Remember the days when video conferencing felt like a clunky, futuristic dream? Well, we've come a long way, haven't we? And for many businesses, Skype for Business has been a significant part of that journey, especially when it comes to integrating existing video teleconference systems (VTCs) into the modern workflow.
It’s not just about making a call; it’s about seamless communication. Microsoft, through its Video Interoperability Program, has been actively testing and qualifying various video conferencing hardware and infrastructure to ensure they play nicely with Skype for Business. This means that if you've invested in VTCs over the years, there's a good chance they can still be part of your scheduled Skype meetings, and sometimes even handle direct peer-to-peer calls with native Skype users.
Understanding the Interoperability
At its core, this program focuses on two main areas: video endpoints and video infrastructure. Video endpoints are the actual devices you see in a conference room – think of systems like the Polycom RealPresence Group Series. The program tests these to see how well they can register directly with Skype for Business Server. Then there's the video infrastructure, which acts as a bridge, allowing older SIP and H.323 based VTCs to join Skype for Business meetings. It’s like giving your legacy equipment a modern passport.
What to Expect in the Meeting Room
When you look at how these third-party VTCs perform within Skype for Business, it’s interesting to compare them to native Skype Room Systems. For instance, while a third-party endpoint might offer a "partial" Skype for Business UI experience, relying on a separate controller like the Polycom RealPresence Touch, native systems are built from the ground up for that specific environment. Features like single-touch meeting joins are pretty standard across the board, which is a relief for anyone who’s ever fumbled with complex connection sequences.
Sharing content, whether it's a presentation or a desktop view, is also a key area of focus. While native systems often provide a more integrated experience, the interoperability program ensures that content sharing from VTCs is functional, even if the method of delivery (like RDP-based sharing sending content as video) differs slightly.
Keeping Things Running Smoothly
Beyond the meeting itself, manageability is crucial. The interoperability efforts extend to how these systems are provisioned and monitored. While native Skype Room Systems benefit from in-band provisioning and updates, third-party VTCs often rely on their own management platforms, usually PC-based. However, the goal is always to make the experience as unified as possible, allowing for searchability from Lync or Skype clients, and ensuring presence information (available, busy, offline) is accurate.
The Technical Backbone
From a technical standpoint, the aim is to deliver high-quality experiences. This includes HD video (both 720p and 1080p), robust audio, and reliable firewall traversal. Features like forward error correction (FEC) and encryption (TLS and SRTP) are also tested to ensure that your calls are not only clear but also secure, mirroring the capabilities of the standard Skype for Business client. It’s about ensuring that the technology fades into the background, letting the conversation take center stage.
Ultimately, the Video Interoperability Program for Skype for Business is about extending the life and utility of existing investments while embracing the future of communication. It’s a testament to the effort to make sure that wherever your team is, and whatever equipment they're using, connecting is as straightforward as possible.
