Video conferencing has become an indispensable tool for modern enterprises. As businesses embrace hybrid work models and global collaboration, the ability to connect face to face without being in the same room is more important than ever.
But beyond convenience, what are the real advantages of video conferencing?
Recent posts by Vemun Waksvik
10 min read
Advantages of Video Conferencing: Top Benefits for Enterprises
By Vemun Waksvik on Jul 4, 2025 2:41:23 PM
Topics: Video Conferencing Mixed Workflows Interoperability SIP Synergy SKY CONNECT
6 min read
Meeting Rooms in 2025: Making Hybrid Work Really Work
By Vemun Waksvik on Jul 2, 2025 9:45:00 AM
1. Hybrid Work Isn’t a Buzzword Anymore – It’s the Baseline
Topics: Video Conferencing Interoperability Synergy SKY CONNECT
6 min read
Why is interoperability in video conferencing here to stay
By Vemun Waksvik on Jul 1, 2025 12:45:00 AM
The explosion of video conferencing platforms—each with their own versions, protocols, and quirks—has made virtual meetings harder to navigate than ever. As organizations adopt Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meet, Webex and countless others, interoperability is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity.
Topics: Video Conferencing Microsoft Cisco Mixed Workflows Interoperability SIP Synergy SKY CONNECT
10 min read
Video Conferencing Trends 2025: Top 10 Innovations to Watch
By Vemun Waksvik on Jun 26, 2025 8:00:00 AM
Video conferencing is now central to how organizations connect, collaborate, and compete. Over the past five years, video tools have evolved from basic screen shares to AI-enhanced platforms that support global, hybrid workforces at scale.
Topics: Video Conferencing Mixed Workflows Interoperability SIP Synergy SKY CONNECT
4 min read
Seamlessly Connect Cisco and Poly Endpoints to Microsoft Teams Meetings
By Vemun Waksvik on Jun 10, 2025 12:15:00 PM
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There is an alternative to buying new hardware. You can get interop software today!
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The number of meeting platforms that you need to adapt to is increasing. Interoperability is becoming more and more important
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The major meeting platforms are changing every 3 years*
Topics: Cisco SIP Synergy SKY CONNECT Microsoft Teams Featured
5 min read
Simplify Business Video Meetings: Easy Scheduling, Joining, and Sharing
By Vemun Waksvik on Jun 3, 2025 11:00:00 PM
Video meetings have become an essential part of our professional lives. However, they often come with their fair share of complexities and challenges. Sean Lessman from Synergy SKY discusses how to solve some of these problems with an easy-to-use, user-friendly, and cost-effective solution.
Topics: Video Conferencing Microsoft Mixed Workflows Interoperability SIP Synergy SKY CONNECT
3 min read
Certified Interoperability: How Synergy CONNECT Bridges SIP and WebRTC for Seamless Video Meetings
By Vemun Waksvik on May 20, 2025 12:15:00 PM
Synergy CONNECT is a standards-based interoperability gateway that bridges SIP-based video conferencing systems and modern web meetings (WebRTC/HTML). It enables users to join browser-based meetings like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Google Meet directly from SIP video endpoints.
Synergy CONNECT relies on open standards to ensure interoperability:
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SIP (Session Initiation Protocol): Ratified by the IETF, this standard allows communication between a wide range of video conferencing systems.
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WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication): Supported by all major browsers, WebRTC powers real-time communication directly in the browser without plugins.
Topics: Video Conferencing Microsoft Mixed Workflows Interoperability SIP
3 min read
The only Standards-based Interop Video Gateway
By Vemun Waksvik on May 6, 2025 7:45:00 AM
Seamlessly Connecting SIP Devices to Modern Meeting Platforms
Topics: Video Conferencing Microsoft Cisco Interoperability SIP Synergy SKY CONNECT
2 min read
7 Unique Benefits of Synergy SKY CONNECT for Video Conferencing
By Vemun Waksvik on Mar 11, 2025 7:45:00 AM
Synergy SKY CONNECT is an award-winning, multi-vendor gateway that connects any Cisco and Poly SIP video endpoint to Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, FaceTime and Zoom meetings.
