And fiber optic cables transmit information at 100 times the speed of telephone lines. Using fiber optics, says Blosser, not only can individuals in two different cities see and speak to each other, but as they work on their computers, data can be transferred between computers, using the same line. Local development entities and show management shared installation costs for the backbone, which remains in place and can be connected as needed. But the cost for the exhibitor base and for the show manager is much less with us because we already have the backbone. The three or four centers in the country that have this have a two-year jump on other buildings.
Fiber optics is also the best technology for teleconferencing.
She notes that fiber optic transmission is more secure than telephone lines because outsiders can't tap in. The two existing buildings at McCormick Place have been linked with fiber optics, and the capability has been designed into McCormick South. It's cost effective to build it in. For example, a medical group could have 50 specialties, all of which have breakout meetings. The new technologies are extending into those proliferating meeting rooms.