Video Conferencing in a Recession Provides a Boost

Cisco CEO John Chambers, noted in a recent interview that his company has saved a lot of money using high definition video conferencing instead of traveling, and that those dollars are even more important right now in the face of a recession. Many companies are switching or looking into video conferencing and web conferencing as a viable alternative to conventional travel, to cut costs. Something most companies aren’t thinking of, or at least not in the forefront, is the good that reducing travel does for the environment.

So the environment might end up being one of the few winners in this current economic climate. While fuel prices are down over last year, many companies just can’t afford to send executives or representatives on business trips. Less air and ground travel mean less carbon dioxide emissions from these vehicles and less pollution in the environment. A recent study on the subject indicated that if every small business owner in the US conducted a single high definition video conference instead of traveling to that destination, that it would equate to $25.4 billion, and more than 10 million tons of carbon dioxide in a single year.

High definition video conferencing services have now been in the market for quite a while and the technology is proven and solid. There are quite a few choices available with varying features and price points depending on your requirements.