Video Conferencing Buying Market Trends

By Jerry Olsen
Updated: July 27, 2012

Video Conferencing Buying Market Trends

As more consumers and companies are drawn to more effective and affordable communication methods, the future of video conferencing looks very promising. According to Wessel Pieterse, a convergence specialist at Cisco Systems, face-to-face communication through video conferencing is a powerful tool.

Video conferencing also reduces high travel costs, bringing managers, project teams, and other employees together to hold virtual meetings on a regular basis. With so many benefits and advantages offered to end users, it looks like videoconferencing is here to stay.

Although many companies still use the original video conferencing technology (for example, dedicated hardware, video bridges, and Integrated Services Digital Network lines), more CEOs and managers are turning to web-based systems as a better option.

Video conferencing systems of the future offer a much easier and affordable solution, consisting of a server, software, and an internet connection. Today, more companies are choosing these types of systems because it helps them save money and meet their bottom line.

The following are web-based video conferencing systems currently used by many companies across the country:

Mobile Video Conferencing

Mobile video conferencing allows you to hook up your mobile phone or personal data assistant (PDA) device in order to video conference via 3G (third generation mobile telecommunications) networks and gateways. 3G networks are fast becoming the standard for mobile telecommunications.

Many 3G-network providers across the globe offer video conferencing services to companies at affordable rates.

Convergence

Telecom experts predict that most worldwide networks will eventually convert to internet (IP) networks, and in so doing, network compatibility issues will soon be eliminated. As a result, more companies will jump on the video conferencing bandwagon, and conduct virtual meetings on a regular basis. Since bandwidths can also be adjusted, video conferencing will become more accessible to end-users as well.

What is the trend for individual users?

The growing popularity of broadband technology has attracted many individual users to online video conferencing in order to communicate with friends, family, and colleagues.

As vendors continue to drive down the cost of video conferencing hardware tools like webcams, soundcards, and software, computer users continue to use this fairly new technology on a regular basis. As an individual user, all you need to get started is a webcam, video conferencing software (like GoTo Meeting or TeamViewer), and a free instant messaging service. Instant messaging technology also provides a great foundation for video conferencing.

What will the future bring?

As video conferencing technology continues to grow, so will the need to educate new users on how to use the systems.

The new video conferencing technology will undoubtedly create a need for colleges and universities to offer courses on technology applications as well. Chances are that children in middle school and high school will also use video conferencing in class and for homework assignments.

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