Videoconferencing has lost
its niche status and is now more accessible, affordable and
available. And with growing concerns about the ecological cost
of flying, I believe videoconferencing is set to
grow.
Videoconferencing will never completely overtake face-to-face
communication. But it is becoming an ever more crucial part of the
communications mix. And its straightforwardness and ease-of-use
means its continued adoption should be embraced, and take-up may
well be faster than we think.
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
(Acca) depends heavily on multi-channel technologies, and with
sustainability a key concern, we have begun replacing travel with
audio and visual communication wherever possible.
The association began using videoconferencing in late 2005, and
it is now in regular use. In our UK regional offices we have 40
personal cameras and four high-definition room systems, as well as
one high-definition room system in our Hong Kong office. One system
is also mobile, so it can be used in any of our meeting rooms.
More connected
The system has proved both convenient and cost-effective, with
increased communication between staff who feel more connected to
their colleagues whom they would otherwise meet infrequently.
In our experience, videoconferencing has improved face-to-face
communications and aids faster decision making, which is crucial in
a 24x7, information-hungry business environment.
Videoconferencing is making a real difference at Acca. The
association's current phase of usage is set to run until Easter,
when we will review its success and usefulness. We will then
consider further investment, with a roll-out to national offices in
other countries possible this year.
Becoming the norm
It seems likely that videoconferencing in the residential and
mobile markets will become increasingly affordable and more
accessible over time. Webcams are often integral to high street PC
sales, and with improved broadband internet connectivity, webcam
usage will no doubt increase.
Desktop PC conferencing - both at home, at the office, and
increasingly in schools, colleges and universities - will
progressively become the norm.
Videoconferencing has moved on from pre-designed TV-studio-style
installations, but the psychology of communication and people's
preferences will always be an issue. Some do not like using
videoconferencing simply because they feel self-conscious "on
camera".
Despite this sticking point, for a global organisation, in
particular, it will surely quickly become a crucial communication
option to set alongside face-to-face meetings, e-mail, the
Blackberry and the telephone.
One way or another, videoconferencing is here to stay. The time
has come for all organisations to investigate its potential.
● Mark Devine is IT director at the Association of Chartered
Certified Accountants
Heinz global video system goes live
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