video conferencing

Name: Towner Communications
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December 5 2022

Elevate Rooms Video Conference Room Solution

jtowner@townerkc.com Blog, Cloud Communication, Phone Systems rooms, video conferencing

ENHANCE YOUR VIDEO CONFERENCE COLLABORATION, ANYTIME, ANYWHERE

With the ever-changing work environment, Towner’s Elevate Rooms helps to bridge the gap between in-office and remote meeting attendees for businesses of all sizes.

Keep your workforce connected and extend the powerful collaboration capabilities of Elevate to any video conference room. Rooms is built to deliver the simplicity of Elevate meetings through a consistent and familiar user experience from desktop to video conference room.

Elevate Rooms works with existing audio and video equipment and only requires a small PC and controller tablet, all of which are available off-the-shelf. Elevate Rooms is fully integrated with Elevate. This functionality brings unrivaled simplicity for end users and IT manager

Video Conference Users can:

Easily reserve a video conference room and simultaneously schedule a video conference for both in-office and remote workers
Join any scheduled conference meeting from the tablet in the video conference room with one tap
Start an unscheduled meeting in a video conference room and invite others who are remote or in office

EXISTING HARDWARE
Utilize equipment you may already have. Elevate Rooms works with most
displays, projectors, speakers and microphones. An Android tablet and
meeting room PC control the experience.

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS
Allows up to 100 or 200 attendees in a Elevate meeting depending
on the Elevate license.

ATTENDEE FUNCTIONALITY
Share meeting control by starting a meeting on behalf of the meeting organizer
from the controller tablet in the room. From a laptop, users can: share content,
take notes, record sessions, and chat throughout the live session.

SIMPLICITY
Elevate Rooms delivers the simplicity of virtual meetings through a
consistent and familiar user experience from desktop to conference room.

MEETINGS FROM ANYWHERE
Connect with coworkers while in the office or remote from where ever, when ever

INCREASED COLLABORATION
Elevate Rooms brings people together, increasing productivity and collaboration
between employees near and far. Which means happier employees and even happier customers

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September 1 2020

RingCentral Video: Online Meetings For the Next Generation Of Work

jtowner@townerkc.com Blog, mobility, Unified Communication ringcentral, video, video conferencing

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]When Apple’s FaceTime debuted in 2010, it signaled a new era of video
and online meetings communication. Very quickly, younger generations began embracing the
technology to the point that today, video chat is fast approaching text
messaging as the go-to personal communication tool for Millennials.
So when those younger generations entered the workforce in recent years,
so too did their lifestyles, dramatically impacting how each of us work. In
particular, their preference for video communication has led to a rise in the
popularity of video meetings. A 2018 Forrester research report showed that
74% of IT decision makers said they saw an increase in video conference
calls in the prior two years.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][image_with_animation image_url=”8110″ alignment=”right” animation=”Fade In” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%” img_link=”https://townerkc.com/cloud-communication-solutions/”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][heading]

BENEFITS OF ONLINE MEETINGS

[/heading][vc_column_text]In many ways, video meetings have the potential to be even more productive than in-person meetings, with built-in capabilities for
file sharing, chat, and recording, among other features, that build a stronger experience before, during, and after each meeting. The
benefits of online meetings include:[/vc_column_text][text-with-icon icon_type=”font_icon” icon=”icon-road” color=”Accent-Color”]The ability to connect
with colleagues,
partners, and
customers that simply
can’t meet in person.[/text-with-icon][text-with-icon icon_type=”font_icon” icon=”icon-plane” color=”Accent-Color”]Travel cost reductions
from moving in-person
meetings to online.[/text-with-icon][text-with-icon icon_type=”font_icon” icon=”icon-time” color=”Accent-Color”]Greater work/life
balance for workers,
who no longer need to
travel as often.[/text-with-icon][text-with-icon icon_type=”font_icon” icon=”icon-headphones” color=”Accent-Color”]Easy collaboration with
internal and external
team members via
multimedia, including
voice, video, chat,
screen sharing,
document sharing, and
more.[/text-with-icon][text-with-icon icon_type=”font_icon” icon=”icon-star” color=”Accent-Color”]Convenience:
the ability to connect
across multiple devices
anywhere in the world.[/text-with-icon][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][heading]

