Page 103 - DMGT505_MANAGEMENT_INFORMATION_SYSTEM

Management Information Systems

Notes

Task Discuss the basic features of telecommunication system.

6.2.1 Videoconferencing

A videoconference is a live connection between people in separate locations for the purpose of
communication, usually involving audio and often text as well as video. At its simplest,
videoconferencing provides transmission of static images and text between two locations. At its
most sophisticated, it provides transmission of full-motion video images and high-quality
audio between multiple locations.

Videoconferencing software is quickly becoming standard computer equipment. For example,
Microsoft’s NetMeeting is included in Windows 2000 and is also available for free download
from the NetMeeting homepage. For personal use, free or inexpensive videoconference software
and a digital camera afford the user easy - and cheap - live connections to distant friends and
family. Although the audio and video quality of such a minimal setup is not high, the combined
benefits of a video link and long-distance savings may be quite persuasive.

Figure 6.2: Videoconferencing

The tangible benefits for businesses using videoconferencing include lower travel costs and
profits gained from offering videoconferencing as an aspect of customer service. The intangible
benefits include the facilitation of group work among geographically distant teammates and a
stronger sense of community among business contacts, both within and between companies. In
terms of group work, users can chat, transfer files, share programs, send and receive graphic
data, and operate computers from remote locations. On a more personal level, the face-to-face
connection adds non-verbal communication to the exchange and allows participants to develop
a stronger sense of familiarity with individuals they may never actually meet in the same place.

Notes A videoconference can be thought of as a phone call with pictures – Microsoft refers
to that aspect of its NetMeeting package as a “web phone” – and indications suggest that
videoconferencing will some day become the primary mode of distance communication.

What is Videoconferencing?
In videoconferencing technology, two or more people at different locations can see and hear
each other at the same time, sometimes even sharing computer applications for collaboration.
Videoconferencing offers possibilities for schools, colleges, and libraries to use these systems
for a variety of purposes, including formal instruction (courses, lessons, and tutoring), connection

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