So, ISDN is here to stay for that reason, and for 'out of network' communication with external clients via Gateways.

There is no way to convince the IT manager to put video on the network if the bandwidth isn't there. He or she will not be willing to risk critical internal systems like e-mail, or financial systems to support a 'nice to have' system like video conferencing. You can make a friend out of him by emphasizing ISDN as a near term solution, IP as a strategic goal - and no incremental cost to make the transition. The IT manager can then approach video over IP in a more controlled, tested fashion, which is what he will need to do to make this work seamlessly.

Q5: What about wireless? Where will this take you next?

I don't know much about wireless and VTC. I would imagine the key issue is bandwidth and guaranteed quality of service from the VTC transmitting device and the network. Video is high bandwidth - business-quality video is 384kbps - so if the wireless network can support this at the necessary quality, then it is a viable option. I can envision a future with Dick Tracy devices on our wrists. Scary thought.

So, that's how it looks - from the field. The issues addressed here are real and come from the people actually out there specifying, installing and configuring the systems for the clients using them. But, maybe your experience has been different where you are. If so, let me know and we'll add you to the Q & A foray about VTC and the future of integration.

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Gary Kayye is Principal of Kayye Consulting a firm that specializes in providing marketing consulting, telephony integration and training development to the professional audiovisual industry. He spent 12 years at Extron and AMX as VP of Sales and Marketing before founding his own firm. He can be reached at www.kayye.com or via e-mail at gkayye@kayye.com. He is also the chairman of the ICIA PETC and a member of the ICIA Board of Governors.

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