By Dr Alex Gouaillard,
CTO & Co-Founder,
Temasys
Temasys is one of eight companies creating the WebRTC standard, the very DNA of this technology. A few notable developments in 2014 that are likely to set the tone for this coming year include:
#1: EXPANDED COMMERCIAL ADOPTION OF WEBRTC
WebRTC will find its way into more devices across an array of commercial sectors. With Google on-board since the beginning, it’s only recently that we see the likes of Apple, Ericsson and Microsoft taking more interest in the consumer applications of the tech. Mozilla’s recently launched Firefox 34 features an in-browser WebRTC client, Firefox Hello.
Dr Alex Gouaillard,
CTO & Co-Founder,
Temasys
Ericsson only just launched its WebRTC-based browser, Bowser. In October, Microsoft announced their intention to work towards an object real-time communications (ORTC) application programming interface (API), bringing WebRTC to Internet Explorer. For the enterprise sector, expect the likes of Cisco, Citrix, IBM, playing a more active role in proliferation of WebRTC.
#2: MORE WEBRTC PRODUCT INNOVATION
As a disruptive technology, WebRTC is redefining how brands and consumers communicate in real time. The on-going narrative around WebRTC has largely been around incorporating video, audio and chat functions to apps. This is just the tip of the iceberg; the incorporation of data channels in WebRTC will redefine P2P networking. It also has the potential to move WebRTC beyond browsers and into the internet of things.
#3: INCREASE IN WEBRTC PARTNERSHIPS / INVESTMENTS
Given the merits of embedding the technology into existing solutions, or creating new ones altogether, expect to see large companies working intimately with disruptive WebRTC startups, either through commercial licences, joint ventures or through the acquisition of current WebRTC players which, with their agile management and tech teams, are better positioned to interface with developers and drive innovation.
About The Author:
A Frenchman who has relocated to Singapore, Alex is regarded as one of the pioneers of Web Real-Time Communication (WebRTC). He is a member of the W3C and IETF (which create and define the standards of this technology), and is an active participant in key WebRTC working groups and task forces.Alex holds two PhDs from INSA, France, and KEIO University, Japan. He has deep experience in communications, signal and image processing, and has established and led successful research groups at Caltech, Harvard, A*STAR. Alex was also involved in several innovative startups in Europe, North America, and APAC.
