June 29th, 2010
In the aftermath of the G20 summit in Toronto, it would be so easy to write a blog on how video-conferencing could have been an efficient and highly cost-effective alternative to the 1$ billion cost that was racked up by the Canadian government this past weekend.
The most sophisticated of video-conferencing systems could have been deployed at about $1 million per location. And even if an extreme upper end of $3 million per location were used, some simple math suggests that a $20 million (20 leaders at $1 million each) to $60 million (and just so you don’t get too scared by the price, High Definition Desktop video is now available for as low as $3500!) price-tag is far less than was realized over this 2 day event. High Definition video with 3D pods would have had a similar communication effect as to being in the same room. Break-away sessions of one on one could have been achieved as well.
But, and this is a big BUT, I was formally convinced this morning that getting these leaders together in Canada was the right thing to do! As I dropped my $1.50 into the Globe and Mail newspaper box at 6:30 am this morning (the Toronto Star newspaper deliveryman was late again) I was joined by a young man who was scanning the headlines of his just purchased Toronto Sun. As he grumbled the words “if I were running the police department, I would have thrown all those protesters into jail for the next 10 years (where he got the idea that the police had this kind of authority is beyond me)”, I responded with a forced smirk and made a bee-line for my car….and it was in my 3 minute car-ride home that the conflict I had been feeling over whether holding the summit in Toronto was the right thing to do, finally crystallized into an overwhelming YES IT WAS!!
Am I a proponent of the violence and silliness displayed by the protesters; absolutely not, quite the contrary in fact. But what this gathering told me is that as Canadians we are the luckiest people in the world. We live in remarkable harmony and prosperity and a gentle reminder of that fact had just played out in front of the entire country to witness.
Sure, many streets of Toronto became hijacked by a small minority of outsiders (many outside of Canada), anarchists without cause, other than the sole purpose of creating trouble. And as so often happens, its the minority who wreck it for the majority. No matter how hard I want to think that remote collaboration services like teleconferencing, web-conferencing and video-conferencing will always provide cost savings and productivity gains, they will never replace the feeling of national pride that I now feel as a result of getting these leaders together for a good old-fashioned face-to-face!!
Tags: Canadian Teleconferencing, Canadian Video Conferencing, collaboration services, High Definition Desktop Video, teleconferencing services, Toronto teleconferencing, Toronto video-conferencing, Video Conferencing, Web Conferencing
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June 11th, 2010
I had to head to downtown Toronto yesterday in order to pick up some video-conferencing equipment (the irony of this will be evident in a moment). The trip is 30 minutes by car when the traffic is flowing well, perhaps 60 minutes in rush hour. I’ve gotten to the point whereby my trips to the bowels of Toronto are timed outside the rush, which generally means its okay to go downtown around 10 am, but I try to get the heck out by 2 pm, otherwise it can back up quickly.
The plan was working swimmingly as I checked my watch at 2:10 pm, hopped in the car and meandered my way up to Bloor (avoiding the construction at Avenue Rd.), east to the Don Valley HWY. and onto the ramp to head north. Swimmingly, until I curved around the first bend and came to a dead stop. 20 minutes later, amid the sounds of sirens and flashing lights, I noticed a police officer in the distance, waving motorist to remove themselves off the Don Valley and shepherding them onto Bayview (a parallel road heading north).
I’ll spare you the details of grinding teeth and boredom of the next 2 hours of drive time! Suffice to say, urban traffic is becoming unbearable. When we started Vesta Networks 8 years ago, many of our teleconferencing clients were embracing the technology in order to bring people together across Canada and across the globe (they still do that) but those same customers are now using the technology to bring people together across town!! With the rise in the quality of High Definition video-conferencing, with the price point becoming remarkably affordable ($3000 for an all-in-one desktop, small boardroom unit) and the ease of operation (plug and play concept), its no wonder that more and more office workers are embracing home offices. Bricks and mortar thinking for housing employees is rapidly going out of style and we are truly on the leading edge of innovative and exciting collaboration services.
And the first thing I did when I got home, was to plug in the new HD video conferencing unit and made a call to a colleague in downtown Toronto. Seeing is believing!!