Here are seven unique benefits:
Topics: Collaboration Video Conferencing Interoperability Microsoft Teams
2 min read
Reactions in all meetings on all SIP video devices
By Vemun Waksvik on Oct 4, 2024 10:15:42 AM
😀 The only service with emoji feature parity in all meetings. 👍
In today's hybrid work environment, virtual meetings have become the cornerstone of collaboration. While video conferencing keeps us connected, the lack of in-person interaction can sometimes make it harder to fully engage. That’s why non-verbal cues like emojis have become an important part of digital communication, helping to express emotions, agreement, or humor.
But what if you're using a SIP-based video conferencing device? Until now, that meant you were limited when joining meetings on popular platforms like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, or Google Meet. Synergy SKY is changing that.
Seamless Emoji Support—No Matter the Meeting Platform
Synergy SKY is excited to announce a groundbreaking new feature: the ability to send emojis from SIP video conferencing devices into Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Google meetings. As the only vendor offering this capability, Synergy SKY bridges the gap between traditional SIP-based systems and modern web conferencing platforms, ensuring that everyone can participate in the rich, interactive experience that emojis provide.
Why Emojis Matter in Meetings
Emojis have become a universal language in digital communication. Whether you're giving a thumbs-up👍 to show agreement, clapping👏 to acknowledge a good point, or sending a smile😀 to brighten up the conversation, emojis can help convey emotions instantly, without disrupting the meeting flow. Now, with Synergy SKY, even users on SIP video conferencing devices can fully engage with the meeting experience, no matter which platform they're using.
Breaking Down Communication Barriers
This new feature exemplifies Synergy SKY’s commitment to interoperability and user experience. As meetings become more cross-platform, it’s essential that all participants—whether they’re using Cisco or Poly SIP devices, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, or Google Meet—can interact seamlessly.
With Synergy SKY, there’s no need to worry about missing out on interactions just because of the device you're using. We’re making video conferencing more inclusive, fun, and engaging for everyone.
How it works
For Cisco video device buttons will appear on Cisco Touch 10 after installing Synergy SKY. See picture.
For all other SIP devices there is an option to use DTMF. AV Integrators will then be able to program room controllers like Crestron. Learn more here
Get Ready to Express Yourself
Emojis are more than just fun—they’re an integral part of modern communication. And now, with Synergy SKY, you can express yourself freely from any device. Whether you're using a SIP-based video conferencing system or a web platform, your meeting interactions just got a whole lot more dynamic.
Topics: Video Conferencing Synergy SKY CONNECT
22 min read
Comparing Synergy SKY CONNECT with CVI and CRC for Video Conferencing
By Vemun Waksvik on Aug 19, 2024 4:28:00 PM
Compare and Contrast: Synergy SKY vs. the Competition
Synergy SKY has 3 gateways in 1
Topics: Video Conferencing Microsoft Cisco Mixed Workflows Interoperability SIP Synergy SKY CONNECT Featured
3 min read
Join Microsoft Teams Town Hall Events from Any Video Conference Room
By Vemun Waksvik on Aug 5, 2024 3:13:29 PM
Enjoy and receive Microsoft Teams Town Hall events on your video conference devices, such as Cisco or Poly. With Synergy SKY, all SIP video conference devices can join Town Hall events as participants. This way, all video-equipped meeting rooms can easily join in on all-hands and company-wide events, leveraging the seamless integration provided by Synergy SKY.
