A new product from AVer Information Inc. Americas has made sub-$1,000 videoconferencing a reality for SMBs, as well as for enterprises looking for affordable huddle-room solutions.

That’s the word from Kris Rangarajan, marketing director, and Eric Yu, product management director, at AVer Information.

The company got its start selling document cameras, and is now a market leader in that space. Such products are commonly used in the classroom.

Four years ago, AVer came out with its first videoconferencing endpoint. Then, in 2011, it unveiled the HVC310, a four-way MCU selling for $4,500.

Logo courtesy AVer Information
But AVer Information decided that for its videoconferencing solutions to really be successful in the mid-market space it needed to get to a sub-$1,000 price point, said Rangarajan. At the same time, the company wanted to make the solution very easy to configure, even when working with other vendors’ solutions, and simple to use. The result was the EVC100, which AVer announced last month.

This solution provides all components, with the exception of the display device and Internet connectivity, in one box; the gear can be set up in 5 to 10 minutes. It comes with a strong warranty and service package, and AVer is partnering with cloud providers including Blue Jeans Network, Vidtel, and Zoom to ensure interoperability with the cloud.

“We are positioning [the EVC100] as the endpoint for the cloud, because interoperability has to play in to the cost-piece for this to be successful,” says Rangarajan.

She adds that interoperability is particularly important for enterprises that want to use its solutions in so-called “huddle rooms,” smaller rooms for use by five to 10 people.

To enable businesses to test out the EVC100, AVer offers a test drive kit, which includes a fully configured system.

“Eighty-five to 90 percent of people who touch our product keep our product,” says Rangarajan.

The EVC100 is a 720p solution. The EVC130 is a 1080p solution with recording capabilities. For more information, be sure to visit AVer Information at Booth #602 at ITEXPO.