Depending on the tools that you use, video conferencing allows large numbers (and small numbers too) of people to communicate at the same time and share information, ideas and generally collaborate, irrespective of their location. It is possible to share computer desktops and view whiteboards, much as you would in a normal business conference. This without the cost of hosting one in the real world of course!

Some of the more significant advantages to video conferencing are as follows:-

* Cost. The overheads when running video conferencing are miniscule compared to the actual cost of physically delivering people from all sorts of locations to a specific destination. Taking into account the cost of travel itself, accommodation for those from out of town, meals etc should be enough to convince you. When you actually include the cost of lost man hours travelling then there is no contest in my mind.

* People tend to keep all their work on their home computer when based away from the office. Working in a video conference from home means that all of your important files are on hand when you want them. There is less likelihood of anything going wrong.

* Should you need to call upon people outside of your organisation; experts in various matters for example, it is far easier (and cheaper) to organise as a video conference than in a face to face meeting. Especially if the people involved have to travel any distance.

* There are side benefits such as ongoing staff training with video conferences. It is possible to record meetings and use them to help staff improve their skills. You can also train new staff more quickly with this kind of material.

* Being able to see everyone on video is almost as good as seeing them face to face. It is far less impersonal than a simple telephone call for example. Having this facility available can speed up some of your business processes as well, and, as they say, time is money!

If you compare the experience of a telephone conference to a video conference, then video conferencing wins hands down again. Seeing your fellow delegates on video is a major advantage to the experience gained of shared call meetings.

As technology improves, the quality and advantages of video conferencing can only improve. In terms of value for money, video conferencing is in a league of its own. As technology improves, so do prices, which can only make video conferencing more appealing to all types of business.