It is hard talking to people who don't share my enthusiasm for WebRTC. They usually bring two reasons to the table why they are unimpressed:
1. WebRTC doesn't offer any new functionality--if anything, it has less functionality
2. Downloading a plugin to a browser is easy
The new-functionality thing is true, but rather irrelevant--WebRTC brings the same functionality to MORE developers, which lowers the barrier to entry.
The downloading of a plugin factor is critical. And yet, those who won't install anything that they don't control on their own laptop will claim it is a non-issue.
When I first received my laptop it was pristine. Without any bloatware, malware or crapware. Now? I wish for the day I reinstall everything on it or just move on to the next one. Each time I get a meeting invite from another company, I learn of yet-another-enterprise-collaboration-tool-that-works-in-a-browser-and-requires-just-this-tiny-plugin-to-install. My usual reaction is a silent curse and a couple of minutes of installation. For a single meeting with this one company.
It reminds me of disposable cameras--use and throw.
Especially for smaller companies looking for virality in their products. And here's where WebRTC comes in: It removes that friction--that need to add a special download page with instructions that dynamically change to show how to install the plugin for the browser the user is using at that time. (Believe me when I say it is a daunting task to define--I dealt with it in my past life.)
Skype might well be able to get away with introducing a plugin, but even Skype has its limits. Where does WebRTC shine? With off-network users.
WebRTC enables all participants to enjoy the service:
* When all of them belong to the same network and environment
* When only some of them are on the network of the service and the others are transient guests
* When all participants are transient guests
And the laptops of the participants? Left alone. Untouched. Except for the cookies on the browser.
One last note--if you are happy with browser plugins, then here's the ramifications:
Source: How-To Geek">
Now how many toolbars have you accepted to install and haven't cursed the next moment?
