Vertical Communications was founded in 2004 and “is inspired by the always-connected, data-driven enterprise that embraces the new ways of working made possible with mobile and cloud technologies. [It] replaces the traditional business phone system with a communications platform and secure cloud services that enable powerful new workflows to ensure you are always connected to your customers. Wherever. Whenever.”
With the Real Time Web Solutions show right around the corner, it’s only appropriate that Vertical Communications would be taking part. The event will be taking place from Aug. 1-4 in New York City, and Senior Director of product management Praveen Mamnani will be speaking on behalf of Vertical Communications. He will be running the sessions “Using the Real Time Web for Communications Enabled Business Processes” and “What is Next in the Web Age of Communications?.”
His interview with TMC can be seen below.
Do you see Real Time in applications as a major differentiator in 2017?
PM: I do expect to see more deployments of RTC-based solutions in 2017. The technology is maturing, so it’s only natural that adoptions will continue to escalate. In addition, the actual integration of RTC-based solutions is becoming easier. The biggest benefit we see is the ubiquitous access for remote and mobile workers, having the ability to connect and collaborate seamlessly with users within the enterprise.
What are the values that Real Time brings to applications?
PM: Certainly, the ability to provide seamless access to multiple communications channels, including voice, web, video and chat represents significant value to businesses. In addition, the comparatively simple design of RTC, and the correlating expedited time to market is unique. It allows business to roll out low-cost, compelling services that will have maximum impact for both internal and external audiences.
What factors are critical in planning for a Real Time Web Solution?
PM: It’s important to plan for issues like NAT traversal and network optimization challenges when looking to deploy RTC solutions. RTC applications can sometimes play havoc with the network infrastructure, so a little pre-planning to ensure the network is performing well is essential. In addition, it’s important to know the limitations of certain web browsers when using RTC technology. Even though much progress has been made in this regard, there remain a number of compatibility issues with IE, Safari and iOS.
It is often said, we live in a “Mobile First” world. Do you think mobile apps will get Real Time first?
PM: It depends on the industry and the types of applications being deployed. For consumer-oriented applications, mobile-first apps are must have. With the proliferation of smartphones and tablets, it stands to reason that developers focus on a mobile-first experience. Within the enterprise mobility is certainly gaining prominence for increasingly mobile work force. However, there are still large percentages of back office workers that spend a majority of their time at their desk and require a dedicated application on the desktop. These types of workers also require the flexibility to seamlessly access collaboration features from a thin browser app and integrate real-time communication with a legacy phone on their desk for a high quality, reliable audio experience.
What vertical applications are early opportunities for the Real Time Web?
PM: There are several markets that are relevant for RTC. A number of providers have deployed solutions that target financial services, insurance and hospitality customers. Vertical Communications is focusing its efforts on the retail and healthcare sector, which are integral to our go-to-market strategy.
What do you see as the biggest barrier(s) to the Real Time Web today?
PM: Certainly the incompatibility of certain browsers with RTC technology, especially with some of the mobile operating systems, remains one of the biggest barriers to adoption. There are some vendors that say they’ve found workarounds for many of these situations, but in many cases it still results in a disruptive—or semi-disruptive—experience. When this situation gets rectified—and it is ‘when’ and not ‘if’, the flood gates should open up regarding adoption.
Do you think video is a game changer in your application?
PM: Again, it depends on the situation. From where we stand, video usage remains relatively low. There are some environments—such as healthcare—that are much better suited for video. Frankly, video isn’t the primary driver for RTC in the enterprise space. The speed of developing and easy in implementing powerful new capabilities is the priority for businesses. If video serves a need, it will get looked at, but in our experience, the adoption is still very slow and for niche use cases.
Why should your session/booth be on the must-attend/must-visit list for everyone heading to Real Time Web Solutions Expo?
PM: Our session, “Using the Real Time Web to Build Communications Enabled Business Processes,” should be useful to enterprise users who are examining how RTC can improve their most critical workflows and processes. Vertical Communications has been at the forefront of delivering best-of-breed applications, features and services that enable customers to improve performance across all aspects of the business. RTC gives us a very compelling tool set that significantly widens the scope of services that are accessible, as well as simplify and expedite deployment. I’m looking forward to sharing our experiences at the conference, and engaging with users and developers that are interested in this technology.
With speakers like Mamnani, the Real Time Web Solutions event is sure to be a success. Don’t miss out on your chance to get in on the action: Register Today.
Edited by
Stefania Viscusi
