Comparing WebRTC video conferencing with Skype in synchronous groupware applications

A study was carried out to compare an integrated HTML5-based real-time video conferencing solution against a separately installed video conferencing solution in the same web-based meeting support application. To carry out this comparison, WebRTC and Skype have been integrated into an existing groupware application. Our study shows that comparing to a separately installed, best of breed video conferencing solution; the web browser-based solution would be an adequate and more convenient one. Our work indicates that the cost to implement WebRTC is not large in comparison to the number of benefits that can be gained. The quality of video conferencing has been continuously improving, and the implementation cost is getting lower as better WebRTC libraries emerge and evolve.