7 vital features for enterprise video conferencing solutions

Thirty percent of workers now work remotely, which has led to an increase in spending on technology to support virtual work like cloud infrastructure services. The largest increase in software spending is the result of investing in web conferencing software. Large companies know that remote employees’ success depends on good communication, so they implement enterprise video conferencing solutions that make that possible.

Some of the most feature-rich options available use WebRTC video conferencing technology, and we’ll cover the benefits of WebRTC in more detail. We’ll also share eight critical features you should evaluate as you research enterprise video conferencing solutions.

WebRTC video conferencing

WebRTC video conferencing offers the usual features you expect to see in video conferencing software. It also adds a few benefits, which we’ll cover briefly here and in more detail below.

Also known as browser-based video conferencing, this feature allows you to create instant video meetings that don’t require participants to download software. WebRTC video conferences run through secure connections between participants’ browsers.

WebRTC conferencing also enables the use of additional features like co-browsing, website annotation, and real-time e-signing.

Efficiency

When you’re evaluating an enterprise video conferencing solution’s efficiency, there are three aspects to consider: 

• Implementation: Is it easy for employees and clients to set up?
• User experience: Is it easy for employees and clients to use?
• Network requirements: How much memory and bandwidth does the software require for a smooth experience?

Implementation

WebRTC video conferencing solutions are easy to implement because they don’t require users to download software or browser extensions. The only time you’ll need to do further work on the implementation side is when you want to integrate it with an existing platform. But that can be as simple as adding a line of code to your website or app.

User experience

Enterprise video conferencing solutions that use WebRTC also make it easy to begin a video conference. You can add a line of code to your existing interface if you want to start meetings from within your company’s website or app. Otherwise, it’s as simple as sharing a link.

That makes it easier to communicate internally, and your clients will appreciate not having to download another plugin (like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, or Webex) on top of all the other rarely used extensions taking up space on their hard drive.

Network requirements

Video conferencing usually requires 2 Mbps upload and download speeds, but 3 Mbps is recommended for group calls. If participants are sharing their screens, the software may require even more bandwidth. That’s because screen sharing works by sending pixel data from one participant to the rest of the group. 

For participants with a slower connection, the screen may freeze or become distorted.

Co-browsing

One way to avoid the problems associated with screen sharing and insufficient bandwidth is to use co-browsing instead.

For example, Surfly’s solution takes the code from the page you’re looking at and recreates it for other participants. Since it sends text-based data instead of pixel-based data, it requires less bandwidth and creates a smoother experience for all participants.

Co-browsing also makes it possible to:

• Transfer control to other participants more seamlessly than other video conferencing solutions
• Automatically conceal sensitive data
• Track all actions in a session and who performed them

Recording

If you plan to record meetings, you’ll need enterprise video conferencing software that makes it possible to record them securely. The end-user is responsible for most of the security protocols recommended by the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). 

For example, CISA recommends controlling what files can be shared and limiting or disabling screen sharing. It also recommends training employees to be aware of whether they’re sharing an individual application or their full screen.

These are tips your team will need to keep in mind. But some co-browsing tools offer another layer of protection. If you use Surfly, only the tab(s) shared in the initial session will be visible. You can also mask sensitive fields and elements to avoid exposing confidential information.

File sharing

Another benefit of WebRTC video conferencing software is collaborative document annotation and editing. Unlike screen sharing, where participants see the host’s screen without interactivity, enterprise video conferencing solutions like Surfly allow participants to collaborate on documents.

You can start a Surfly session from any URL, and then make notes in the document as needed.

E-signing

You can increase efficiency by finding a solution that supports e-signing within a meeting. For example, when hosting a conference in Surfly, you can have participants sign a document within the session itself. That way, you don’t have to send documents via email and wait for a response.

Security

CISA recommends frequently updating your software to avoid software vulnerabilities. If your video conferencing solution is downloaded to your computer, you’ll have to make these updates to maintain security. Otherwise, you risk meeting disruptions and loss of data.

If you use WebRTC video conferencing software, any security updates that the company makes are implemented automatically. 

On top of frequent security updates, look for a solution that provides:

• TLS 1.3 transport security: TLS is a security measure that encrypts your data as it goes back and forth between participants.
• Audit logs: This feature allows you to see who did what in a session. For example, if someone on your team has a client sign a document during a meeting, the audit log will show that the client is the one who signed the document.
• Masking of sensitive data: This feature enables you to hide things like credit card details and protected health information.

WebRTC video conferencing for enterprise companies

As you look for enterprise video conferencing solutions, consider whether a browser-based solution might be the best fit for your company. WebRTC video conferencing software provides the core features of other providers with several valuable additions. 

Features like co-browsing, collaborative document editing, e-signing, and field masking make options like Surfly a great choice for companies that prioritize security and efficiency.