2010 Q1: POLYCOM AND TANDBERG VS. SKYPE

Newsletter Q1 — January, February, March — 2012

www.solutionzinc.com

Polycom and TANDBERG vs. Skype

One question we hear over and over from prospective customers is "Why should I go with Polycom or TANDBERG video conferencing systems over a cheaper solution like Skype?"

Below we have outlined the top reasons why you should choose high-end video conferencing solutions over run-of-the-mill, low-quality desktop video applications:

Interoperability issue — High-end video conferencing systems allow for different manufacturer's video conferencing equipment to be interoperable with each other (e.g., a Polycom system can connect to a TANDBERG system). With Skype, however, users are limited to only connecting with other Skype users.
Video and Audio Simultaneous Calls — High-end video conferencing systems allow for some participants to be on the video call while others can dial into the call over audio only. Skype, however, requires all participants to connect through video (i.e., computers) only.
Limited Growth — High-end video conferencing systems allow for an unlimited number of participants to join a call, thus assisting with an organization's growth. Skype limits concurrent calls to 30 participants, making scalability an issue for growth.
Audio Quality — High-end video conferencing systems offer a crisp, clear audio. Skype, however, lacks the crisp audio and echo canceller, and also even recommends the use of a headset.
Video Quality — High-end video conferencing systems offer a sharp, clear video, with no lag time. Skype, however, lacks the video quality and due to the required network connection has a noticeable delay in the transfer of video and audio information.
Security — High-end video conferencing solutions offer a highly secure network through the latest encryption methods that prevent the exchange of information over video from going into the wrong hands. Skype, however, does not have a security network, allowing for information to be leaked and compromised.