Substance over Fashion - Telephones aren't fashionable but they work quite well for conferencing. Experience over Talk - Ask what someone has actually done, not what they are going to do. A toy is something that looks interesting but isn't proven. A tool is something that is tried and tested to perform a given function effectively. The technology for effective computer-mediated conferencing exists today.
Many organizations get the least expensive equipment possible and expect TV quality video and audio.
Computer-mediated conferencing can be effective IF expectations are realistic. Even video conferencing at 7.5 fps can provide additional communicative information. In studies at UNF, subjects involved in CSCW tasks found communication easier if they had a still picture of the other participants. Uses Remote offices - This entails working away from the main office. The benefits would be getting to work without fighting traffic, fewer cars, more uninterrupted time blocks, and access to personnel at remote sites.