Communications is likely to see major changes thanks to WebRTC.
WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) is an API being drawn up by the World Wide Web Consortium. It gives Web browsers real-time communications capabilities via Javascript APIs.
One of the latest news reports related to WebRTC shows how Vidtel will send a link to one person, and allow him or her to connect to a one-on-one or group video conference simply by clicking on the link, Webrtcworld reported.
It works with WebRTC, Skype, as well as conferencing systems, and was demonstrated at the recent ITEXPO Miami 2013.
There is another move toward chat involving different browsers as well. Google Chrome 25 beta and Mozilla Firefox make it possible to allow a video conversation via a Web app.
Clearly, WebRTC has great potential impact on communications, and will provide many benefits to small to medium-sized businesses.
The movement is sure to offer enterprises varied functionality, increased simplicity, economic benefits and improved quality.
The Next Blitz predicts that “WebRTC, paired with pervasive Internet, enables any service provider, any web developer and any application provider to become a telco.”
“WebRTC helps bridge the moat from a provider perspective and helps enable freemium business models,” the report added. “Any provider, not just your friendly neighborhood telco, will be able to leverage WebRTC to make money from freemium interactions and free us from the transaction shackles. This includes both direct retail companies providing us with WebRTC-powered apps and services, as well as enablers like Twilio and Voxeo.”
Also, WebRTC will help any application support voice and video. Fixed line providers, just as well, should embrace WebRTC. The report envisions a scenario where customers are offered a WebRTC-powered Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) client. They could be provided unlimited calling for same price they are now paying a month.
In addition, they could sell back-up Internet access.
One option is to also offer the DSL connection as a second or third Internet connection. These redundant connections will be important with WebRTC and the Internet of Things. WebRTC-enabled apps and services can also be sold or offered as a channel for other WebRTC communication providers.
It sure sounds like a fragmented future in communications.
“Yes, we are going to get a fragmented, heterogeneous communications ecosystem: WebRTC, CU-RTC-WEB, Flash, plug-ins, proprietary solutions, NextBigThing, etc.,” the Next Blitz report said. “WebRTC isn’t going to change the world by itself. But it doesn’t need to. … WebRTC is a very strong change agent in that paradigm shift and will work with others to change the communications world.”
Edited by
Braden Becker
