Video Conferencing can be an excellent tool in building
relationships and cutting the cost of travel. This
article explores some of the options of conducting a
video conference, what is required for each option and
under what scenarios each option is best.
Traditional Video Conference
Video conferencing has been around since the 80's, but
was very expensive and the quality was not very
good. This changed in the past 5 years with Polycom,
PictureTel and Tandberg (3 major hardware providers)
producing video conferencing equipment that was more
affordable (thousands of dollars instead of tens of
thousands of dollars).
What's Required -1?
Each calling party must have a video conference
system that is usually located in an office conference
room. The systems are designed to view 1 to 20
people in the room depending on the model and
accordingly the price.
What's Required -2?
Local connection. Depending on the equipment model
an ISDN connection or an internet connection with
sufficient bandwidth is
required to connect to an outside network.
What's Required -3?
Network and Bridging. The internet can be used,
although results vary. More often a private network is
used, which also includes video conference bridges,
monitored quality, operators.
When do I need this?
Owning your own system is best for high volume
companies that have 1/week or more calls. It is also
very useful for keeping a constant connection between
remote (particularly international) offices. Also,
required when 4 or people are located in a room and
want to be visible.
Public Video Rooms This a great alternative
for companies that have infrequent video conference
usage, as there is no cost of ownership involved.
What's Required?
Rooms are located in most major cities around the
world. Group Unity has access to over 7,000 public
video rooms that can be rented by the hour. Rooms
must be reserved in advance and basic requirements
provided to a reservationist.
When do I need this?
Perfect for the infrequent video conference user.
Because the staff at the video rooms take care of
everything, no equipment or prior video knowledge is
required. Prices are approximately $250/hour + usage,
but vary by location.
Desktop Video Conferencing
Here come the Jetsons! Think of desktop video
conferencing as your very own video phone. This easy
to use basic video option has finally developed to a
level of sophistication for business users and will truly
revolutionize communications.
What's Required -1?
A computer, a connection to the internet, a web cam
and optional headphones.
What's Required -2?
Video conference software: either a remote internet
service (see next article) or server based software that
a company hosts on their network.
When do I need this?
This is the perfect answer for 1 to 3 people on each
end. Arguably, any business person can benefit. With
up to 6 calling parties visible at one time, desktop video
conferencing is now easy, cost effective and will
spread very quickly.
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