Pexip (now including the former Videxio) is a video conferencing platform that combines enterprise communications and collaboration solutions in Virtual Meeting Rooms, or operates as a gateway between platforms. It allows people to use any communication or collaboration device or tool of their choice: traditional videoconferencing, Microsoft® Skype® for Business, personal and mobile devices, telephones, or simply any web browser.
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Polycom RealPresence Group Series
Score 6.0 out of 10
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The Polycom RealPresence Group Series is a video conferencing codec that connects to a standards-based video conferencing infrastructure to allow users to make video conference calls. There are three products in the series – RealPresence Group 300, RealPresence Group 500, and RealPresence Group 700. It is certified to use with Office 365 and Skype for Business.
This video meeting software is good for all those who want to collaborate with their teams on some serious business discussions and it provides the best quality of video without any interruption. Its features work perfectly well from recording to scheduling. But it is not favorable when someone is facing a weak internet connection.
If you're always working in the Polycom ecosystem then the Group Series codecs are reliable and the quality of the camera and microphones are extremely good. However, the system relies heavily on either having onsite server technology and/or cloud based bridging capability. In addition, the peripherals like cameras and microphones are quite expensive. Maintenance and support costs also make the ongoing investment a costly one
It's hard to find anY cons. But perhaps, the "getting started" manual which is available, and they do send it when you first start, which is needless and far too big whould be replaced by a 15 minute videocall. That's so much better a way to go as no one has time to read so much anymore.
The only issue that we have experienced with Polycom RealPresence Group Series is the speed dial functionality. When attempting to use the speed dial buttons, the system occasionally sends a call through the computer system, not the phone. While the computer call option is valuable, not everyone can answer calls that way and we have had to do a manual lookup of an extension and call back when that happens.
The directory is slightly dated and unless you have a Skype for Business integration license, dialing users into a call is difficult. The Group Series Remote whilst minimalistic is actually more difficult to use than the previous HDX remote. Having to recharge the battery on the group series remote is both annoying and difficult as if you do not keep on top of it, you will be faced with a situation where the remote is not working and then have to try and find another one. Not ideal if you need to start a video call (assuming auto join has not been enabled in the admin portal).
Pexip Infinity's customer support function deserves a full score for their work. The ironic thing is, I have never had to deal with them at all, which means that their entire development team is actually a support team because they have crafted a product that the client never has to talk to them about; it is just that good and works seamlessly. There are very few products out there that works as easily as Pexip Infinity.
I can't say I've needed support more than a handful of times. One was for trying to connect a Polycom Conference phone and a Real Presence together. After a few months, we came to the conclusion it wasn't possible, that was the only frustrating occurance with support. Any other time if we needed to RMA a device, it was very smooth.
The Polycom RealPresence Group Series was top of the line. It had a lot more features as well as the ability to integrate with Microsoft Teams. With Highfive, you had to pay to keep the device running and it was more like renting it. Although we pay maintenance with Polycom we will own the devices. The Highfive camera also didn't move. Lifesize was comparable but it did not integrate with Microsoft Teams at the time. It may as of now, I am not sure.
Once pexip integrates Polycom/skype this will be a big win for us due to the RPTouch integrating the "one - touch join". This will increase adoption of video greatly.
Before the Group series with peripherals was implemented the cost of a video room was twice what it is today. Massive win.
Due to provisioning and automated firmware the IT involvement has been greatly reduced. No longer is there a need for manual changes to individual endpoints.