Topics: Microsoft Teams
4 min read
Poly RealConnect Sunset. End of Life
By Vemun Waksvik on Jun 3, 2024 11:36:00 AM
Synergy SKY CONNECT: A Viable Alternative to the Sunsetting Poly RealConnect
Poly RealConnect, a video conferencing interoperability gateway for standards-based video systems to connect to Microsoft Teams and Skype meetings, is nearing its end of life. This leaves many businesses scrambling to find a suitable replacement.
Topics: Video Conferencing Interoperability SIP Synergy SKY CONNECT Poly
2 min read
First-Ever SIP Video and FaceTime Integration for Seamless Meetings
By Vemun Waksvik on Jun 3, 2024 8:15:00 AM
Synergy SKY CONNECT will support Apple FaceTime, making it the world's first integration between SIP video devices and FaceTime. By adhering to standard interfaces, CONNECT ensures reliability, future-proofing, and broad support across all major meeting platforms.
Topics: Video Conferencing Cisco Interoperability
6 min read
Synergy SKY is now available on your Control Hub dashboard
By Vemun Waksvik on May 16, 2024 3:40:09 PM
Synergy SKY has already become one of the most used integrations in Control Hub.
Topics: Cisco Webex Interoperability Synergy SKY CONNECT
2 min read
Live captions displayed on SIP devices in Teams meetings
By Vemun Waksvik on Apr 29, 2024 4:50:01 PM
Live captions enable people who are deaf or hard of hearing to follow along with the conversation, fostering inclusion and participation in meetings.
Even for those with normal hearing, captions can aid focus by providing a visual reinforcement of what's being said. This can be especially helpful in noisy environments or for meetings with heavy jargon or technical discussions.
Synergy SKY Press Release:
Topics: Interoperability Synergy SKY CONNECT Microsoft Teams
3 min read
Transform Your Video Conferencing Experience with Synergy CONNECT
By Vemun Waksvik on Mar 25, 2024 3:16:02 PM
Empowering VTCs for Active Participation in Video Meetings
Topics: Video Conferencing Interoperability SIP Synergy SKY CONNECT Microsoft Teams
5 min read
Unleash the power of your Cisco video endpoints
By Vemun Waksvik on Feb 14, 2024 12:36:00 PM
If there was ever a time to get your video conferencing technology and platforms optimized, this is it. Here's how you can make your video conferencing endpoints do the work for you.
Topics: Synergy ANALYZE Synergy SKY CONNECT
3 min read
3 factors that drive adoption of video conferencing
By Vemun Waksvik on Feb 5, 2024 3:14:00 PM
There are 3 crucial factors you need to have in order to achieve a frictionless meeting experience across technologies and generations of products: Compatibility, Interoperability, and Consistency.
Topics: Video Conferencing
6 min read
SIP to Web Gateway by Synergy SKY Now on Azure Marketplace
By Vemun Waksvik on Jan 24, 2024 2:01:00 PM
Synergy SKY CONNECT offers an award-winning interoperability gateway that connects Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Zoom, and Webex meetings to existing video conference devices such as Cisco and Poly.
Topics: Video Conferencing Microsoft Mixed Workflows Interoperability SIP
4 min read
Cisco TelePresence Management Suite (TMS) replacement
By Vemun Waksvik on Jan 17, 2024 4:18:00 PM
Cisco TelePresence Management Suite and Cisco TelePresence Management Suite XE (Cisco TMS/ Cisco TMS XE ) is a portal for administering and monitoring your videoconferencing network from a single, organized interface. Both of them offer centralized control for on-site and remote video systems, as well as deployment and scheduling for the whole video network.
Topics: Cisco TMS
2 min read
One Organization, Six Conference Platforms
By Vemun Waksvik on Jan 8, 2024 12:56:00 PM
How do you schedule and start meetings when you have six platforms to choose from?
