Toronto-based solution provider, IT Methods, is aiming to "bring high-definition video conferencing to the masses," with its new videoCloud managed telepresence service offering and the help of its channel partners.
Just last week, VideoCloud Inc., which is a separate company run by IT Methods in partnership with Vernon Technology Solutions Inc., launched its videoCloud service offering to provide end-users with an end-to-end high definition video conferencing experience.
Paul Goldman, CEO of IT Methods, said that because videoCloud is a fully managed solution, it does not require any sort of upfront capital or resources from the customer. VideoCloud is a solution that features a 32, 42, or 50-inch LCD display screen, a camera and microphone, desktop stand, HD video codec and a standard managed solution offering.
Currently, the company is looking for partners to deliver this service offering, which is exclusive to videoCloud's channel. The offering will enable partners to strike up net new conversations with their customers will help to improve a customer's overall productivity and costs, by providing them with predictable outcomes.
On the base of the unit are a set of wheels so that the customer can easily move videoCloud into any room they want, without having to worry about wires or cables.
"We're bringing HD video conferencing to the masses," Goldman said. "We're offering a turn-key solution that enables field-of-depth and face-to-face capabilities on a table-top solution for use in offices, conference rooms and lunchrooms."
Goldman said the videoCloud solution does not compete against video conferencing solutions that target the high-end market. Instead, this solution addresses the needs of those businesses that in the past, may not have been able to afford video conferencing solutions.
"All that's needed (to use this solution) is a working network connection, that's either wireless or wired and a minimum of 1MB of Internet traffic going both up and down for HD capabilities," Goldman explained.
Calls can be made using the videoCloud remote, instead of having to use an IP-phone, Goldman said.
Because videoCloud is a video service offering, end-users pay for the service on a monthly basis, on a 12, 24 or 36-month contract.
The base price package of the videoCloud 200 desktop, which comes with a 32-inch LCD screen, is sold for $690 per month based on a three-year term, Goldman said.
It includes the screen, camera, HD video codec, unlimited phone support, break fix support and upfront implementation.
When it comes to margins, partners are paid on a percentage and monthly basis, for the length of the contract. Margins are 12 per cent of the revenue and are paid out per month.
"This is a standalone service that partners can add into their own offerings," Goldman said. "Next month we'll be launching this for laptops so users can join a high definition video call from their laptop. Partners will be able to add on sales with things like extra headsets."
While IT Methods has its own partner program, in order to sell videoCloud, Goldman says partners need to be a member of IT Methods' partner program and also be a part of the videoCloud network.
"I see this doing well with sales managers and distributed sales teams, for executives who want to have town hall-type meetings with other offices and more," Goldman said. "For vertical markets, this will do well in the legal, healthcare, public sector or professional services spaces."