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Video Conferencing – the next best thing to
being there
Video conferencing is the utilization of audio-visual equipment and
a network so that two or more parties can converse and see one
another remotely. In the past, this type of communication called for
expensive proprietary equipment. However, with the advent of the
Internet almost anyone with a PC, a webcam and a high-speed Internet
connection can enjoy virtual face-to-face communication.
It must be noted, however, that the quality of the video conference
depends on the type of equipment used as well as the capacity
(bandwidth) of the network. Although the Internet allows the
broadest range of coverage due to its globally installed base, other
services such as ISDN offer less latency and jitter and can give a
closed circuit television feel. Such types of services are only
practical at fixed locations such as those connecting branch
offices or distance learning classrooms. They are also very
expensive and may prove prohibitive for smaller companies.
At Zandolie we believe that the customer should not invest in
technology for technology’s sake and that the benefits of any
technology should be greater than its cost. Technology should only
be implemented if it would provide real productivity gain. With this
approach, we can advise the customer what is his best option. We
will work with the customer and help him decide whether a high-end
solution such as that available by using Polycom ® equipment over
TSTT’s ISDN is appropriate or maybe he can get by with two TT$200
webcams and running NetMeeting on his Windows XP PC. |
