Videoconferencing becomes mainstream

Videoconferencing (VC) and unified communications (UC) have become mainstream technology solutions for major corporates and government. Among other things, this can be attributed to travel cutbacks by companies and competitive pricing of VC solutions.

Videoconferencing (VC) and unified communications (UC) have become mainstream technology solutions for major corporates and government, judging by growth clocked up by Imago Communications SA.

Imago MD, Clint Cronjé ascribed market acceptance of VC and associated technologies to a mix of factors, including:

Continued global growth is also predicted. The sector has grown worldwide by 20% a year for 10 years. Industry sources expect this to continue. Worldwide VC and UC sales run at about US$1.7 billion a year.

The video segment is expected to grow by 22-25%, with voice up by 12% and UC 29%.

A major industry player like Cisco predicts that 80% of internet traffic will be video by 2025.

‚Strong local and international growth occurs in the face of continued cost sensitivity across both the public and private sectors,‚ noted Cronj√©.

‚VC and UC deliver savings and measurable benefits. This means these solutions are right at home in ‚the New Normal’, a business environment in which executives stay close to cost drivers and seek continual efficiencies.‚

The importance of relationships and face-time in business also contribute to customer acceptance. The technology enables executives to support strong relationships even when colleagues and customers are several time zones away.

Cronj√© added: ‚Locally, a tipping point was achieved in 2010 and we foresee even broader market penetration in the months ahead.‚