CounterPath (News - Alert) and Vidtel will be working together to deliver reservationless, any-to-any video conferencing services to small and medium size businesses. Video conferencing has become popular for businesses because it allows for virtual meetings where users can see one another, share screens, and even give virtual presentations.  

Although video conferencing has become a vital tool, most businesses are forced to choose between Google Hangouts or Skype (News - Alert). Vidtel and CounterPath came together to implement technology that would allow for a high-quality online conferencing alternative.

CounterPath, a provider of desktop and mobile VoIP software products and solutions felt its Bria softphone for PCs and mobile devices would benefit from Vidtel’s (News - Alert) MeetMe service.

Vidtel’s MeetMe service provides users with high-definition and standard-definition video conferencing on-demand for businesses for a monthly service fee. With these companies working together, businesses can now have video conferencing that is integrated with room-based systems and desktop products as well as Bria, which is available for PCs, Macs, and iPhones.

“When people call they want to connect,” said Elliot Gold, president of TeleSpan Publishing Corporation. “They don’t want to dig through a manual to see if the other person has the same equipment, is on the same network, or worse, if the bits match. They simply want to call and see them. That’s what this service is all about, and is welcomed in the ever-growing videoconferencing marketplace,” said Gold.

Todd Carothers, CounterPath’s Senior Vice President of Marketing and Products, said this integration would allow both companies to expand their services to multi-size businesses, while eliminating most of the cost. “Businesses of every size value the bottom-line benefits of video communications, including on tablets and smartphones. The interoperability with Vidtel enables CounterPath to meet that need by providing device- and network-agnostic video conferencing solutions that are as intuitive as dialing a phone,” Carothers added, “Together, we’re liberating businesses from the costs, constraints and uncertainties that come with video communication services that are ruled by a single company.”

Scott Wharton (News - Alert), CEO of Vidtel, agreed with Carothers, saying what sets their companies apart from others is that all the information is offered to the user up front. “We offer no hidden caveats when it comes to price and interoperability. This interoperability creates an exciting range of opportunities for both our companies and our customers, now and in the near future,” said Wharton.

MeetMe’s prices vary by meeting room size, standard or high-definition video, or on a per-minute basis. The per-minute plan starts at $50. Meeting room sizes are available for up to 12 participants and can be purchased for a monthly cost as low as $199 per month. Customers can begin using MeetMe immediately by downloading it through the iTunes App Store, the Mac App Store, or CounterPath’s online store.

Want to learn more about the latest in communications and technology? Then be sure to attend ITEXPO East 2012, taking place Jan. 31-Feb. 3 2012, in Miami, FL. ITEXPO (News - Alert) offers an educational program to help corporate decision makers select the right IP-based voice, video, fax and unified communications solutions to improve their operations. It's also where service providers learn how to profitably roll out the services their subscribers are clamoring for – and where resellers can learn about new growth opportunities. For more information on registering for ITEXPO registration click here.

Stay in touch with everything happening at ITEXPO. Follow us on Twitter.