Can you video conference on a mobile or tablet?

Video conferencing is a great tool, used by businesses around the world to link up with colleagues in various countries.

The ability to video conference enables companies to grow into markets by setting up meetings with new suppliers or buyers with you not having to be in the same physical place.

What is video conferencing?

Video conferencing was first developed before broadband and even before ISDN lines. This made it a very expensive form of communication and not one that was readily taken up by the masses. With the introduction of ISDN lines, it meant that more people were able to use video conferencing but you would have to have someone with the technical know-how in the first place to get it working; so again, it was not for everyone. Along came broadband and a generation of people who are much more tech savvy. Computers were no longer for the minority; nearly everyone had one and used it.

Technology has now become a huge part of our lives. With the growth in this new technical world, people are always trying to make work life easier and more cost effective for businesses. Video conferencing is one of those cost effective ideas. It allows companies to grow into markets in other countries by allowing meetings to take place over the internet with companies, who provide the platform for you to have a meeting with anyone anywhere in the world. You can see the person you are talking to, in real time as if they were in the room with you, but they can be anywhere in the world. It has taken worldwide business deals to the next level.

Video conference on a mobile or tablet

You cannot turn around on a train or walk down the street these days without seeing someone with a mobile and or tablet. Businesses use them in their day-to-day operations, with a lot of companies supplying tablets to staff for work purposes. These devices should be able to do everything a desktop can do including video conferencing, and this is true if you select your software wisely.

As a company, you will need video conferencing software that will give you ease of use, 24/7 support, be able to connect with whoever you want whenever you want and most of all, you want it to work on a tablet or mobile device – this is essential. When searching for software, ensure they can give you what you need. Face Time only works from Apple to Apple device, and you can never be sure what your clients will have so do not restrict yourself.

There are Android-based applications that can work across any platform like Skype but none give you the ease of use you will need plus many of them only allow you to speak with one other person at the same time, which can be restrictive. To get the best from the software chose one that is cloud based. This gives you the flexibility of being able to access it anywhere, any time. It also means your clients just need Internet access to login.

Cloud-based options are the way forward as they offer the greatest flexibility for you and your clients. Also remember, tablets and mobiles are great but if you need to video conference with two or more people, a desktop may ultimately be easier so you can see everyone much more clearly! The point is though; there are varied options for you, and you should consider them all before making the final decision.