Definition of Video Conferencing

Video conferencing refers to real-time video and audio sessions, meetings and discussions between two or more users in two or more locations. Organizations with employees in multiple locations leverage advances and general ease of operations in video-conferencing technologies to engage with employees. Other businesses across domains and sectors are using this strategic communication tool more frequently.

Specs

While vendors market latest generation video-conferencing solutions and systems, a typical video-conferencing system comprises a monitor or screen, camera, microphone and a compressed video system on dedicated bandwidth. This compressed video system allows smooth audio and video sessions via IP (Internet Protocol) lines or an ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) line. Large group meetings with many participants make use of multiple monitors and loudspeakers for video conferencing sessions.

Widespread Industry Acceptance

Many industries enjoy benefits of video conferencing. Operational heads, project managers and business process officers of Fortune 1000 corporations hand over different time-zone activities and business processing operations to their counterparts in the offshoring and outsourcing services capital of the world: India. The teams in both countries also conduct ad-hoc and strategic meetings. Specialists and attending doctors in high-tech medical centers and hospitals interact with fellow colleagues in other cities or remote area clinics during complex surgical operations or medical emergencies. Many universities teach off-campus students via video conferencing.

Training Activities

Large companies, federal government agencies with state-wide offices and multilateral institutions use videoconferencing facilities to conduct training programs, interactive workshops and internal seminars. Employees or new inductees off site need not travel to headquarters for training. Video conferencing lessens the need to book space in hotels and conference venues.

Productivity

Prudent use of video conferencing can ensure that executives, sales and marketing professionals and top decision makers don't need to travel too often for meetings and discussions. Time saved from traveling frequently can be used for productive purposes at home base locations. Employees at dispersed locations can hook up with headquarters and discuss grievances and other issues with HR personnel and senior executives. Better employee engagement and effective use of time leads to improved organizational productivity.

Cost Savings

Rising gasoline costs, expensive airline ticket prices and energy conservation trends have encouraged a greater adoption of video conferencing. Mobile workers, frequent travelers and top executives need not take short-haul flights to manufacturing bases or offices. HR executives and corporate travel managers can shave off travel, boarding and ancillary costs and ensure significant annual savings..

References

• PC Magazine: Videoconferencing
• All Conference Services
• IVCI