The traditional video conferencing solutions used by large enterprises were not only extremely expensive, but operating and maintaining them often times exceeded the return on investment these organizations expected. Even though the benefits it provided were tangible and many smaller organizations wanted it, the CAPEX and OPEX (News - Alert) made it impossible for most. However, the Internet introduced new cost effective and even free video conferencing (VC) solutions anyone could access. With VC services now readily available, hardware manufacturers started producing devices that could capitalize on the flexibility of IP service. Grandstream Networks (News - Alert) is one of the companies, and it has introduced a new VC system, the GVC3200, with more options even SMBs can afford.

Grandstream Networks manufactures IP voice, video, data and mobility solutions, and the GVC3200 incorporates all of the company’s expertise to deliver a very flexible platform. The company stated this new device is designed for interoperability with the largest VC products and services in the market, including Blue Jeans, Cisco (News - Alert), Polycom, Huawei and others. Additionally, it provides native support for popular Android video apps such as Skype, Google Hangouts and more. Conferences can be carried out by bridging calls with the apps in SIP platforms for a multi-party/hybrid-protocol conference.

This type of flexibility means conferences can be carried out across devices, applications and vendors, thus eliminating compatibility issues.

Some of the features of the GVC3200 include:

• Advanced video support for multi-stream H.264 high rofile 1080p full-HD video at 30fps with up to 9-way local video conferencing.
• A hardware platform with an MCU that provides hybrid-protocol conferencing without external MCUs/servers or extra software licenses.
• A high performance hardware ISP (Image Signal Processing) engine to ensure quality video experience.
• Secure collaboration and screen sharing with a built-in HDMI and VGA inputs that lets users share/control their computer screen to collaborate with remote parties while at the same time conducting a multi-party full HD video conference.
• Flexible network connection and system control with an integrated Gigabit network port and dual-band 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi client for maximum network connection flexibility in different application scenarios. This includes connectivity for Bluetooth enabled devices such as headsets, speakers, microphones, keyboards and more.

“The GVC3200 offers small or large businesses an unparalleled IP video conferencing solution with disruptive competitive edges,” said David Li (News - Alert), CEO of Grandstream. “This innovative product eliminates many of the traditional barriers to video conferencing, such as lack of interoperability with 3rd party products & apps, complexity of installation & operation, high cost of professional quality endpoints, etc.”

With the infrastructure to deliver video conferencing readily available, it is up to device manufacturers to introduce new products that can take advantage of the technology. The new Grandstream GVC3200 takes a step in the right direction by giving small organizations access to a necessary technology in today’s business environment.