For effective communication at a distance one can choose many tools, varying from only text (Chat, e-mail, webcollaboration) to speech (Mobile phone, IP phone, conference calls) to full audio and video (Webcam, Eye Catcher, Video conference). Different communication tasks may require different tools. For example one should not use e-mail as the communication medium for a difficult negotiation but equaly one should not use high impact video communication to just make an appointment.
Also within the domain of video communication there are choices to be made. Making the right choice for your organisation will ensure effective use and happy employees. At Qconferencing we identify three different use categories which require different video tools. In most organisations a combination of these tools will be the ultimate video solution.
For large group meetings Tele-presence or Video Conferencing is the ideal equipment to use. A boardroom must be specialy fitted for this purpose optimising sound and lighting conditions. Normally these sessions are planned well in advance to ensure participation and availability of the boardroom.
On the operational management level video communication revolves more around teamwork, small group sessions and one on one sessions. The video should be easily accessable – to be used in any workspace regardless of the audio and lighting conditions. The communication tasks are often in the area of negotiating, convincing, assessing eventualy leading to decision taking. The video must be high-impact, allow for natural non-verbal communication and should be an experience almost as good as a life visit. For this type of communication Ex’ovision has developed the Eye Catcher.
A third level of video communication can be achieved using webcams. This is mostly deployed as a support during webcollaboration activities. People are working from differenty places simultaneously in project documents. The webcam presence helps these participants to communicate and cooperate.
