Unfortunately, there weren't many people to call. Getting the special phone line and installing the software was a challenge, even for a techno-freak like me. Moreover, a lack of compatibility between different models meant that Intel ProShare owners couldn't call PictureTel owners. So my circle of connected business contacts was limited to about a dozen people. But that's changing.
Many phone companies advertise digital phone service on TV, so it's much easier to order.
And videoconferencing packages are simpler to install. Most important, a standard for digital video communications called H.320 is almost universally embraced. That means Intel and PictureTel users can finally talk to each other. If you thought e-mail and the Internet changed the face of business, wait until you try videoconferencing. Videoconferencing creates opportunities for collaboration that simply weren't possible before.