Topics: Collaboration Video Conferencing Use Case
3 min read
Synergy SKY CONNECT empowers Lifesize customers
By Vemun Waksvik on Dec 12, 2023 3:29:45 PM
Synergy SKY CONNECT empowers Lifesize customers to expand their meeting capabilities beyond the CVI experience they have, encompassing:
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Seamlessly join all Microsoft Teams, meetings
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Engage in seamless application sharing (adding PowerPoint live and whiteboarding)
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Connect effortlessly to all Zoom and Google Meetings
Synergy SKY CONNECT is an award winning patented interoperability gateway that can be used by all video conferencing SIP video devices.
Enghouse press release:
Partnership With Synergy SKY Advances Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Cisco, Vidyo
MARKHAM, ON, Dec. 12, 2023 /CNW/ - Enghouse Interactive, a leading provider of customer engagement solutions, today announced a strategic technology partnership with Synergy SKY, a leader in simplifying video communication across multiple platforms.
This important partnership marks a significant step in enhancing the interoperability and user experience in video conferencing. It focuses on Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meet, Cisco and Enghouse proprietary video products Vidyo, Qumu and Lifesize.
Under this partnership, Enghouse Interactive's latest acquisition, Lifesize, will fully integrate Synergy SKY CONNECT, a leading solution for seamless video meetings. This integration expands and improves the customer experience by extending support to a wide range of video meeting technologies.
Enghouse Lifesize room systems, known for its high-definition video conferencing solutions, will benefit significantly from Synergy SKY CONNECT's intuitive and user-friendly meeting experience. This collaboration aligns with Enghouse Interactive's focus on superior communication solutions that cater to the evolving needs of businesses and their customers.
"We are delighted to partner with Synergy SKY," said Vince Mifsud, President of Enghouse. "Their innovative approach to video conferencing aligns perfectly with our strategy of offering customers choice when delivering exceptional customer experiences through our technology. This move is timely, considering more companies are returning to their offices in a full or hybrid model increasing the importance of quality video conferencing and collaboration in the global business landscape."
Ståle Reitan, CEO of Synergy SKY, added: "Our collaboration with Enghouse Interactive represents a significant milestone for us. We are dedicated to making video meetings as straightforward and efficient as possible. Joining forces with Enghouse Interactive, a company that shares our mission, will allow us to take our customer service to higher levels."
For more information about the partnership and the integrated solutions, please visit https://www.enghouseinteractive.com and https://www.synergysky.com.
About Enghouse Interactive
Enghouse Interactive (EI), a subsidiary of Enghouse Systems Limited, is a global leader in contact center software and video technology solutions offering its customers and partners the valuable advantage of choice. EI empowers businesses to transform contact centers from cost centers into powerful growth engines. EI simplifies complex integrations through open standards and supporting various telephony technologies to ensure seamless customer accessibility across channels and locations.
Information contact:
Balvinder Sandhu
balvinder.sandhu@enghouse.com
Synergy SKY is bridging the gap between video meeting platforms, enabling seamless collaboration for individuals across diverse locations and devices. As an independent software development and sales company Synergy SKY is creating synergies between different meeting platforms and simplifies the user experience. Synergy SKY connects your video conference rooms to Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Google meetings. https://www.synergysky.com/
Information contact:
Vemun Waksvik
vw@synergysky.com
SOURCE Enghouse Systems Limited
Topics: Interoperability Synergy SKY CONNECT Lifesize
3 min read
SIP video endpoint registration service
By Vemun Waksvik on Oct 27, 2023 10:04:19 AM
Register your video endpoints with Synergy SKY - it's the only service your video devices need
Topics: Video Conferencing SIP
4 min read
Announcing the multi-vendor gateway!
By Vemun Waksvik on Oct 18, 2023 10:46:00 AM
Connect to all Google, Zoom and Teams meetings from any Cisco / Poly video endpoint.
Topics: Google Microsoft Interoperability SIP
4 min read
SIP to Zoom Integration Now Live in Synergy SKY CONNECT
By Vemun Waksvik on Sep 26, 2023 10:02:09 PM
We are excited to announce the launch of SIP to Zoom interoperability support in Synergy SKY CONNECT! This new feature allows users to join Zoom meetings from any SIP video endpoint, without the need for any additional hardware or software.
