Videoconferencing Reduces Travel Costs

The university's recent budget woes have prompted a reduction in travel for many departments. Yet, there remains a demand for live collaboration. Traditional audio conference calls are an effective and inexpensive way of saving travel costs. The Division of IT offers MeetingPlace Conferencing for audio/Web conference calling.

Videoconferencing is another way of conducting meetings.

Standard definition videoconferencing has been around for many years. Recently, however, high definition (HD) videoconferencing is growing in popularity due to the better video and audio quality. Cheaper and more accessible broadband network connections make it more popular as well. To participate in a videoconference, all attendees must have access to a videoconferencing facility.

High definition videoconferencing is available on campus in 001 Bond Life Sciences Center comfortably accommodates 12 conferees with a single HD screen. Switching is voice-activated, to show the person who is speaking. Dialing up a conference and controlling the camera are as simple as pressing a few buttons on a remote control. The system "dials" remote video systems over the Internet and Internet2.

Videoconferencing in the Life Sciences Center is available to the entire campus. Rates are $20/hour with a one hour minimum charge. For more information, check out the Videoconferencing page.

Investigate all the technologies available to help stretch tight budgets.