The spread of telepresence tech, Part 1: Need arises
Rising transportation costs and concerns about social and environmental responsibility are spurring corporate demand for videoconferencing, collaborative software and virtual telepresence technology. Wider access to broadband Internet is a key enabler.
Changes in business and social attitudes toward air travel are also contributing to rising demand.
One videoconferencing company, Eyenetwork, has seen its business grow about tenfold in less than five years. The company, which arranges professional videoconferencing services for business clients, has seen its bookings grow from 1,500 to 15,000 between 2003 and 2008.
Just over 8,000 small and medium-sized businesses have opened accounts and more than 40,000 people have participated in virtual, videconferenced meetings through HearMe, a B2B videoconferencing service launched by PalTalk, since its launch in January 2007.
