Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Can telco standards make high definition video conferencing the next big thing?


The operators, vendors and handset makers behind “joyn” – the new GSMA branding of RCS services like instant messaging and voice calling – weren’t the only ones getting together at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona last month.  At the same time, a wide array of mobile operators and telecom equipment vendors announced a broad initiative behind a new set of standards for high definition video conferencing.

These new standards were on display in a HD video conferencing demonstration between Telefónica's booth in Barcelona, an Orange site in France, a Telecom Italia site in Italy and a Deutsche Telekom site in Germany.

According to the press release, the new video standard is based on 3GPP IMS and uses GSMA IPX to interconnect. And behind this nice use of standardized technology is an ambitious but crucial goal: making video conferencing as easy as making a phone call.

The video below is a year old, but it gives you an idea of the possibilities:



This ease of use is crucial, as video conferencing is often seen as the next big thing, with the market just waiting for prices to come down and standards to be set. This is a field in which operators still hold some important strategic cards, like interoperability, the ability to set standards, and control over their networks.

There is a clear trend here, one of telco cooperation, after a decade of brutal competition (and the failure of MMS because of a lack of interoperability).

Let’s not forget that even Apple and Skype only reach a small percentage of the overall market.

These new standards could have their first big impact in enterprise, where the available proprietary solutions cost too much, and operators have the potential to offer companies high quality video services with good interoperability. 

And if operators can succeed in enterprise, evolving HD video conferencing into a mass market service would be a natural, and very lucrative, path.

8 comments:

  1. The potential is indeed big but besides interoperability and standards, what is really being done about the endpoints? If anything is to be learnt from Apple then the importance of the device - be it a zero config webcam to pop on top of a TV or a slick piece of web software to run on a PC. The continued neglect of this area will result in a lack of traction for telco success here. Until I see a meaningful agreement with major consumer electronics vendors such as Sony, Samsung or Logitech this will continue to be a pipe dream....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You hit the spot that user experience is of the utmost importance. Given the potential of the consumer market, I'm certain the devices will come. Especially since the standard is based on the standard for video calling over LTE, and mobile handset vendors are already looking at that. It's a good synergy to offer more types of devices for companies that both make mobile phones and for example TV sets ...

      Delete
  2. An Internet hosted pilot network with ready to go client applications for smartphones and PC's would not hurt - build a usage base that operators can later easily hook into..... Until then it's all just talk...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That could be a good way to build the market. It's important to get the message across that it's not just yet another video calling solution though. Better if some major operators start piloting. Maybe a combination would be the best.

      Delete
  3. It can surely make a next big thing because the process of implementation is already started and price coming down is another point when compared to the ease of using Video Conferencing Software is a high possibility. The features of it cannot stop any business to attract it. There is a need for this technology to develop our business.

    ReplyDelete
  4. With the technology we have today, everything is just possible. I have particular interest with high definition video conferencing as it serves as a great aid for a real time, clear, and detailed communication.

    ReplyDelete
  5. HD video conferencing solutions paved the way to contact the persons in faraway places without travelling to the actual place.

    ReplyDelete