The world is geared for the worst pandemic in its history, where the lifecycle is thrown out of track. Notably, the workflow of the digital arena got crippled by this pandemic, where every developed nation seeks lockdown to contain the spread of disease.

Thankfully, humans have already invented and implemented technology, which tackles the situation efficiently. The solution to the problem is communication through web/internet, commonly known a videoconferencing.

Videoconferencing:

Video conferencing is expected to be the preferred business communication tool in 2016. The oldest recognized benefit of video conferencing is reducing travel time and expenses, which is an all-time advantage. It provides the ability for managers, internal teams, and IT personnel to be in client meetings or solve issues without leaving their residencies can help drive social distancing and economic growth. Increased attendance from dispersed internal teams and clients is possible for participants who otherwise would have been debilitated by location. Because people are calling from different locations, defined start and end-times are often agreed upon before the video call. It allows for a more intensive discussion with less chit-chat, and participants are more likely to stay alert and focused on what is discussed. As a result of improved communications, participants are more in sync, decisions can be made faster, and productivity increases. Indeed, a 2013 survey found 94% of video conferencing software users thought the most significant benefit was increased efficiency and productivity. The mobility offered by cloud-based video conferencing positively contributes to employee retention. All these aspects mean that video conferencing provides a definite competitive advantage for your business. There is no benefit to being second, but with the right unified communication system, you can maintain a strong business position through effective collaboration and productivity improvement. Through video conferencing applications or tools, we can share the screen to team members and continue the presentations, and digital interactive online classes to students, another advantage of it is, students could record the lecture and revise it whenever required. The IP activity in this technology is increasing rapidly as the interface is flexible and manageable to every user. Every year the number of patents filed on the different interfaces provided by the applications is high. We might not meet physically, but we can meet digitally!

Top Video conferencing tools:

Skype: Skype is one of the best video conferencing tools for business. It is started in the year 2003. Skype owns nearly 1738 patents on its ability to interface communication between users.

Cisco WebEx: Another most used tool for video conferencing is WebEx, which was found in 2007. It is mainly known for video chats and meetings. Its known software products are Webex Meetings, Webex Teams, Training Center, Event Center, Support Center, Sales Center, MeetMeNow, PCNow, Webex AIM Pro Business Edition, Webex WebOffice, and WebEx Connect. All Webex products are part of the Cisco Systems collaboration portfolio.

The Cisco WebEx has 133 patents on video conferencing.

 BlueJeans: Blue Jeans Network is a company that provides users with cloud-based video conferencing. It was launched in 2009. BlueJeans is best known for bridging room-based conferencing.

The BlueJeans Network has 100 patents.

Zoom: Zoom unifies cloud video conferencing, simple online meetings, and group messaging into one easy-to-use platform. Our solution offers the best video, audio, and screen-sharing experience across Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Blackberry, Zoom Rooms, and H.323/SIP room systems. It was found in 2011. It has up to 8 patent inventions.

GoToMeeting: An industry leader in online video conferencing for companies around the world, GoToMeeting is trusted by millions of people every day for real-time virtual communication and collaboration. GoToMeeting provides a fast, easy, and reliable, professional online meeting solution that enables customers to meet face to face, share presentations, and chat with colleagues all with the click of a button. This product is owned by LogMeIn, Inc and has nearly 59 patents.

Conclusion:

The video conferencing tools have primary application when people are working or learning from remote locations. It is also evident that many companies already use the tools to maintain contact with clients in other countries. So, in the situations of these pandemic attacks, these tools have huge profits because the usage and installation are high, and they are implementing new features for user flexibility. Now, in the case of this pandemic attacks the world is opting for these kinds of tools, as the demand is high the inventions to provide user-friendly interface are also high.

Keywords:

Videoconference, COVID-19, IP activity, Patent, Skype, Cisco WebEx, BlueJeans, Zoom communications, GoToMeeting, Digital communication, apps, application, tools, support, filing

References:

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coronavirus_disease_2019
2. https://www.techradar.com/in/best/best-video-conferencing-software