Global Collaboration On a Strong Path for Growth: Conferencing Plays Important Role

  

  

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As the global workforce continues to grow, sophisticated technology tools are growing in demand to ensure this workforce can still get the job done efficiently. According to a new Frost & Sullivan study, Meetings Around the World II: Charting the Course of Advanced Collaboration, professionals throughout the global economy are getting their work done using advanced collaboration tools.

Tools of Choice Include VoIP

These critical tools include voice over Internet protocol (VoIP), instant messaging or meeting via web conferencing. The Frost & Sullivan study measured the impact of using collaboration technology on business performance, while it also identified emerging business technology adoption trends and attitudes throughout the world.

Key trends identified in this study include the fact that VoIP is leading the way for delivery of advanced communications and collaboration applications. While IT managers were once skeptical of VoIP, they are now leveraging IP networking investments to drive more advanced communication and collaboration tools, including high quality web conferencing.

Keeping Balance

Busy professionals responded to the survey that collaboration technologies can help manage stress and strain. When a professional has the option of audio or web conferencing solutions, they can drive greater balance between work and personal life. These communication technologies help these busy professionals stay connected, while also moving business forward.

Even with the benefits that collaboration tools can provide, professionals can also have a love-hate relationship with technology. In fact, 58 percent report there are times they do not want to be reached. Another 47 percent report they could not operate productively or efficiently without the ability to conference remotely.

User Confidence and Telecommuting

The growth in virtual meeting technologies is growing partly due to the growth in user confidence. Roughly 61 percent of collaboration technologies are proven to reduce the need to travel for business and more than half believe that conferencing tools – such as audio conferencing and web conferencing – are a good alternative to visiting business contacts face-to-face.

Another growing trend driving conferencing and collaboration is telecommuting. Nearly half, or 47 percent, of respondents report they have a formal telecommuting policy in place. By contrast, only 27 percent telecommute at least once a week and 22 percent telecommute on a daily basis.

Environment and Growing Demand

The environment continues to be a trigger point for a number of professionals and their companies. More than half, or 53 percent, of respondents report the reduction in an organization’s carbon footprint and other environmental concerns are significant factors in considering collaborative technology requirements.

With the different factors that are driving the demand for collaboration tools – including conferencing – end users are bound the benefit the most as technologies improve, price declines and adoption spreads.