Videoconferencing: How to Step Up From Skype

Self-hosted small-business videoconferencing systems--whether offered as a stand-alone appliance, software running on a server, or a service provided across the Internet--will generally be based on one of two technologies: SIMPLE (Session Initiation Protocol for Instant Messaging and Presence Leveraging Extensions) or XMPP (Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol), the protocol that underlies Jabber. SIMPLE and XMPP are both open protocols, though each approaches the challenges of videoconferencing from a different direction.

XMPP also uses XML to define its data structures for features including presence, VoIP, and rich messaging types (such as audio and video). It grew out of an instant messaging protocol developed as an open alternative to AOL Instant Messenger, and its standards are still being finalized. Neither SIMPLE nor XMPP is intrinsically better.

MCU also serves as a universal translator

An MCU also serves as a universal translator, allowing videoconference clients using different compression techniques and protocols to communicate. In unified communications systems, the server contains the MCU function, simplifying both configuration and administration. Stand-alone MCUs tend to support more users and provide higher quality, while those provided as software in a server tend to be less expensive.

In particular, the capability to provide Quality of Service (QoS) for network traffic of specific types or from particular network addresses is necessary to ensure that video and audio remain smooth and high-quality while normal business tasks take place across the network.

High-bandwidth

Videoconferencing is a high-bandwidth, demanding application for end-point clients, servers, and networks. Although the Star Trek holodeck isn't yet possible on a small-business budget, technology has evolved to a point at which you can have a professional-quality videoconferencing presence without busting your IT budget.

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