TTAC

Videoconferencing Bridges – Pricing Explanation

Currently in this market, there are vendors that have either a single model or multiple models of videoconferencing bridges available for purchase. Each model varies depending on the number of video ports, or the number of simultaneous calls, that it can support, and the functionality that it offers. Generally, each model is available at a base price, with mandatory and/or optional costs associated with the purchase. There are also options where the MCU (bridge) is integrated directly into the CODEC, or is available as a cloud-based service, eliminating the need to purchase bridge hardware.

Bridge pricing consists of a few components that are similar across the market.  Software may be needed; the supporting software costs are usually broken down in one of three ways: you may pay a one-time fee for the software, you may pay a one-time fee for the software with a yearly maintenance fee, or you may have to pay a one-time fee for the software, and buy user license keys for each user in addition to yearly maintenance fees. There may also be additional hardware needed to support the videoconferencing bridge. Some vendors may make it mandatory that you purchase one to three years of technical support, and some may have additional warranty periods available for purchase. You may also need to budget for hardware and software upgrades as part of ongoing product maintenance.

Equipment can be purchased from manufactures, resellers, servicers, and vendors. The pricing that you are quoted may be adjustable based on your project and/or organization. It helps to be able to fully explain your project when you are to the point where you need to do your price comparisons, so the seller can give you the most comprehensive pricing information. There may be discounts available based on volume and organization type. Many vendors offer purchasing of equipment based on current need with projections for expansion in the future.

Additional features, management tools, and network infrastructure supports that may be available include: scheduling packages, tools that allow additional web-based users to participate, redundancy packages, recording services, streaming video services, additional networking hardware and software, hardware or software support for content sharing, additional system management tools, hardware expansion space, maintenance plans, and additional warranty periods.

Vendor Specific Pricing Explanation

Cisco
Cisco offers multiple bridge models for purchase. Each bridge has increased port capacity and functionality. The price increases as port availability increases. Annual fees are associated with each bridge purchase.

Epygi offers multiple bridge models for purchase. Audio conferencing licenses and video conferencing feature keys must be purchased separately for each bridge model. Audio conferencing seats are sold in blocks of seats, with a maximum number of audio seats that can be purchased for each bridge. Video conferencing feature keys are sold in groups, with a maximum number that can be sold per bridge. It is possible for multiple bridges to be “nested” to add additional video ports by special order. Eypgi bridges only work with SIP video codecs.
LifeSize offers one bridge model for purchase. The price increases as the number of video ports increases. Additional functionality is available for purchase. Some features are purchased with one flat fee, and some features are priced based on the number of licenses purchased.
Polycom offers multiple bridge models for purchase. Each bridge has increased port capacity and functionality. The price increases with port availability. Multiple bridges can be purchased and used simultaneously with the purchase of an additional piece of hardware. Annual fees are associated with each bridge purchase.
Radvision has two base MCU series’ available for purchase. Each series offers varying levels offunctionality. In general, each level in the series offers an increased numbers of video ports. Each MCU series has a base price, and the price increases based on the number of video ports available.
VCON (now ClearOne) offers one bridge model for purchase. The price increases based on the number of video ports that you wish to purchase. The company requires that you purchase at least a one year service agreement with the bridge purchase. Additional features such as recording options, can be added at an increased price.
VTEL has several models of standalone bridges available for purchase. Each model has different versions with increasing numbers of video ports available. Each model of bridge includes different features and functionality. The price for each bridge varies based on functionality and the price increases based on the number of video ports that you purchase.