Network Conferencing

Network conferencing accelerates business communication.

Network conferencing tools allow group interactivity by individuals in multiple locations, saving businesses money on travel and phone calls. With every passing decade, network conferencing has become more efficient and easier to operate. Telephone technology was originally the foundation of network conferencing, before it expanded with video and the Internet.

Polycom

Polycom offers several network conferencing applications, platforms and tools. For example, its Unified Conferencing utility introduced voice, video and audio conferencing all on the same platform using advanced applications in a user-friendly system that integrates with broadband networks. Polycom Voice Plus is for audio, while Video Plus adds pictures to the audio. Web Office is for virtual meetings anytime and anywhere, and Protocol Gateway integrates with the other systems and achieves point-to-point communication using ISDN and IP networks.

IBM and Cisco

IBM and Cisco together offer rich-media conferencing, which integrates IBM's Lotus Notes software to allow conferencing and live collaboration over the Internet. User-friendly tools let a group to focus on the meeting instead of operating the technology. It's effective for scheduling or rescheduling meetings, and sends session invitations and reminders to group members via email. This system is useful for training and various face-to-face presentations, offering an efficient and flexible way to integrate with other networks, cut costs, identify users and strengthen communication.

Video Conferencing

Video conferencing, introduced at the 1964 World's Fair in New York City, started out as analog technology using two closed circuit television systems on cable. Video conferencing was also the method television stations used for live reporting from remote locations. In 1970, AT&T introduced the Picturephone, with pricing at $160 per month for each user. Many businesses became interested in using the technology after Ericsson's international video conferencing advancements in the late 1970s. Other major contributors to the technology include IBM, Mitsubishi and the Caltech-CERN project.

Webcams

Some forms of network conferencing can be expensive, but Skype, iChat and Google Video provide low-cost webcam solutions. While higher-priced solutions may offer more stability, reliability and support, the webcam alternatives appeal to businesses that cannot afford to make investments in advanced technology. Free or inexpensive cloud-based conferencing solutions prove ideal for limited network conferencing.

References

• FVC: Conferencing Network Solutions, Polycom Unified Conferencing, Network Conferencing Solutions
• Polycom: Network Infrastructure Product Guide
• IBM: Rich-media Conferencing from IBM and Cisco
• Speed of Creativity: Moving at the Speed of Creativity -- Multipoint Videoconferencing: H.323 & Skype on the Blue Jeans Network
• Nefsis: Video Conferencing History

Resources

• Google: Patent US7587037 -- Network Conferencing Using Method
• University of California, Santa Barbara: Network Conferencing Statistics
• Polycom