subject: Video Conferencing - An Alternative To Live Meetings [print this page] Video conferencing is a set of interactive telecommunication technologies that allow for two or more different locations to interact simultaneously. This type of groupware uses two way video and audio transmissions to interact and is known as a visual collaboration. Video conference is a great alternative to live meetings and has many uses such as when visual information is a crucial part of the discussion, the parties involved in the meeting or conversation can't physically be at the same place and when time and travel are of concern.
With the widespread availability of high speed Internet and the cost of video and display technology being reasonably affordable, many businesses and households are finding video conferencing an affordable way to communicate. The availability of freeware has made software based video conference communication accessible to many if not most.
With so many applications and uses for video conference more and more people are turning to the technology as a way to hold meetings and get together. With video conferencing, a grandmother that lives 1500 miles away can see her grandson take his first steps. With video conferencing a soldier overseas can talk to his friends and family and get a quick glimpse of home. Although, it does have uses outside of the business world, it is a popular tool for businesses all over the place.
With video conferencing, countless amounts of time and money spent on traveling can be saved. There is no longer a reason to catch a two hour flight for a half hour business meeting, only to turn around and take a two hour flight back home. No more missed appointments because of missed flights which can potentially mean no more missed business deals. Video conferencing can allow you to talk to someone halfway around the globe or half way down the hall.
Not only are the applications of video conference good on the wallet, they are good on the planet too. Less travel means less fuel, less emissions and less waste. As more and more people are looking for ways to cut costs, they are also looking for ways to cut greenhouse gases and video conference is a great way to do that.
The list of uses for video conference seems to be endless, as does the list of the benefits felt by video conferencing. Whether your business lies with your family, the media, the military or law, video conference can do it.
