how BYOD is reinventing videoconferencing

As organizations shifted to a hybrid work model during the pandemic, videoconferencing became an increasingly indispensable tool for keeping teams connected. But with users leveraging a wide mix of devices and platforms – including their own devices – this presented a challenge for maintaining seamless connectivity for every call.

BYOD videoconferencing is changing that. 

BYOD – short for “Bring Your Own Device” – is the idea that users should be able to use virtually any videoconferencing platform using the room’s product-agnostic hardware. It has become a gamechanger for teams that need to move quickly and adapt to the ever-evolving videoconferencing landscape.

the status quo

Traditionally, a conference room is built with hardware and software to power videoconferences via a single platform. For example, a Microsoft Teams Room is built specifically for connecting via Microsoft Teams.

There are inherent advantages of doing so; namely: the ability to maximize the features of a single platform; provide a seamless experience across all users; and, essentially, to “get everyone on the same page.”

But achieving that ubiquity not always so simple, especially during pandemic times. 

changing needs

Videoconferencing exploded during the Covid-19 pandemic as teams needed a way to connect from multiple locations, including their homes. Commercial Integrator reported that all the most popular video calling platforms saw sharp rises in usage, including Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meet, and others.

The problem, however, was achieving continuity when teams began using a medley of different platforms across an organization. This was especially true for the people setting up the meeting in conference rooms that only allowed for a single platform.

For example, what happens when the tech team in San Fran needs to set up a Zoom call with the marketing team in New York, which uses WebEx? This is a common scenario resulting in meeting delays and miscommunication, and ultimately affecting productivity.

enter BYOD (bring your own device)

BYOD allows users in the conference room to select video conferencing platforms on the fly. Rather than being tethered to a single platform, they choose the system that makes most sense at the moment. And they can hop on new calls with just a few taps.

For example, if the 9 a.m. Project Status meeting uses Zoom, but the 10 a.m. call uses Teams, the meeting host can easily switch between the two. Even better, the host can literally use their own device to control the meeting, such as connecting their laptop to the conferencing hardware in the room. 

So even in a room that was specifically built for Microsoft Teams, the conferencing infrastructure—cameras, microphones, and other devices—can be used to power calls via Webex. 

This interoperability between platforms provides greater flexibility, allowing teams the freedom to use whichever platform is most appropriate for the call, at that very moment.

not for everyone

While BYOD has its advantages, experts caution there are still some caveats. Many organizations will find they still prefer the dependable quality, serviceability, and feature sets that come with dedicated videoconferencing environments such as Zoom Rooms. These advantages can still outweigh the flexibility of BYOD videoconferencing, and they can provide a simpler, more seamless experience that many teams are looking for.

Ultimately, the decision to move to BYOD will depend on several factors that are unique to the organization’s operations and videoconferencing needs. 

why AVDG?

When you partner with AVDG, you get more than just the technology—you get an unparalleled experience in reimagining your space. We have completed over 3,000 connected workspaces for industry leaders in businesses of all sizes. For more than 25 years, we’ve employed a diverse team of creative, highly skilled professionals who are passionate about technology and customer satisfaction.