Whenever an emergency rears its ugly head in a manner that makes business travel appear less attractive, videoconferencing gets a boost from pundits. Circumstances such as the swine flu pandemic and the volcanic ash cloud are the most recent examples.
There are several reasons why videoconferencing is a worthwhile inclusion to organizations, outlined in this slideshow, but keep in mind that strong policies need be in place regardless of the technology a company chooses. In addition, in order for videoconferencing to enter the mainstream as the PC, smartphones and other forms of technology have, it has to be in some ways more compelling than a traditional meeting.
Telepresence appears to fill this business need. Its HD quality lessens the need for expensive business travel by providing the sense of meeting face-to-face. There are, of course, problems with telepresence, such as cost, existing videoconferencing systems and network infrastructures that cannot accommodate the technology. However, the business value the technology provides looks as though it will eventually spur telepresence to become widely adopted.
The ability to engage in videoconferencing offers a multitude of benefits and is widely utilized by firms both large and small.
Used effectively, videoconferencing has adramatic effect on the way people do business and the productivitygains they can derive.
There are numerous situations in which you can savea lot of money on airfare and hotel costs, not to mention saving the lossin productivity that results from being out of the office.
Videoconferencing is a great deal morepersonal than a phone conference because such a large percentage ofcommunication is carried out through non-verbal cues. And telepresence has theability to changethe way in which people interact with one another.
Videoconferencing could be used in situations as simple as influenza season to something as odd as a volcanic ash cloud. The technology allows employees to communicate naturally, safely and effectively while maintaining normal operations.
In today’s global business environment, communicating with colleagues and clients in remote locations, whether it’s in an office, a hotel, at home or on your smartphone, is a necessity. Videoconferencing’s technological advancements have allowed such communications to be possible.
In one example of fresh possibilities as a result of thetechnology, Vidyo’s videoconferencing software has made telemedicine more affordable. The technology enables true business change in markets from manufacturing to education to healthcare and more.
