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Planning for Videoconferencing

Real-time communication

An idea does not have value until it is shared. The more immediate and responsive the communication of that message, the more value it carries to your clients or within your organization. Videoconferencing technology allows real-time collaboration of audio, video, document and computer information. Applications span one-person desktop systems to integrated room systems for meetings of six to eight, to business television and distance learning for groups up to 100 or more.

Videoconferencing has come a long way from the initial room-based systems that were installed in the early 1980’s. The advent and maturing of ISDN transmission and recent increases in LAN and WAN bandwidth have spawned new interest in using conferencing systems to facilitate communication across time zones and distance. Equipment manufacturers including PictureTel, Polycom, Tandberg, and Sony have developed high-quality solutions for both roll-about and permanent installation applications.

According to Michel Maeso, Vice President, Visual Networks at Intellisys Group, “The major manufacturers have recognized the market’s desire for higher quality and better functionality in the set top systems, and have responded with new features (e.g., multipoint bridge capabilities, higher frame rates, simpler controls, etc.). As a result, for the first time in many years, we see the average selling price for video conferencing equipment will actually rise slightly.”

PC-based technology

The latest technologies include circuit card based systems designed to work within the PC. These desktop systems offer all the functionality of a fully configured room systems with the limitation of only serving one user per site. The self-contained “set top” units currently define the major market segment in the industry today, allowing a single system including codec, microphone, and wireless remote control (mounted on top of a TV monitor,thus “set top”) to be used easily for groups of four to eight. The set top revolution will continue, but integrated room systems that involve high quality data grade display and custom “single point of control” remain the most popular solution for the corporate and institutional environment where the quality of communication is the highest goal.

Internet Protocol (IP) based videoconferencing solutions are on the rise. Corporations are seeing the cost savings of moving video over their IP existing networks. Since 40%-70% of corporate communication is internal, this approach makes sense. The justification for this approach is four fold.

– IT network solutions are easier to manage. The video conferencing systems are now just another client. Features such as remote call launch and monitoring can be accomplished.

– Video over IP can be more stable than switched services. Since the IP network is always on, the issue of codecs negotiating and connecting is irrelevant.

– ISDN is a usage sensitive solution. Frame relay and other dedicated networks are “always on” allowing video traffic to be a potentially “free connect”. However, most networks may need an increase in bandwidth. Even so, this is still typically less expensive than ISDN.

– When ISDN is required, communicating to “outside” organizations is available through a gateway that can be shared by the entire organization. Because of the cost savings of sharing the existing IT networks, this trend should dominate over the next three to five years.

The Intellisys Group Visual Networks team helps its clients create dynamic, effective, live interaction throughout your office or around the world. Planning for videoconferencing focuses on an implementation program that enables customers to collaborate with the resources within the organization through solutions that are integrated, comprehensive, cost-effective and user-friendly.

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