Irish businesses need to wake up to the opportunities increasingly affordable videoconferencing technology provides in terms of reducing their carbon footprint and improving operational efficiency as they navigate their way through the credit crunch.
At a seminar on videoconferencing organised by the Telecommunications and Internet Federation (TIF) yesterday, these opportunities were outlined.
“There has been a steady growth in the use of videoconferencing, particularly now given the difficult economic climate,” TIF director Tommy McCabe (pictured) explained.
“The necessity to cut costs, reduce carbon footprint and improve operational efficiency means business is now increasingly turning to this rapidly improving technology.
“With the greater availability of high-speed broadband, videoconferencing is no longer a luxury for big corporations. It is now not just used by business, but also by the Government, military, education and health sectors.
Speaking at the seminar, Gary Keogh, managing director of COLT Telecom Ireland and chairman of the TIF Technology Group, said: “The availability of high-definition systems means that the user experience is vastly improved.
“Videoconferencing can now provide an experience that can closely match face-to-face contact.
“With the rise in dispersed employees, home workers and global partners, videoconferencing provides a highly efficient means of communicating,” Keogh added.
By John Kennedy
