With voice services such as VoIP (voice over internet protocol) and teleconferencing already featuring prominently in the business world, Vodacom is making moves to kick off a new era in video collaboration.

The local mobile operator has launched a video collaboration solution that can connect multiple users, whether they employ a PC or mobile device. This solution is available for any device that sports a webcam or built in camera and microphone, including notebooks, tablets and smartphones.

Gary Hart, executive head for unified communications services at Vodacom Business Services, explained that the company’s video collaboration solutions are capable of interoperating with the broadest range of business, video, mobile and social networking applications.

“It allows users and workgroups to share their screens displaying any application – Excel spreadsheets, Word documents, presentations, etc – as well as Smartboards for meeting-driven explanations and notes,” Hart explained.

He added that these solutions will take an ordinary video conference into the virtual meeting room, no matter where the participants are situated or what type of device they are using.

The service uses bridging software for video and voice applications, allowing different end user technologies from various vendors to be employed. The user is simply provided with a VoIP number, which he or she will use in order to join the video conference.

According to Vodacom, this service works in the same way as teleconferencing, which requires a user to dial a number and enter a PIN to join the discussion. The company’s video collaboration services takes this a step further by enabling face to face interaction, and screen to screen as well as smartboard sharing for the participants. Users only need to download the company’s software in order to activate this functionality.

“Not only do we offer this service, but will deliver a total one-stop solution to business owners and corporates, where we manage their network and video needs to ensure a high quality service,” said Hart. “As the solution is totally device vendor agnostic it can be implemented almost immediately – as soon as everyone has downloaded the software onto their device.”

The benefits of video collaboration include:
•    Increased productivity as decisions are made much faster.
•    Reduced unnecessary overheads.
•    Reduction in Travel & Accommodation costs.
•    Reduced carbon footprint.
•    Ability to seamlessly and securely collaborate with business partners and customers.
•    Greater staff interaction via the face-to-face experience.
•    Converged offering from one provider.
•    Fixed fee per month.
•    Investment protection as Vodacom will be responsible for the video bridging hardware and software upgrades.

The Vodacom video collaboration solution is available immediately from Vodacom Business Services. For more info users can visit the Vodacom Business site.

In related news, Vodacom (as well as Cell C) recently expanded the number of Windows Phone Mango-powered Nokia Lumia devices that it offers locally. The company made the Nokia Lumia 710 available to local smartphone buyers for a recommended retail price of R3999.