by A.B. Covell  Designing a Videoconferencing Solution Typical Videoconference Applications There are some recognized videoconferencing usage categories that, while not exhaustive, do exemplify effective applications, and we describe them briefly below. While these are nice, neat categories, you should be aware that any time geographically dispersed individuals need to interact face to face, videoconferencing may have a role to play. The technology is evolving rapidly, and recent and forthcoming feature-laden products that facilitate conferencing across the Internet and the corporate intranet, together with widespread adoption of standards-based whiteboard, applications sharing and other desktop computer-based collaboration tools will certainly broaden the impact of videoconferencing. Those who exercise some creativity in determining where and how to use this emerging technology will be rewarded. Telecommutin g Typically, you think of telecommuting in terms of corporate employees who electronically tap into and interact with corporate resources and people, including videoconferencing from the home to the workplace. But telecommuting is now being used to connote a broader activity, which also includes the individual interaction and collaboration that takes place between home-based entrepreneurs, consultants and intercompany business partners. This expanded notion of telecommuting, which can thrive on innovative videoconferencing technology, is poised to take videoconferencing to a new level as developments in desktop videoconferencing and public high-speed networking begin to impact the desktop computer marketplace. Telemedicine The ability for videoconferencing solutions to deliver high-quality video images to far-flung medical specialists has proven valuable and viable. This can require specialized videoconferencing devices that enable video content that is very different from the standard talking-heads videoconferencing fare. The need for high-quality video forces telemedicine technology managers to implement systems that consume considerable network resources, so network planning and implementation for telemedicine is usually a key consideration. Distance Learning Educators in elementary, secondary, higher education and corporate training have unique opportunities for using videoconferencing. Video lectures are becoming commonplace, and this accounts for much of the videoconferencing in this sector. But there are other applications, such as bringing remote guest speakers into a classroom, or offering video office hours for tutoring students, which are also great opportunities to add value to the educational process using this emerging tool. Sales and Customer Service The ability to engage customers, via videoconferencing, while securing sales or providing follow-up service, is likely to catch on within the next few years, given developments in consumer-grade d esktop computing and network access. There are already some significant efforts in this area, from Digital Source's Video Banker, which enables branch office customers to interact via videoconference with central office service center staff, to the Internet videoconferencing services of the adult-entertainment industry. Career Services With many major corporations cutting back on recruiting budgets and the growth in the sector of our economy comprising smaller and leaner entrepreneurial businesses, the ability to screen remote job candidates via videoconference is ripe for widespread acceptance. Video Justice Many local legal systems have introduced the use of videoconferencing to enable police officers to attend legal proceedings from precincts. This minimizes the time police need to spend on courtroom activities, increasing their available time for protecting the citizenry. Other Videoconferencing is technology that empowers businesspeople and consumers, and creative minds will continue to identify and develop new videoconferencing applications that make sense, add value, and increase profits. Designing a Videoconferencing Solution Typical Videoconferencing Applications Characteristics Of A Successful Videoconference Solution Summary of ITU Videoconferencing Standards Videoconference System Alternatives Network Considerations Mix and Match Sample Scenarios Putting It All Together Videoconferencing Web Resources Print This Page E-mail this URL