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Videoconferencing isn't new news. In fact, ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) and IP (Internet Protocol) based systems have been on the market for a couple of decades. But recent advances in affordability, usability, and performance have prompted a lot of business executives to give the technology a fresh look.
"IP videoconferencing is a natural fit for international organizations because of the pitfalls they have using ISDN transport whenever you 'cross the pond'," says Global Crossing regional vice president David Stolarek.
ISDN transport, which is a protocol for circuit-switched telephone networks, is practical for two-way video in North America, but it becomes problematic when conferences require many bridge points to reach a destination. IP over a private backbone, such as Global Crossing's MPLS (Multi Protocol Label Switching) network, is a more integrated and reliable option for connecting to distant end-points in Europe, Asia, or the Far East.
Even so, Stolarek says there's still a role for ISDN in videoconferencing. "Our goal is not to put IP in every end point," he says.
Some companies are invested in ISDN, or their end-points are well served by ISDN connections. In either case, it might not be necessary to go with an entirely IP-based system.
Stolarek notes that sometimes it makes sense for companies to pursue a "middle ground" strategy that leverages ISDN and IP. A hybrid solution, such as Global Crossing's iVideoconferencing"! service, allows a conference to originate on ISDN, switch to the company's private IP network, and then terminate on ISDN at the receiving end-point.
"This kind of approach allows a customer to use IP where it makes the most sense," Stolarek says. Covering more distance on an IP network greatly reduces the chance that the videoconference will have quality or connection issues, he adds.
Deciding whether videoconferencing makes good business sense can be a complicated decision. Stolarek recommends that executives sit down with a videoconferencing provider to get a better idea of how an IP-based network strategy might support a range of business needs and objectives.
"Some clients are actually seeking redundancy but can't justify an idle network," Stolarek says. "Other clients are interested in a convergence," he says. They want to improve quality and reduce costs by moving to a unified platform. An IP network, with its ability to move audio, data, and video through a single connection, provides a practical solution for these customers. These same clients might also want to reduce travel costs for meetings and seminars.
The bottom line is videoconferencing can be a great investment for organizations with multiple locations—especially when their footprint is international. Solutions based on IP, ISDN, and hybrid configurations mean high-quality, affordable service is within just about anyone's reach.
To learn more about Global Crossing services, including its IP Video capabilities, contact Steve Paul at Advocate Networks (Steve.paul@advocatenetworks.com, 678-987-5911).