Tags: affordable video, avoid urban traffic, Canadian Video Conferencing, ease of use video, HD Video Conferencing, remote collaboration, Toronto video-conferencing, Vesta News
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June 8th, 2010
Ahhhhh, you could hear the sigh of satisfaction within the walls of Vesta last week! How many times have any of us worked hard to do the right thing, treating our customers with speedy service and a hint of a smile! We do those things because we believe in them, always mindful that it’s easy to loose a client as a result of a misstep. We’re all busy, many of us lining up our next meeting (or our next remote collaboration meeting!) going to meetings or doing the necessary follow-up from a meeting. Everyone at Vesta Networks would like to thank James Walker, Founder of Gyft, a company that provides marketing, web development and social media services to organizations across Canada. James is a recent client of Vesta and in his decision to join Vesta he took the time to write of his experience. It’s not all peaches and cream (although he does give us a great review) and I hope you will enjoy the read of James blog at the following link: http://www.gyft.to/blog/2010/05/good-business-case-study-vesta-networks/
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June 8th, 2010
Vesta Networks is now offering HD Video Conferencing! We have formed a spectacular relationship with LifeSize (a Logitech company) a world leader in manufacturing video end points. As a result of this relationship, we would love to invite you to a one-hour ‘Room in Action’ session that we are conducting with LifeSize in Toronto on June 16th.
HD Video Conferencing is growing rapidly as companies across Canada and around the world adopt video solutions to accelerate business collaboration, increase productivity, and lower travel costs. All vitally important in this difficult economy, when doing more with your existing resources is paramount. But how do you decide what Video Conferencing solution is best for you? Do you understand what features are the most important for your needs? Are you afraid of making a mistake?
At this interactive 60 minute session you will have a chance to ‘see’ video in action with a live demonstration of the LifeSize Communications video product line. We’ll bring other participants into the meeting from around the globe and you will be able to experience the power of an HD Video Conferencing meeting! It will be an informative and fun event in a relaxed atmosphere with a small group of 10 people.
If you are thinking about purchasing HD Video Conferencing solutions now or in the future,please call our support team at 1.866.281.9191 to get registered. As well, please following the URL obtain additional details. http://www.vestanetworks.com/video/videoemailroot/VestaVideo.html
Tags: Canadian Video Conferencing, HD Video Conferencing, Vesta News
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December 7th, 2009
Widely used in business circles, teleconferencing together with web and video conferencing is now a popular communication tool among charities, non–profit organizations and government agencies. In regions where it is too difficult for residents to travel to public meetings, municipal and government agencies in various countries have set up teleconference centres to facilitate public participation in legislative meetings and town hall gatherings.
Where severe winter weather makes it prohibitive for residents to travel, agencies are turning to audio conferencing to ensure public involvement in legislative issues is a reality. Audio conference centres are set up and designated hours set aside for constituents to voice their concerns to participating candidates and government officials.
Teleconferencing services has also opened the way for those with physical disabilities and the elderly to be able to voice concerns or issues with local municipal leaders and get immediate feedback without leaving the confines of their homes. This versatile and effective communication tool is also being utilized by community colleges. Audio and video conferencing of lectures and tutorials are set up to reach students in remote locations.
The time saving capabilities that come with teleconferencing have made it an outstanding communication tool for almost all sectors of society. Agencies can speak simultaneously to a number of operatives in remote locations resulting in projects being fast tracked and scheduling simplified.
All in all, teleconferencing together with the benefits of web and video conferencing has changed the face of communication and continues to open up new avenues of access and relief for many people.
Vesta Networks offers Teleconferencing, Web Conferencing, and Video Conferencing services that provide virtual conference meeting spaces across Canada and across the globe. Planned or ad hoc sales meetings are a cinch with our reservationless conferencing and all of Vesta Networks services are easy to use, state of the art & affordable.
Tags: Canadian Teleconferencing, Effective Meetings, Reduce Costs, Successfull Teleconferencing, Teleconference, Teleconferencing, teleconferencing services, Teleconferencing Tips, Vesta News, Video Conferencing, web conference, Web Conferencing
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November 30th, 2009
Meetings always present certain communication challenges. These challenges increase considerably when all the parties involved have to rely on making multiple telephone calls to each other. When meeting with a client it can be difficult if you cannot see the client’s expressions or view a document he may be referring to. Face to face meetings are always the gold standard in effective communication but what do you do when it’s impossible to get all the participants together due to prohibitive travel costs or schedules that clash?
