Calgary-based Hookflash aims to foster a social way of communicating for the business community.
The public received their first glimpse of the Hookflash video conferencing software Wednesday, at a preview session held at Innovate Calgary. The startup is seeking to fill the void between expensive enterprise-class video conferencing solutions, such as those offered by Cisco, and popular peer-to-peer services, like Skype.
Hookflash is unique among startups as it specifically targets the business community, rather than the consumer space, with a focus on tech savvy, iPad-wielding professionals looking for a simple video conferencing solution.
Through a partnership with LinkedIn to offer deep integration, Hookflash allows users to easily import their network of contacts from their LinkedIn address book. This enables users to gain background information on individuals and easily fosters discussion. By offering users the ability to coordinate with colleagues before a call and view real-time activity from related LinkedIn profiles, Hookflash is taking workplace collaboration to the next level.
LinkedIn integration also offers users a means to easily retrieve important context from profiles before meetings—facilitating professional connections in circumstances such as team meetings, client pitches, and job interviews.
The application will initially launch on the iPad, as the business community has truly embraced the tablet, said Hookflash CEO Trent Johnsen. The application is simple, intuitive, and ‘just works’, unlike many other video conferencing solutions. Eventually Hookflash will be available on other tablets, Mac and PC, and through their open source protocol. Hookflash is slated to become available in the App Store in the coming weeks.
Martin Studzinski is a marketing and communications professional and technology enthusiast. You can follow him on Twitter @martstudz or reach him via email at me@martinstudzinski.com.
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