Growth of Video

The growth of video conference usage has grown exponentially in the past decade. Video conferencing allows face to face interactions with colleagues in remote locations. Many businesses and universities rely on the advancing technology of video conference to bring together people who would otherwise have to travel to accomplish the same goal. By using video conferencing, businesses and schools save money on travel expenses and time away from the office.

Fast broadband internet is the key component to successful video conferencing. In addition, each participant needs a computer, web cam and microphone. The technology has adapted and evolved over the years making these pieces of equipment more affordable and thus more available to everyone. With the latest in video and audio equipment, video conferencing helps businesses be more productive by gathering people from around the globe for face to face interaction. Professors are able to lecture to a live classroom and have it broadcast to hundreds more students around the globe. The possibilities are endless.

In the future, there are plans for cyber communities, where video conferencing is the norm for all businesses who desire it. The goal is for more people to do their work from the location of their choice. This could free people from the daily commute. The benefits would go far beyond the obvious time and money saved from commuting, but would also benefit the environment as more people worked from home, thus reducing the emissions and pollution of rush hour. Productivity would increase, as expenses decreased. Parents could work around the changing needs of their children, as they participate in global video conferences from the privacy of their home office.

As some professions become more specialized, video conferencing gives the opportunity to be instructed and taught by the experts without the headache of traveling. Many people who otherwise might be restricted due to health or financial constraints will be able to fully participate in business and educational ventures. This removes barriers for disabled people, seniors, and those with family responsibilities. With access for everyone, more people will be able to pursue their educational and professional goals. For some people, video conferencing will mean the difference of being a participant or an observer in the upward movement of businesses and educational pursuits.

Video conferences bring together people from around the globe. With the increase in global corporations and global politics, video conferencing could be a positive force in promoting peace and healthy political negotiations between countries, companies and in the world.