As mobile hardware and other connected devices become more ubiquitous in recreational and enterprise settings, the public’s acceptance of online video and similar mediums grows as well. While these channels have long been popular with younger segments of the Canadian population, new numbers show that more mature people are beginning to embrace online video with greater fervor as well.

Communications technology provider Ericsson recently conducted an online survey of about 15,000 people in Canada and 14 other nations to determine the pervasiveness of online media. The core of the report is not surprising -it revealed that 72 percent of people use devices like smartphones and tablets to watch videos online at least once a week, including 42 percent doing so outside the home. After all, numerous other reports have shown individuals and businesses increasingly embracing online and mobile video formats.

The changing face of video end users
However, what is especially notable about Ericsson’s survey results is that just about the entire population is now more likely than ever to watch video content on PCs and mobile hardware. For one, the survey found that individuals are now far more comfortable with user-generated content for non-entertainment purposes. In addition, the research showed that up to 41 percent of those between 65 and 69 consume online video content.

The age-based findings are particularly notable since those numbers go against conventional wisdom. For example, a Cisco global survey from August revealed that about 60 percent of young executives envision using more video in the enterprise in the future. But, since young people have long been seen as the most fervent adopters of new technology like video, the results of the Cisco survey are expected. As older people further embrace online video, however, the idea that tools like video conferencing are not for today’s enterprise end users is beginning to erode.

Is video conferencing next?
Granted, this connection is not definite, as just because an older person enjoys watching a television show on a tablet at home does not mean they{he or she} would enjoy participating in a video conference at work. However, as all segments of the Canadian population become more familiar with mobile devices and video content in their home lives, it is certainly possible for these technologies to become more prevalent in enterprise settings. Just as smartphones and tablets led to the bring-your-own-device era of business, so too could sites like Hulu and YouTube lead to a resurgence of video conferencing.

Should the results of this survey extend more to internal enterprise communications, companies may soon want to invest in a quality unified communication and collaboration and a service (UCCaaS) solution. Although corporations have long noted the benefits of UCCaaS, many organizations were reticent to adopt this kind of setup out of fear that employees, especially older workers, would not use such a system. However, this concern may soon dissipate as video becomes more prevalent.

Businesses looking for a state-of-the-art UCCaaS solution can turn to FlexITy, one of the largest IT consulting services firms in Canada. By offering best-in-breed technology and thorough end-user training, FlexITy can quell any potential lingering UCCaaS misgivings and ensure that the system yields the highest return on investment possible, both now and well into the future.

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