Today’s forward-moving, successful businesses simply must have videoconferencing in their arsenal. Whether you’re trying to make a sale, start a new partnership or communicate an idea, there is no substitute for being able to talk face-to-face. In today’s global, digital economy, where businesses have contacts all over the world and may have employees in a variety of locations as well, the most effective form of face-to-face communication is videoconferencing.

Not only should you use videoconferencing technology, but you should also practice effective videoconferencing. Here is a breakdown of some videoconference best practices so you can use this technology in the most effective way for your business.

Videoconferencing Etiquette

There are a few do's and don’ts that are important to keep in mind during videoconferencing.

First, whether you are the leader of the conference or simply a participant, try to check in a little early. There is always the chance that technical issues could pop up or a slow connection could cause unexpected delays, and it’s better to be early and have to wait a little bit for everyone to check in than to miss critical information or keep people waiting.

In general, you should treat a videoconference as if it were a live conference where everyone is in the same room, whether you are the only person checking in remotely or everyone is videoconferencing in. That means dress appropriately, don’t eat or bring food into the meeting. and make sure you are joining the conference from somewhere private where you can close the door and warn passersby not to interrupt.

Videoconferencing Software

Successful videoconferencing starts with the right videoconferencing software and hardware. In today’s environment, you have a number of videoconferencing software options to choose from. Some companies are fine with basic social videoconferencing software like Skype or Zoom, while others will want to adopt a more professional quality videoconferencing software platform like ezTalks Cloud Meeting, RingCentral Office for Business or Cisco WebEx.

Technical Requirements

The best software and the best etiquette won’t help you if you are dealing with technical glitches. That is why it is so important to make sure your system includes the highest-possible quality cameras and microphones for clear, reliable video and sound. You also must have a reliable internet connection and a dependable, connected network. Nothing kills communication faster than a feed that freezes, cuts out or is hard to hear.

If you don’t have enough internet bandwidth, freezing, delays, and choppy video and sound will result. You may find this happening when you have multiple cameras and many people are trying to talk over an internet connection that is inadequate for your purposes. When this happens, it’s easy to become flustered.

Fortunately, you can often avoid this problem by making sure you have an adequate internet connection beforehand. A professional network design specialist, like those on the team at Intellicom, can help you figure out just what kind of internet system you need to help ensure clean, uninterrupted videocommunications and can set it up for you as well.

Naturally, if your internet connection is great but your hardware, cameras and microphones, are subpar, you will suffer quality problems even though the signals are getting through. This can lead to a sense of lack of professionalism and inadequate respect for your own business or the time of the conference participants. That is why it is so important to make sure you have the best equipment and internet connection for the job.

Intellicom Videoconferencing Solutions for Businesses

Intellicom can provide complete, state-of-the-art audiovisual videoconferencing services for your business in the North Carolina area. We have a variety of videoconferencing systems to meet your needs and your budget, systems that can enhance collaboration, improve communication and provide you with clear, consistent video and sound meeting after meeting. We also have experienced personnel and tools to help you set up a reliable network and internet system so you never have to worry about being connected.

To learn how we can put our videoconference systems to work for your business, contact us today.

While many people give serious thought to their home security and to the security of retail establishments, some may not be as careful when it comes to an office. This can be an unfortunate oversight. Offices are great targets for thieves, as they are often not heavily guarded and can contain plenty of treasures for the enterprising criminal, from computer equipment to televisions to office supplies.

On top of this, there is the ever-present threat of data theft or corporate espionage, which can have both short-term and long-term negative repercussions for your business. You need a reliable security system to protect your business, but there are so many different types of alarm systems for business. What are they, and which one is right for you? Possible options include:

Access Control Systems: An access control system gives you as a business owner total control over the comings and goings of your personnel. Your system can be a basic card reader system, where an employee has to swipe or pass a card over an access panel to gain entry. There are also more sophisticated options, such as a fob the employee carries in their pocket or even a biometric access method like a fingerprint or eye scan.

These systems can help prevent people from sneaking into your office, although they may not be effective against a nighttime break-in attempt from an outside element.

Security Alarm System: This is a system that includes options like glass break sensors, motion sensors, door sensors and window sensors that activate when someone unauthorized attempts entry at a time they shouldn’t. These sensors should not only trigger a sound alarm, but should also be linked to a 24/7 monitor station for maximum security. A team will be waiting around the clock to notify you and the proper authorities the moment a break-in attempt is detected.

Video Surveillance: Standard alarm systems can do a lot to protect you and your business, but adding video surveillance can give you an even greater level of protection. Having a video-surveillance system in place, especially one linked to 24/7 monitoring, is like having eyes on your business at all times, wherever you are, day or night. Video surveillance protects your business in multiple ways.

First, it can act as a powerful deterrent to break-in attempts, as highly visible video cameras let potential intruders know they are being watched before they even think about breaking in.

Second, it can generate a fast response. The monitoring team can alert the authorities as soon as a break-in is attempted, and since it is verified by the monitors, those authorities can act fast without fear of a false alarm situation.

Finally, should intruders be scared off and escape capture, the high-definition cloud-based recording technology can store clear video of the criminal who made the attempt, facilitating easier apprehension so he cannot attempt to break-in at a later date.

What’s the Best Alarm System for My Business?

So which alarm system is best for your business? If you have a smaller business that is not an obvious target for thieves, a basic security alarm with window, glass break and door sensors will often be sufficient.

For a slightly larger business, you will definitely want to have an access control system as well, and may want to consider a few video cameras. Larger businesses should have motion sensors for both inside and outside the facility; door, glass and window sensors; access control; a full range of video cameras; and 24/7 monitoring. These systems can pay for themselves with the first attack they thwart.

Contact Intellicom for Alarm Systems for Businesses in North Carolina

When it comes to the best alarm companies in Durham, North Carolina, the company that stands out is Intellicom. Known for our structural cable and audiovisual solutions services throughout the Research Triangle Park area, we also have proven expertise in reliable security systems for office environments. Whether you’re a smaller business, a larger one or a midsized operation, we can help you find and install the right alarm system for your needs and budget. To find out how, please contact us for more information today.