Lifesize Introduces New SMB Videoconferencing Solutions

Video conferencing solution provider Lifesize is rolling out new updates to its Lifesize Cloud platform and two new conferencing devices designed for small and midsized businesses. The Lifesize Icon 400 and Icon Flex devices are are aimed at SMBs, offering enterprise-class video communication comparable to traditional boardroom conferencing solutions, according to the company.

“Customers tell us that they want video conferencing that simply works: no hassle or complexity, without lengthy installs and IT involvement,” said Craig Malloy, founder and CEO of Lifesize, in a statement. “They use video on their phones and they want that exact same simple-to-connect-to-anyone-from-anywhere experience in the office.”

The Icon 400 model is a standalone videoconferencing device capable of hosting up to 25 participants. The Icon Flex model is a plug-and-play solution that connects to any Mac or PC, with an optional phone attachment for wider-reaching audio. Both the Icon 400 and Icon Flex models utilize the company’s Lifesize Cloud platform to enable calls, making the solutions cheaper and less difficult to install than enterprise solutions, according to the company.

Lifesize Cloud provides users with enterprise videoconferencing security and the ability to create multiple virtual meeting rooms. Employees can initiate video calls via their browser with the platform, which allows users to schedule and initiate calls through a Google (GOOG) Chrome extension or Outlook plug-in. Microsoft (MSFT) Lync users can join meetings hosted on the Lifesize Cloud directly through their Lync client application.

Demand for videoconferencing is also being driven by the growth of cloud infrastructure, Malloy noted. The continued “consumerization of enterprise” has spurred a movement toward less expensive and easy-to-use conferencing solutions in the workplace, regardless of company size or number of employees.

“Demand for video communication is exploding,” said Malloy, in an interview with The VAR Guy. What’s different this time is its really being driven by consumers; everyone has video calling applications in their pocket. When those consumers walk though the door of their office they expect to have that same type of experience in the workplace and that hasn’t been the way that things have played out really in enterprise video communication over the past 20 years.”

The Icon 400 is available now, while the Icon Flex model is expected to hit the market in March through the Lifesize Worldwide Partner Network. The new features for Lifesize Cloud are expected to be available in February.