Audio or Video: Which Conference Technology is Right for Your Business?

Videoconferencing is becoming a fixture of unified communications systems for business. But does the rise of videoconferencing spell the end for traditional conference phone calls? Software Advice, a telecom software analysis firm, polled 389 employees who used videoconferencing and audio conference calls to determine their preference. Here’s what they found:

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Most employees use both video and audio conferencing

One-fourth of survey respondents used some form of conferencing – either audio (39 percent) or a mix of audio and video (31 percent). U.S. Census Bureau data from 2012 shows that most employees work in industries that don’t require extensive videoconferencing, so the number of employees using some form of conferencing technology is notably high.

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Audio is best for internal communications, while video is favored for training and customer support

Employees were almost evenly divided in their partiality for video conferencing (29%) and audio conferencing (28%), but there were clear preferences for usage in each category. 29% of survey respondents stated that they preferred video conferencing for external communications, such as interviews and customer service, as well as for Human Resources (HR) processes like benefits enrollment. It also gave them a key tool in resolving conflict by allowing them to see the other party’s body language.

22% of respondents said they would rather use audio conference calls for internal communications, such as with management, which did not require face-to-face interaction. When asked specifically why they preferred audio conference calls, respondents stated that they liked the ease of setup and use, as well as for multitasking while conducting a conference call. If you favor conference calls, make sure to check out our USB Headset H570e – its compatibility with most leading UC platforms and plug-and-play USB connectivity makes it easy to use with either PC or Mac, while its wideband audio and noise-cancelling microphone deliver a lifelike listening experience.

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So which tech is best?

Deciding between audio conference calls and videoconferencing ultimately comes down to the needs of your company and personal preference. Those companies with a large remote work force or a sizable customer service base may find videoconferencing more effective, while a need to streamline internal processes may generate a stronger return on investment from audio conference calls. You can read the full report from Software Advice here.

Which conference technology is right for your business? Share in the comments.