Topics: Video Conferencing Mixed Workflows Interoperability SIP Synergy SKY CONNECT zoom
4 min read
Have you ever booked a fake meeting?
By Vemun Waksvik on Sep 20, 2023 11:22:00 AM
Whether you want to admit it or not, throughout our working lives, many of us have bent the rules when it comes to business meetings.
Topics: Collaboration Video Conferencing IoT Meeting No-show
2 min read
Synergy SKY featured in Cisco Webex blog
By Vemun Waksvik on Aug 25, 2023 4:00:00 PM
Synergy SKY was recently featured in a blog post on the Cisco Webex website. To learn how we together connected 120 Cisco video rooms to Zoom and Google - read the full blog here.
Topics: Video Conferencing Microsoft Cisco Interoperability SIP Synergy SKY CONNECT
5 min read
How to handle video meeting invitations - and connect rooms to all meetings
By Vemun Waksvik on Jul 10, 2023 5:30:00 PM
Video meeting invitations often present a challenge when it comes to figuring out how to join the meeting. This can lead to frustration and delays in starting the meetings or even people avoiding the use of video conferencing rooms altogether.
This is how to take any meeting invitation and generate a green join button that will promptly connect video conference devices all meetings.
Topics: Video Conferencing Microsoft Mixed Workflows Interoperability SIP Synergy SKY CONNECT
5 min read
Ad-Hoc Room and Video Booking with Cisco Webex Touch Controller
By Vemun Waksvik on Jun 8, 2023 1:30:00 PM
With Synergy SKY in-room booking, you can book both room and video meetings ad-hoc from your touch panel if the room is available. In addition, the 30.03 SW release has: Cisco Endpoint Phone Books, Room Issue Notifications.
Topics: Video Conferencing Release Notes Cisco
5 min read
How to ensure video communication interoperability in 3 steps
By Vemun Waksvik on Jan 5, 2022 3:32:27 PM
As the home office backdrop slowly loses its charm and the need for a professional meeting setting increases, people are beginning to travel into the office to make use of meeting rooms for their video meetings.
Video conferencing utilization will increase even after we return to the office, which highlights the need for proper video conferencing equipment in all meeting rooms and a strategy for UC interoperability.
Topics: Interoperability Synergy SKY CONNECT
4 min read
Which video conferencing platform should you meet on?
By Vemun Waksvik on Nov 19, 2021 2:36:00 PM
How do you avoid painting yourself into a technology corner? Does the simple fact that everyone now has adopted video conferencing technology actually make business meetings easier?
Topics: Collaboration Video Conferencing
20 min read
Are meetings the biggest wasted cost for businesses?
By Vemun Waksvik on Oct 16, 2021 4:30:00 PM
How often have you found yourself diving into an empty meeting room that is shown as being pre-booked? You say - “let’s grab this meeting room quickly, if someone comes along we’ll find another”. It’s all too common in office spaces, and there's a very real reason for this.
Topics: Collaboration Video Conferencing IoT Meeting No-show
2 min read
Connect Cisco IX Series to Teams or Zoom Meetings with Ease
By Vemun Waksvik on Aug 28, 2021 2:33:00 PM
Learn how to easily connect your Cisco IX Series immersive telepresence endpoints to a Microsoft Teams or Zoom meeting with one click, while scheduling natively in Outlook or Google Calendar.
Topics: Video Conferencing
2 min read
Choosing Certified vs. Non-Certified VC Solutions: Key Factors to Consider
By Vemun Waksvik on Jul 16, 2021 2:45:00 PM
When deciding on software to streamline your set-up and eliminate your challenges, it is important that this software gives you the needed features today, tomorrow, and for the future.
