The management of the videoconference system and the adjustments that need to be made by employees using videoconference systems are critically important concepts as are the legal aspects of videoconference meetings. There is a war for supremacy taking place in videoconferencing and the information offered in this chapter will help sort through videoconferencing equipment decisions. Most importantly, you will understand the role of money and how its judicious expenditure will increase the possibility of a successful entry into the world of videoconferencing. This is crucial because the operation of a videoconference system will always be compared to the bottom line costs of every alternative. A key benefit to videoconferencing is saving money by restricting travel.
Business travel is an expensive communication tradition.
Government has sought to limit the amount of deductions that a business traveler can claim on a business trip and corporate business demands greater accountability on the part of the users of its travel services. Even Fortune 500 companies that have their own corporate aircraft fleets, take great lengths to keep them from getting any attention as a business service. The price of fuel and the fees charged by airports continue to escalate and all these costs are forcing managers to look at alternate ways to do business while avoiding air travel. Technological advances, in audio- only teleconference systems and videoconference products, are making serious cuts in money spent on business travel. However, regardless of the cost savings, some in-person business contact will have to be accomplished in person.