Frequently Asked Question’s

27th February 2004

Do you want a brief overview of what videoconferencing is all about? For some basic background information on what videoconferencing is and how it is used, take a look at some of the industry's most frequently asked questions:

What is videoconferencing?
Videoconferencing gives people in different locations the ability to meet via video, audio and web links. They can see and hear each other as clearly as if they were in the same room and have the ability to share applications in real-time.

Who uses videoconferencing?
Individuals from many different industries use videoconferencing for a number of different applications. The core markets include users from the worlds of distance learning and education, government, telemedicine, and corporate applications.

What are the benefits of videoconferencing?
As an interactive communication medium, two-way video stands out in a number of ways:

1) Reduces travel costs and travel time.
2) Builds relationships in a way that e-mail, telephone, or online chat systems cannot. The visual connection and interaction among participants enhances understanding and helps participants feel connected to each other.
3) Makes meeting attendance more convenient.
4) Improves meeting impact and focus. Enhances trust building and persuasiveness.
5) Reduces downtime allowing workers to spend their time more productively in the office.
6) Enables organisations to benefit from having ad-hoc meetings where relevant parties can meet immediately rather than having to deal with travel constraints. This leads to decisions being made faster.
7) Less travelling and more time at home improves quality of life.
8) Improves communication and presentation skills.
9) Heightens interest, improves motivation and increases retention.

How is videoconferencing used?
In the corporate world there are a number of reasons for using videoconferencing including:

* Internal meetings
* Ad-hoc meetings with customers/suppliers/other key staff
* Interviews
* Company announcements
* Training
* Management meetings

Videoconferencing is also widely used in the education and distance learning sector. Key applications include:

* Taking virtual tours, including museums, libraries and zoos
* Attending classes/courses without travelling across campuses/between split-sites
* Sharing specialised teaching resource
* Conducting interviews, meetings and other administrative tasks