Topics: Video Conferencing Cisco
5 min read
Putting the ‘human’ into virtual meetings
By Vemun Waksvik on Jul 9, 2021 2:36:00 PM
From Beijing to Boston and everywhere in between, events and meetings are being cancelled. Starbucks has cancelled the company’s annual shareholder meeting and is holding a virtual meeting instead. TED’s conference in Canada is not going ahead, postponed along with hundreds of other trade shows.
Topics: Collaboration Video Conferencing Synergy JOIN
5 min read
Benefits of adding Synergy SKY Suite to Cisco TMS XE
By Vemun Waksvik on Jan 23, 2021 2:31:00 PM
Experienced Videoconferencing and Collaboration/Workspace Technology teams have long understood the value of endpoint management tools such as Cisco TelePresence Management Suite (Cisco TMS).
Topics: Cisco TMS
4 min read
Synergy SKY is now an Official Cisco Solutions Plus Partner
By Vemun Waksvik on Jan 19, 2021 2:58:29 PM
As an offshoot from old Tandberg which was acquired by Cisco in 2010, Synergy SKY has now gone full circle by becoming a Cisco Solutions Plus Partner.
Topics: News & Press
5 min read
Multiplying market access with key Cisco agreement
By Vemun Waksvik on Dec 14, 2020 1:47:09 PM
With the recent acquisition of an IoT platform and a fresh certification from Cisco, Synergy SKY opens its doors to millions of new meeting rooms.
Topics: News & Press Cisco
4 min read
Enhance Meeting Room Efficiency with IoT Sensor and Cloud Solutions
By Vemun Waksvik on Dec 11, 2020 4:41:06 PM
Update: January 16th, 2024 - Product end of life
Synergy SKY is now increasing its reach to all meeting rooms by acquiring an existing IoT technology platform. The technology will make it possible to detect presence in meeting rooms without videoconferencing equipment, by using low-cost IoT sensors that are quick and easy to deploy.
Topics: IoT Sensors
4 min read
Seamlessly Connect Cisco WebEx Room Series to Teams and Zoom Meetings
By Vemun Waksvik on Nov 11, 2020 12:55:00 PM
Learn how to easily connect your Cisco or Poly video conferencing endpoints into a Microsoft Teams, Skype, or any other VMR meeting with one click, while scheduling natively in Outlook or Google Calendar.
Topics: Video Conferencing Synergy JOIN
10 min read
'Tandberg offshoot doubles revenue'
By Vemun Waksvik on Jul 21, 2020 2:54:02 PM
Growth in the American video conferencing market doubled Synergy SKY’s results last year. And there’s more to come.
Topics: News & Press
2 min read
Meet our new Regional Sales Manager for UK and Ireland
By Vemun Waksvik on Jul 2, 2020 11:45:51 AM
Having grown up in the collaboration field, there is no doubt Adele Thornton is a perfect addition to the Synergy SKY team. With more than 17 years of industry experience, she is now taking on the role of the new Regional Sales Manager in the UK and Ireland.
3 min read
Izettle investor with $6.5 million USD boost to Synergy SKY
By Vemun Waksvik on May 11, 2020 1:49:59 PM
Synergy SKY receives $6.5 million USD backing as the Swedish investor Håkan Roos becomes major shareholder. This post is a translated version of a news article published by the Norwegian leading business news publication "Finansavisen".
Topics: Board Investment
1 min read
exTANDBERG team grows quadruply (...) - Dagens Næringsliv
By Vemun Waksvik on May 9, 2018 7:46:46 PM
Norway’s largest business newspaper, Dagens Næringsliv (DN), picks up Synergy SKY's hockey stick growth.
Topics: Collaboration Video Conferencing Events
2 min read
Effortlessly Join Meetings with Synergy SKY Management Suite
By Vemun Waksvik on Jun 16, 2017 2:08:00 PM
The Synergy SKY Management Suite solves the most common problem users face when walking into a meeting room with a video conferencing system: "How to join the meeting?"