Article

• Send to a colleague

Five Steps for Evaluating Next-Generation Videoconferencing

The new generation of videoconferencing systems, or telepresence, has distinct advantages. "Look before you leap," counsels David Danto, Director of Emerging Technologies with the Interactive Multimedia and Collaborative Communications Alliance. He offers the following pointers to companies considering an investment:

1. Consider the use of systems if you have at least two locations with relatively non-mobile personnel who frequently need to communicate on a one-to-one basis.
2. Do not purchase systems only because your current legacy videoconferencing systems are underutilized or unreliable. Get expert help to fix these first.
3. Determine if you want to use an outside operator or "concierge" services, and select your system accordingly.
4. Do not purchase any manufacturer's system that has features you currently need "on their road map." Such features may be a long time in coming.
5. If you intend to use the systems in large cities, where the cost of real estate is at a premium, look for those that allow their room to be used for other types of meetings.