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The Benefits of Videoconferencing

Many companies still regard videoconferencing as either a futuristic or flawed technology. In reality, however, videoconferencing has become a real alternative for a variety of purposes including business meetings, conference calls and even social occasions. In fact, videoconferencing has been used successfully by the President of the United States for many years now, often for sensitive diplomatic encounters.

Videoconferencing joined the list of 21st century alternatives upon the advent of fiber-optic transmissions, computer broadband and high-definition television. These breakthroughs let the equipment become invisible, so it feels like the participants are in the same room.

Today’s videoconferencing can transform your business through its global reach and strategic deployment, user-friendly operation, and scaleability for company growth as well as new technologies.

In our environmentally conscious times, videoconferencing also offers a “green” alternative. One provider estimated its brand alone saved over 27 million cubic meters of emissions, a total equal to taking about 11,000 cars off the road. The statistic was based on avoiding travel for over 23,000 meetings, a cost savings of about $118 million and a productivity improvement over $55 million.

In addition, with increased use, the cost of videoconferencing has dropped to make it a viable and regular alternative to both domestic and international travel. Companies save on airfare, hotels and restaurants as well as the downtime when travelling employees are unavailable for work.

The economic dislocations facing the airlines today have resulted in delayed flights and reduced services. Regulations for safety reasons, though necessary, have also transformed travel from an enjoyable perk to a burdensome option.

Even when some travel is necessary, companies using videoconferencing have measured tangible savings on productivity for items such as trip duration and nightly hotel costs. One prominent vendor even measured a 50 percent increase of productivity during business trips when they were required!

Videoconferencing also provides flexibility for unanticipated needs. While travelers are restricted in the amount of baggage they can logistically transport, even by car, participants in a videoconference may have ready access to all the material in their office and computer.

For all of these reasons, clients of office business centers (OBCs) that offer videoconferencing gain a competitive advantage. They also benefit from economies of scale, basically pooling the cost for the latest equipment without incurring expenditures for infrastructure that might become obsolete in a few years. OBC clients can even consult with their neighbors about the best applications of videoconferencing and learn from each other’s experience.

In evaluating OBCs with videoconferencing systems, you should look for a minimum of 10-megabyte fiber optic circuits for IP transmission, the latest high-definition system with at least a 42-inch plasma screen, and the ability to also communicate via ISDN high-speed connection. Bridging should be provided for multiple remote locations.

After this basic evaluation, clients of an OBC can relax because they know the equipment will be operated by expert staff who will test the system carefully prior to each use to ensure a seamless experience for all participants. And equipment malfunctions will be attended to and repaired by the management of the OBC, providing you with more time to focus on your core competency, the running of your business.

The use of videoconferencing can even be used to impress prospects and current clients. The option shows your company is conversant with the latest technology and gives a certain cachet to your presentation. When others see how efficient and cost-effective videoconferencing has become, it will rebound to your benefit in other areas as well. Certainly, prospects make their decisions based on your style as well as your content, and videoconferencing can become a central element of that style.

For all the reasons above, videoconferencing makes sense and provides one less thing to worry about during volatile economic times.