantially reduces risks related to sensitive client information and credit card numbers. MSPs’ specialized focus means that they’re much better suited to handling video-related risk prevention, even more so than an in-house IT team. If you’re using video meetings to discuss any sensitive or proprietary information, managed video conferencing can provide your company the vital security and peace of mind it needs. To discuss further on how you can manage your video conferencing needs, get in touch with us.