Many international companies find it particularly challenging to arrange seminars or conferences for a large number of participants, located in different countries. Web Conferencing and Video Conferencing is the answer. They are the ultimate virtual meeting tools that provide the look and feel of face-to-face discussions.
Web conferencing is the next step in teleconferencing. It enables online conference meetings by allowing computer users in different locations to work together, talk together and view the same material, programs and presentations.
Web Conferencing is the solution when a sudden meeting is required, but participants are in different locations across Canada or the world. Reservationless Web Conferencing means that you meet with whoever you need to, whenever you need to and all without having to spend time scheduling it online. This type of conferencing enables participants to view all applications simultaneously from different locations. The same documents are examined by all, excel spreadsheets can be reviewed and PowerPoint presentations shared.
The result of using Web or Video Conferencing translates into reduced costs, greater employee productivity, better customer service, and quicker decision-making. The bottom line is that every company wants to save money while still being ahead of the competition. The good news is that Web Conferencing, Teleconferencing and Video Conferencing save money and are highly effective communication strategies.
Tags: Canadian Teleconferencing, Effective Meetings, Reduce Costs, Successfull Teleconferencing, Teleconference, teleconferencing services, Video Conferencing, Web Conferencing
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November 23rd, 2009
Video Conferencing is an exciting and highly effective communication tool with endless possibilities. Because it can be used in so many different settings, Video Conferencing is extremely popular. Improvements in video technologies have further enhanced the capabilities of this dynamic means of communication. Vesta Networks’ web conferencing and video conferencing infrastructure enables video users from around the globe to connect, twenty four hours a day, seven days a week.
Participating in a video conference call is quite simple. Once connected, the various participants are seen and heard on other participants computer screens. Utilized to facilitate business meetings, training courses, lectures, seminars and demonstrations, video conferencing is also found in a variety of diverse fields including medicine and education.
One of the greatest benefits of video conferencing is linking people based in rural or remote regions for a virtual face to face meeting with others. There are no travelling expenses involved and participants are spared having to brave bad weather, especially in Canada’s northern regions.
Classes in many educational institutions are offered via video conferencing to students in outlying areas, cutting down on travel time and expense. Schools have seen the benefits of taking students on virtual field trips via video conferencing and linking them with students in other parts of the country or world. Students also have access to guest speakers and experts who would otherwise be wholly inaccessible. Asking a direct question, face to face, has a much greater impact than sending an email.
One of the greatest benefits associated with video conferencing is the capability to bring numerous parties together, face to face, to brainstorm, share ideas, view a presentation, make a presentation or train employees in a new technique or procedure. All the benefits of face to face contact are enjoyed along with the savings in time, travel costs and employee productivity. It doesn’t matter if you’re based in Toronto and your client is in Sydney, with video conferencing the world is one big, accessible meeting place.
Tags: Non-Profit, Small - Medium Business, Vesta News, Video Conferencing, Web Conferencing
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November 16th, 2009
Audio, Web and Video Conferencing are all extremely popular means of communication today. Just as in any type of meeting scenario, there are certain acceptable practices that, if adhered too, ensure a smooth and successful meeting.
When utilizing new technology many employees may feel uncomfortable and uneasy. It is therefore best to review the etiquette associated with any type of audio, web or video conferencing before the actual meeting takes place.
Tele/Audio Conference Etiquette
You have most likely been in at least one conference call with a participant who could clearly be heard typing, opening emails or having a side conversation with someone else in the room. Worse still are the participants who call in from home and cannot be heard over the barking dog or crying child in the background.
Plan beforehand
A little planning beforehand ensures the audio conference is not an exercise in futility. If you are the facilitator, send an email out before the actual meeting to gently outline conferencing etiquette and procedure.
State your name
Remind participants to state their name before making a comment.
The one drawback with audio and teleconferencing is that participants only have audio cues to respond to. Sometimes voices can sound similar so its important to always identify yourself before commenting.
Avoid background noise
Participants should avoid moving papers or coughing. Suggest that participants mute their phones when not speaking to avoid background noise.
Avoid using your cell phone if possible
It is easier to isolate background noise when using a landline so avoid using your cell phone when participating in a conference call.
Make it clear you are in a conference
Inform other staff that you are not to be disturbed. