Verizon is sunsetting BlueJeans in the near future. If you rely on BlueJeans Gateway to connect your video conferencing equipment to the Microsoft Teams system, you need to migrate from BlueJeans to another video conferencing solution.
You have two choices for migrating from BlueJeans Gateway:
- Migrating to a different Cloud Video Interop partner
- Migrating to a native Microsoft Teams solution
In this blog, we consider the advantages and disadvantages of both methods.
Certified Microsoft Teams Cloud Video Interop Partners
BlueJeans is one of several certified partners to offer the Cloud Video Interop solution, which allows you to integrate third-party SIP and H.323 video conferencing devices into a Microsoft Teams Rooms on Windows system. You can use the sunsetting of BlueJeans as an opportunity to migrate to a new Cloud Video Interop solution.
As of February 2024, there are three partners offering Cloud Video Interop for new customers:
- Pexip Infinity for Microsoft Teams
- Cisco Webex Video Integration for Microsoft Teams
- HP Poly CloudConnect
For an up-to-date list of Cloud Video Interop partners, see “ Cloud Video Interop for Microsoft Teams” [external link] on the Microsoft Teams Learn site.
The primary advantage of sticking with a Cloud Video Interop solution is that you get to keep your existing video conferencing equipment, likely saving you a great deal of money and removing the hassle of having to learn how to use new devices. (We say “likely” because you still need to pay for interop licensing.)
You also maintain platform independence, because your devices will likely work with other cloud video services. If your company decides to switch from Microsoft to another system, you may be able to continue your existing devices. That said, some “Microsoft Teams” devices can be used on other platforms.
Cloud Video Interop only works with Microsoft Teams Rooms on Windows. You won’t be able to use Microsoft Teams Rooms on Android devices, like the Yealink A20 Video Bar. While most Teams features are available on both platforms, there are notable differences. It’s worth your time going through the differences to see if you want to use the sunsetting of BlueJeans to access the Teams Android features and user experience.
To see a comparison chart of what features are available on Windows vs Android, see “ Teams Rooms on Windows and Android feature comparison” [external link] on the Microsoft Teams Learn site.
Besides the Windows vs Android issue, what Microsoft Teams features are available to you also depends on the Cloud Video Interop solution you go with. Even if your device should be able to support a feature, not every Teams feature might be supported. Compare that with a native Microsoft Teams solution, which guarantees performance, security, and feature support.
Finally, Cloud Video Interop is a more complicated path to establish the professional video conferencing system that modern-day business demands.
Native Microsoft Teams Solution
You can use the sunsetting of BlueJeans as an opportunity to migrate to a native Microsoft Teams video conferencing system.
The advantages of going with certified Microsoft Teams Rooms video conferencing equipment are simplicity and performance. It’s much easier to integrate certified Teams devices into a Teams environment than dealing with third-party devices. You’ll have access to the full feature set that each device can handle. You’ll be able to sign into your Teams account on a device and have access to all your contacts, calendar, and more.
You’ll have access to Microsoft Teams Rooms on Android. If you have huddle rooms where you want to use a video bar, you’ll want to be able to use the Android version. If you switch now from legacy equipment, you’ll also reap the benefits of newer tech, which might offer desirable upgrades like optimized performance, better video quality, faster operation, or increased security.
The disadvantages are measured in dollar bills: you’ll have to get a lot of new Microsoft Teams video conferencing devices. You and your team will have to install the new equipment, learn how to use it, set up new protocols for using it, and so on.
Check Peripheral Compatibility
To finish, we want to emphasize an important point: just because you migrate to a native Microsoft Teams system, doesn’t mean you necessarily need to toss out all your existing equipment. Many third-party devices like microphones, speakers, and USB cameras have the potential to be used in conjunction with native Microsoft Teams video conferencing equipment.
Check compatibility before opening up the recycling bin!