Microsoft Teams Insider Microsoft Teams Rooms - How to Choose Beyond the Specs
Sep 30, 2025
Simon Dudley, an independent consultant with a rich 30-year history in video conferencing, shares insights into the commoditized market. He discusses why many video bars are 'good enough' and how customers should prioritize reliability and support over specs. Dudley emphasizes the importance of financial stability and ESG credentials in vendor selection. He draws parallels with the PC industry, highlighting factors that drive vendor choice and the significance of understanding brand positioning in today's competitive landscape.
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Career Journey Through Video Conferencing
- Simon recounted starting in video conferencing in 1992 and selling his first PictureTel Concorde.
- He later worked at Polycom, Lifesize and spent nearly nine years at Logitech before returning to independent consulting.
Commoditisation Driven By Platform Simplicity
- Technology matures from niche experiments to user-centered ubiquity, making device differentiation harder.
- Microsoft enabling many vendors to build Teams bars accelerates commoditisation and price pressure.
White-Label Chips Lower The Barrier
- Qualcomm and similar suppliers let many companies white-label bars without deep engineering.
- That ease of entry explains the surge of OEMs and makes true product differentiation rare.