System vendors vs. support providers
Video-conferencing solutions may incorporate a variety of components, ranging from those entirely based on desktop video to those that enable participation by anyone using any of the three defined product classes. To provide a common framework for discussion, Nemertes defines the video-conferencing market into two classes of vendors: video conferencing system vendors, and video conferencing support providers. System vendors sell the components required to establish video conference sessions, while support providers deliver design and implementation services, management performance monitoring, and managed network connectivity between locations or externally to business partners or public meeting rooms.
These two classes aren’t mutually exclusive and involve a great deal of overlap. Many system vendors offer management services, while most support providers also resell equipment provided by system vendors. Either system vendors or support providers may deliver hosted video services that leverage a shared infrastructure to support multiple customers. Within each of these categories key differentiators include types of end-points, support for open standards, resolution capabilities, and management offerings.