CHALLENGES OF ONLINE MEETINGS

[/heading][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]The challenge for many workers today, however, is finding a video meeting solution that addresses the demands of the shifting workforce. With the consumerization of IT, workers demand more than traditional communications tools can deliver. In particular, they want high-quality HD audio and video meetings that feature a simple, intuitive user interface. They also need a meeting solution that works—fast. In the RingCentral survey, 39% of respondents said they wanted a single click to join online meetings, reflecting that current solutions require downloads that frequently cause delays for attendees, which significantly hampers productivity.
Just as importantly, workers today have expressed a strong preference to have their meeting solution integrated with their other key modes of communication, namely, messaging and phone. This consolidation of communication reflects the faster pace of work today and the need to both communicate and collaborate in real time across communication modes and devices, preferably with a single click. It also reflects the need to be able to switch communication modes on the fly—from
a chat to a phone call or a chat to an online meeting—with a single click, without losing context or momentum.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][image_with_animation image_url=”8111″ alignment=”” animation=”Fade In” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%” img_link=”http://dynamic.ziftsolutions.com/ringcentral.ziftsolutions.com/file/8a9982857449d9f901744afbea9041c9.pdf”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]It also reflects the need for workers to have a single platform that stores not only conversations and documents, but context—a powerful element of the new communications experience that makes online meetings part of a rolling conversation (across voice, chat, and meetings) that builds history and knowledge. As workers move from project to project at lightning speed, unified platforms for communication ultimately store a wealth of information around topics in
understandable and easy-to-search formats that allow team members to get up to speed much more quickly than ever before. By seamlessly integrating voice, messaging, and meetings on one seamless platform, each method of[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]communication essentially becomes vastly more powerful than the sum of the parts. This sort of dexterity requires a cloud solution, which explains the rise of unified communications as a service (UCaaS) solutions in recent years. In an on-premises solution, maintaining the sophisticated integrations necessary to develop and innovate this seamless communications experience is simply too resource- and cost-intensive for modern organizations to support. It’s no wonder then that Synergy Research Group has predicted that UCaaS subscribers will grow by an average annual rate of 26% over the next five years, primarily driven by enterprise customers[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][heading subtitle=”MEET FASTER, WORK TOGETHER”]

RINGCENTRAL VIDEO:

[/heading][vc_column_text]Among current communications providers, RingCentral’s long cloud history across voice, messaging, and meetings makes us ideally suited to build a meetings solution that addresses the concerns above. RingCentral Video delivers a fast, smart, and open solution that distinctly fits today’s agile workforce. It delivers an essential video meeting experience as part of our cloud-based, integrated RingCentral Office® solution, which includes team messaging and phone capabilities.[/vc_column_text][image_with_animation image_url=”8112″ alignment=”center” animation=”Fade In” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][heading][/heading][heading]

KEY FEATURES

No downloads, no waiting

Ever had that experience of clicking on a meeting link, only to find you’ve got to download something to join? Or what about waiting to start your meeting because others are having that same experience? In your busy workday, you don’t have time to wait. RingCentral Video is completely browser-based, so there are no downloads—no waiting while attendees fuss with incompatible devices and slow downloads. Just click and you’re in. RingCentral Video offers the rich, HD-quality experience you expect, including screen sharing and annotation, with no hassle.[/vc_column_text][image_with_animation image_url=”8114″ alignment=”center” animation=”Fade In” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][image_with_animation image_url=”8113″ alignment=”center” animation=”Fade In” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][vc_column_text]A clean, intuitive user interface
RingCentral Video’s clean user interface makes it simple to understand who’s speaking at any time and also has the ability for any attendee to use an avatar. Users can quickly adjust screen sizes, view participants, and chat with individual
attendees or the entire group.

One app for all your communications
RingCentral Video is part of a seamlessly unified communications experience across desktop and mobile—that includes phone, messaging, SMS, and fax as well. Because it’s one integrated communications app for phone, messaging, and video meetings, RingCentral delivers a powerful contextual experience that begins prior to your meeting and extends well beyond it.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][nectar_icon_list color=”default” direction=”vertical” icon_size=”small” icon_style=”border”][nectar_icon_list_item icon_type=”numerical” title=”List Item” id=”1598994822959-0″ header=”Pre-meeting” text=”Create recurring meetings from a message
in one click. Start and join meetings from a message. Meeting prep: agenda, content, and
discussions are shared in a messaging group. Messaging calendar integrations and
reminders” tab_id=”1598994822960-3″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/nectar_icon_list_item][nectar_icon_list_item icon_type=”numerical” title=”List Item” id=”1598994823081-7″ header=”During-meeting” text=”Replace meetings chat with messaging. Auto-reminders in messaging groups for
those late to meetings. Presence set to “In Meeting” in messaging status. Assign tasks in a messaging group.” tab_id=”1598994823082-5″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/nectar_icon_list_item][nectar_icon_list_item icon_type=”numerical” title=”Section” id=”1598994823137-1″ header=”Post-meeting” text=”Post meeting notes in a messaging group. Post task reminders in a messaging group.” tab_id=”1598994823138-6″][/nectar_icon_list_item][/nectar_icon_list][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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October 9 2017

