Synergy SKY Blog

Browse through the latest news and articles on collaboration software, video conferencing, and meeting technology

Noteworthy  

 

October Newsletter: Emojis, Build-A-Bear

September Release Note: FaceTime, Emojis and more

August Newsletter: New AV Integrator framework  and more
July Newsletter: Dual Screen Support and Closed Captions in all web meetings 

Vemun Waksvik

Vemun Waksvik

Video Veteran

Recent posts by Vemun Waksvik

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
3 min read

The only Standards-based Interop Video Gateway

By Vemun Waksvik on Oct 1, 2024 12:45:00 AM

Synergy SKY CONNECT – the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) to Web / WebRTC interoperability gateway - is a patented solution that connects these two standards for video, audio and data together.

Topics: Video Conferencing Microsoft Cisco Interoperability SIP Synergy SKY CONNECT
21 min read

How does CVI and CRC compare to the Synergy SKY CONNECT interop?

By Vemun Waksvik on Aug 19, 2024 4:28:00 PM

Compare and Contrast: Synergy SKY vs. the Competition


Synergy SKY has 3 solutions in 1: Interoperability, Meeting workflow & Management Suite

Topics: Video Conferencing Microsoft Cisco Mixed Workflows Interoperability SIP Synergy SKY CONNECT Featured
3 min read

Join Microsoft Teams Town Hall Using Video Conference Rooms

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

World’s First Integration of SIP Video Devices with Apple FaceTime

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.


Synergy SKY Press Release:

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

New Macro: Unleash the Power of Your Video Conferencing Device

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

A standards-based and certified interop solution from Synergy SKY

By Vemun Waksvik on Feb 12, 2024 1:37:00 PM

Synergy CONNECT is a video conferencing interoperability gateway that connects SIP and WebRTC/HTML protocols together, allowing users to join web browser-based meetings from SIP devices. This interoperability is achieved through adherence to industry standards:


•    SIP: An open standard ratified by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), ensuring compatibility with various SIP-based video conferencing systems.


•    WebRTC: An open standard supported by Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Mozilla, enabling seamless web browser-based meeting participation.
 
 

Topics: Video Conferencing Microsoft Mixed Workflows Interoperability SIP
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: CompatibilityInteroperability,  and Consistency

Topics: Video Conferencing
6 min read

SIP to Web interop gateway now available in the 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.

NEWS: End-of-Sale and End-of-Life Announcement for the Cisco Telepresence Management Suite (TMS) and Exchange Integration (XE) Subscriptions

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:
  • Seamlessly join all Microsoft Teams, meetings
  • Engage in seamless application sharing (adding PowerPoint live and whiteboarding)
  • 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 interoperability is now available 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 to appear busier at work?

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
5 min read

Make business video meetings easy: Simplified Scheduling, Joining & Content Sharing

By Vemun Waksvik on Aug 29, 2023 2:20:25 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
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

In-room booking of room and video 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
4 min read

How to connect your Cisco and Poly endpoints to ALL Microsoft Teams meetings

By Vemun Waksvik on Oct 20, 2022 12:47:24 PM

  • There is an alternative to buying new hardware. You can get interop software today! 

  • The number of meeting platforms that you need to adapt to is increasing. Interoperability is becoming more and more important

  • The major meeting platforms are changing every 3 years* 

Topics: Cisco SIP Synergy SKY CONNECT Microsoft Teams Featured
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
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

How to connect Cisco IX Series to a Microsoft Teams or Zoom Meeting

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

Certified or non-certified solutions? 3 factors to consider when deciding on a VC solution

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
4 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

Technology Acquisition: IoT sensor & cloud solutions for the meeting room

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

Bring Cisco WebEx Room Series into Microsoft Teams or 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

Join Teams, Skype for Business or Google Hangouts meetings with one click

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?"

Topics: Collaboration Video Conferencing Telepresence

Subscribe to our blog