Business West News Article
2007-12-12
Another advantage from the growth in the use of broadband telecommunication is the unexpected benefit of not only helping productivity but reducing our carbon footprints. Once upon a time video conferencing was only available for a handful of super-high flyers. But increasing bandwidth in broadband services means it’s now within the grasp of everyone.
Ed Gillion, of Broadband Visual Communications Ltd believes there will be a major growth in the use of video conferencing. “Just consider how much time and money is wasted in people travelling around the country for meetings. The cost of fares or running a car is significant, not to mention the emissions generated. People are driving hours up and down motorways for a one hour meeting – it just doesn’t make sense. “Video conferencing will improve productivity. For example sales people can spend more of their time in face to face contact with clients and getting decisions. That’s got to be a more effective way of doing business,” said Mr Gillion. The technique has a part to play in businesses of all sizes. The growing number of sole traders working from home can make the best use of their time and large businesses that operate from different sites can also benefit. “We acknowledge that video conferencing is not ideal for absolutely every meeting. There’s no doubt there are some meetings you do need to have in person. But there are many situations where you save a lot of time and money by holding intra company meetings using a multi point video conferencing facility featuring a split screen which can show all the participants.” said Mr Gillion.
Naturally there is a huge spectrum of available systems but they start at
something around £200 which makes the concept a practical solution for any
business. Or people may prefer to use a rented facility with links to the 500 bureaux which now exist across the UK.
Information technology is often at the forefront of advances in business practices but Ed Gillion says it can also spill over into other areas. “We’re always surprised at the new ways in which people can use technology. I was puzzled by a take up of video conferencing by schools, but discovered they were linking up with other schools in Europe for live, interactive language classes. A lesson involving youngsters you can actually see and hear in France is a fantastic way to learn and just shows that with some imagination there’s no limit to what IT can bring,” said Mr Gillion.