The 8 Reasons that Video Conferencing is Better

jtowner@townerkc.com Blog, Technology Tips video conferencing

This post originally appeared on IPro Media.

The world is changing quickly. With the many technological advances of video conferencing (combined with the rapid adoption rate), we must ask ourselves: why bother with in-person conferencing anymore?

The truth is that we really shouldn’t.

Here are 8 compelling reasons to go with video conferencing instead.

1. Saving travel dollars

There are big costs associated with employee travel. These typically include plane tickets, lodging, per diem food allowances, and transportation fees. Depending on the number of employees traveling, those fees will often be multiplied – possibly to a large degree.

With video conferencing, people can join forces in a meeting with the tap of a button and with little to no cost whatsoever.

2. Conferencing from anywhere

It’s not just the costs from travel that limit people. Factors such as travel fatigue and time zone differences can largely hinder employees from attending the conference at their best.

Instead, leveraging video conferencing allows them to schedule meeting times that work for all participants, regardless of where they are in the world. Without the worry, stress and strain of travel, those attending the meeting will be able to perform and participate at the top of their game.

3. Less prep time

Perhaps one of the more unspoken factors of in-person conferences is the sheer time it takes to prepare for them. When hosting a meeting, visual presentation is vital to establishing your business image as a whole.

As a result, whoever hosts the meeting will typically go out of their way to clean up not just the conference area, but the entire office space for the incoming visitors. With video conferencing, prep time is greatly reduced to simply having a clean and organized conference area.

4. Ease of file sharing

When all participants are huddled in a conference room, sharing and showcasing files can quickly become convoluted and chaotic. Companies will typically have some form of physical connection in conference rooms for laptops, such as built-in HDMI, VGA, and DVI hubs. These can be flimsy, and may not even be compatible with the different laptops from all attendees.

Alternatively, they may have a wireless screen sharing solution that requires a client application download. This is a problem for those with computers that don’t allow them to download programs without prior permission from an IT administrator.

However, most modern video conferencing programs come with a browser-based login that includes both seamless screen sharing and file sharing feature. Without any trouble, any attendee of the meeting can control the presenter role and share their file for all to see.

5. The beauty of pause

The benefits of video conferencing don’t always speak to logistics and business operations. Having the ability to pause the conference is a simple feature, but it gives participants a valuable freedom. For example, if something comes up during the meeting – even something as simple as a sneeze – pausing the video and audio can save the attendee from missing important information, interrupting other attendees, and even potential embarrassment.

6. Increased talent pool

When a company attempts to fill an open position, they seek the most eligible candidate for the job. These candidates exist all around the world, so searching for people within the immediate vicinity of the company greatly limits the chances of finding the best person for the job.

With video conferencing, businesses can interview and get to know qualified candidates from anywhere in the world. They can speak on a face-to-face basis, which makes it far more personal, professional and insightful than a simple voice call.

7. Record and rewind

Taking notes is an important part of big conferences. With in-person conferences, companies must rely on someone to record and summarize the meeting points without disturbing the flow of the meeting. During these meetings, important matters can come up that may require further discussion, so taking thorough notes is very important. This can be a highly stressful job for the notetaker, and it may limit them from fully participating.

This problem is easily solved with video conferencing. With the click of a button, the conference can be recorded and saved as both a video and audio file. Those seeking more information on the meeting can simply rewind and relive the key points. Recordings also help those that missed the meeting to catch up on important information.

8. Improved client relations

Having the power of video conferencing at your disposal means that organizations can meet with their clients as often as needed. Video conferences don’t require much time for either party – but they show that the company values a professional relationship and takes customer concerns seriously.

Choosing the smarter option

Overall, there aren’t too many reasons to choose in-person conferencing over video conferencing. And while video conferencing offers fantastic benefits, you should know that not all video conferencing software is the same. Check out our conferencing solution for a powerful tool that can help your business communicate effectively.

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