Web-based real time communications (WebRTC) is taking on a whole new prominence as a powerful tool for businesses and consumers alike. Great for small groups, and increasingly looking good for bigger ones too, the technology is offering a variety of new possibilities in the fields of communication, collaboration and beyond. Phone.com, perhaps seeing that the writing on the wall looks a lot like “WebRTC,” is taking its own steps into the field by getting together a line of new solutions based heavily on WebRTC, addressing not only the needs of current customers, but also developers.
Phone.com's branching out into WebRTC will start out comparatively simple, with a set of prototype applications geared toward the Chrome browser and for Android devices that allow the user to place phone calls and video calls over a data connection. But that's just a start point rather than a finish, as Phone.com's next move—after WebRTC starts reaching the customer base—is to offer up the platform for developers through Phone.com's API marketplace, allowing developers to get in on the action, put some extra touches to WebRTC and give everyone an even better—and more diverse—user experience.
Ari Rabban, Phone.com's CEO, proved clearly excited about the new developments in WebRTC, as evidenced by recent remarks: “WebRTC will provide customers with another method of connectivity using their Phone.com accounts. We want to make communications as easy and flexible as possible and are highly anticipating the value of this service for our customers.”
As to when the apps will be released, that's as yet unclear. But when said apps do arrive, they will likely prove useful for Phone.com's customer base, which will be able to in turn take advantage of new communications technology to keep in touch with home, the office and beyond. It will be especially interesting to see what new applications come into play when the developers get their hands on the API, and really open the field up past just Phone.com, though its developments are also important in the field. Phone.com recently made an appearance at ITEXPO West, and the video from same and more can be found here.
WebRTC in general is really taking the opportunity to flex its metaphorical muscle as more and more applications, from video games to collaboration tools and beyond, all fall within the purview of this new technology. With the ability to make video calls from a Web browser, as well as get in on small group conversations, WebRTC has plenty of room to make some serious impact in the wider market. Phone.com, meanwhile, is one more firm discovering the inherent value of being able to keep in touch from most anywhere quickly and easily, so seeing new developments out of the company makes plenty of sense.
Edited by
Alisen Downey
