Lifesize is an audio, web and video conferencing tool which facilitates team communication, with chat functionality and video call recording and sharing. Featuring an integrated search-based directory, web conference screen sharing, and audio conferencing via PSTN (public switched telephone network), plus calendar integrations, unlimited guest invitations, and a management dashboard, Lifesize aims to deliver a comprehensive communication solution.
A centralized, search-based directory allows users to locate and access contact information, enabling users to make calls instantly without waiting for moderators. Lifesize’s flexible platform allows users to make group calls in addition to one-on-one audio and video calls. With unlimited guest invitations, users can send meeting or calendar invites to anyone inside or outside of their organization.
Calendar integrations allow users to create and schedule meetings, as well as set automatic meeting reminders. The Lifesize dashboard shows users important information including number of calls, minutes, users, and average call time at-a-glance. Usage reports and notifications give users insight into operation performance, while data encryption and configurable user permissions ensure secure live streaming and data management.
Pros
It is very easy to use. You can tell someone is leading the development team that values "cutting friction points". Where one software has three pop ups to do the same task, Lifesize seems to complete it in one or two. They create this easy to use interface while keeping security in mind in the background. My users love the software.
Cons
It would be nice if it had some of the screen controlling features that other meeting software has.
While Lifesize isn't perfect, it meets the majority of needs for video conferencing. It also receives regular updates which notably increase performance and ease-of-use. Overall, a good system.
Pros
When it works, it works very well for the basic need of video calling. Person to person calling is very easy and as long as the internet connection is strong, there is little buffering. Picture and audio is clear. Interface on both desktop and mobile are fairly straight forward but you're left with a sense that you could be using the applications much more effectively. If set up for Room Systems, calling into a conference room is straightforward and works pretty well with the Lifesize physical hardware.
Cons
Managing "Meetings" (meeting rooms) can be a through the interface. If not actively managed, Meetings can quickly pile up and you're left with a list of dozens or hundreds of inactive rooms that will not be deleted. This creates clutter and forces the need to actively manage it. Meetings are also identified by both the name as well as an ID. Problem is you can't search by the ID to find the room, although that is often what is referenced by users trying to call in or if they were invited via email.
The hardware, while mostly good, suffers from a slow interface and an extremely long reboot time. If a problem is occurring and a reboot of the device is needed, count on spending 3-5 minutes waiting for it to initialize.
Overall, this service has been good for us to use. We have used it mainly for educational live videos.
Pros
There are a few functions that I really like about Lifesize. I like that you can download an app, or use a link to a webpage. Having the different options is good for users that we connect with so they can choose how to participate. If you're using it frequently the app is very useful and I find it much easier to use rather than the online platform. Creating a meeting, and a meeting link is very easy. I am able to quickly create it and send it out to those I want to participate. We are able to designate specific meeting "room numbers" for groups that consistently need a video conferencing option, for example board of directors. That meeting link and room number never changes, so that is helpful for consistency. I do like that you can share your presentation along with the live video of you. This has been great for us to offer education.
Cons
I have found the customer service to be less than helpful. It seems like too big of a corporation, or maybe outsourced help. Every time I contact them for help, it has never been resolved and their usual answer is "we need the person with the problem to contact us." We deal with people participating that are very busy and cannot take the time to call in to trouble shoot. I wish they could just give me the info to try to fix it on my own. We also seem to have had a few problems with participants not being able to hear the presentation, they are muted out for not apparent reason.
This is a solid video conferencing solution. We had gotten frustrated with the ever increasing costs associated with our previous Polycom solution. We made the switch over 3 years ago and have not regretted it once.
Pros
Lifesize has very good endpoint equipment for your conference rooms, and has client software for all computers and mobile devices. They are simple to use, even for our tech challenged executives. We have found their Lifesize Cloud service to be a stable and reliable bridge platform. It also integrates well with Skype for Business.
Cons
For those who don't want to install the full Lifesize client software, they only have web app support via Google Chrome. This can be a limiting factor when inviting others to your meetings. I hope Lifesize will expand their web app support to other browsers.
It is a great product, not cheap at all (licenses + hardware) but it is a good investment for a fast growing business.
Pros
Create meeting rooms with the top of the notch hardware from Lifesize! Amazing quality of High Definition cameras and phones, working together flawlessly.
Easy to use, easy to setup, works great with my PBX / SIP protocol.
It's not a must to install the client on your PC, it has a web client inside your browser :-)
Manage your global organization from the cloud!
Cons
There are hiccups sometimes but it is usually due to internet issues. Should be operated with cable and not wireless.
X-Small: $7 user/month
Small: $5 user/month
Medium & Large: pricing on request.
Contact Lifesize directly for detailed pricing information.
Below are some frequently asked questions for Lifesize.
Lifesize offers the following pricing plans:
Starting from: USD 7.00/month
Pricing model: Subscription
Free Trial: Available
X-Small: $7 user/month
Small: $5 user/month
Medium & Large: pricing on request.
Contact Lifesize directly for detailed pricing information.
Lifesize offers the following features:
Lifesize has the following typical customers:
Large Enterprises, Mid Size Business, Small Business
Lifesize supports the following languages:
Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish
Lifesize has the following pricing plans:
Subscription
Lifesize supports the following devices:
Android, iPhone, iPad
Lifesize integrates with the following applications:
HipChat, HipChat, Skype, Skype for Business, Slack
Lifesize offers the following support options:
FAQs, Forum, Knowledge Base, Online Support, Video Tutorials
We have been doing business with Lifesize hardware and products for close to ten years. They have been responsive and willing to assist with any problems. Their sales team is flexible for individual company needs. I consider Lifesize a perfect size company for providing responsive competitive offerings, without being a red tape mess to deal with for software requests, billing, sales, etc.