Standout Benefits Of Cloud-Based Video Conferencing Solutions
What are the benefits of cloud-based video conferencing solutions for your business? More and more organizations are moving their operations online due to the COVID crisis, whether it’s hosting remote team meetings or switching to a VILT program to mitigate risks. To make a successful business case, you need to highlight the real-world perks for your organization. Below are a few notable reasons to invest in video conferencing solutions, regardless of your use case or business objectives.
7 Perks Of SaaS Video Conferencing Software
1. Anytime, Anywhere Accessibility
One of the well-known benefits of cloud-based video conferencing is that employees can access the platform on any device. This also makes it easier for them to attend live events if they telecommute or frequently travel. Best of all, you can onboard global team members instead of being limited to regional employees since everyone can log in to the platform to attend team meetings, webinars, and new hire online training sessions. Furthermore, external partners still get the chance to collaborate with in-house staffers and sign up for L&D events like skill-building webinars that help them hit their sales goals and improve customer service.
2. Reduce L&D Costs
The right software can help you stretch your budget and reduce L&D expenses because you can move events online. Even if you opt for some ILT sessions, cloud-based video conferencing tools are ideal for peer coaching and workshops. That said, many organizations choose to switch from ILT to VILT, as it improves ROI and engagement. For example, you don’t have to pay for printed materials or site rental fees. Plus, employees can interact with instructors and co-workers in real time, minus the risk. You also eliminate travel expenses related to on-site training, such as footing the bill for flight and accommodations. Insider tip: create an accurate budget and research pricing models ahead of time to get top value for money.
3. Simplify Software Setup
As a general rule, cloud video conferencing is easier to implement than locally hosted solutions. Users don’t have to download the software on their desktops. However, they may have to install the native app on their mobile device for greater accessibility. Another user-friendly benefit is that cloud-based systems typically include customization options. Finally, these vendors tend to have customer training resources to bring everyone up to speed, even employees who have little or no experience with video conferencing platforms.
4. Reduce IT Workload
Since less work is involved with the setup/installation and vendors often provide training resources, your IT team can rest easy, or at least not have to deal with as many roll-out headaches. Typically, vendors have dedicated support to help you overcome tech challenges. For instance, you can speak with one of their trained IT experts via live chat. Just make sure you get everything spelled out in your contract to avoid potential issues. Does the vendor include IT phone support? Are there troubleshooting resources in their knowledge base? In fact, you may want to clarify this point in your software RFP.
5. Provide Remote Peer Support
While scheduled VILT sessions and team meetings are planned in advance, you can also host impromptu support events or even launch a peer coaching program so that employees can exchange ideas and help each other bridge work-related gaps. Video conferencing platforms are ideal for remote peer support and just-in-time training. As an example, co-workers host mini skill-building sessions for a small group of attendees. During the coaching meeting, they can share stories, tips, and resource links.
6. Record On-The-Go Events
Most organizations rely on their cloud-based video conferencing solutions for real-time events. However, you can also record sessions for later viewing, which is another reason these platforms help you cut costs and boost staffer engagement. To illustrate, one of your team members can’t make the meeting or cannot attend your weekly webinar. You can record the event so they don’t miss important updates and get all the necessary information. Likewise, you can upload those recorded sessions to your online training library or even repurpose them for JIT support, particularly if you choose a cloud-based solution with editing tools. Finally, hosts can travel to different locales during the event. For instance, give employees a grand tour of the warehouse or sales floor to walk them through the restocking process.
7. Improve Employee Engagement
Let’s say that employees attend traditional training events. They sit with their co-workers and listen to the guest speaker for half an hour. Then they need to take the final exam to prove that they were listening. Or maybe they attend an online asynchronous course where they click through the screens and complete an activity here and there. This starkly contrasts to video conferencing events where they’re expected to actively engage. Staffers have the opportunity to interact with peers and instructors. They can ask questions, share feedback, and participate in group events such as discussions or problem-solving activities that require everyone’s input.
Conclusion
The benefits of cloud-based video conferencing solutions extend to every team member, whether they’re in-house staffers or external partners. You can even use SaaS video conferencing tools to host customer training events and expand your market reach. The secret is choosing a platform that fits your budget and delivers the ideal level of support. For example, if your team is unfamiliar with video conferencing systems, they may need more one-on-one support to launch the first live event.
