COVID-19 has forced decision-makers to rethink their approach to conferencing technology. Government lockdowns and social distancing measures designed to slow the virus' spread were implemented without much warning, making video conferencing the only way to maintain some semblance of normalcy.

Softermii has shared some of the new video conferencing trends they see in business communication that offer unique opportunities for software development in the post-COVID world. Here are the top 3.

Enhanced Business Communication

• Video conferencing solutions such as Google Meet and Zoom were available as stopgap measures to ensure business communication. More secure and sophisticated apps tailored to specific audiences are now replacing generic apps.
• Apps for business users need to be as easy to use as FaceTime while also providing the functionality that business users expect.
• Reducing travel costs and consolidating offices in favor of a remote workforce can result in substantial savings for businesses.
• Video quality improvement and integration with productivity tools are essential features of new video conferencing solutions.
• In-person meetings need to be replaced with collaborative tools for the remote workforce. A free exchange of ideas must be allowed without technical roadblocks.

Cloud-based Communication

• You can significantly reduce the cost of your IT infrastructure and equipment by using cloud-based communication.
• IT professionals and users alike appreciate the convenience and simplicity of cloud-based communication. They can be automatically updated and maintained by developers, with companies only needing to pay subscription fees.
• Cloud communication applications are much more intuitive for employees. Many people worldwide also have access to this technology, so they can also assist you with any questions you may have.

Artificial Intelligence

• The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in video conferencing applications is becoming increasingly popular with companies.
• These solutions can be integrated into virtual assistants. Various tools are available to assist online negotiators with multiple tasks, including note-taking, schedule management, suggestions for meeting preparation, and much more.
• Machine learning can collect and analyze data from online meetings.
• AI can process languages, which allows video conferencing conversations to be recorded and even translated into different languages in real-time.

The pandemic has, in many cases, changed how we conduct business and deal with other aspects of our lives. Innovative uses of video conferencing technology have provided tremendous opportunities for developers and continue to provide. Given the advances in conferencing and collaboration applications we've seen over the last two years, it's reasonable to assume the risks posed by COVID-19 accelerated conferencing tech development past the point where it would have been otherwise.

by Joey Davis , Managing Editor

AVIXA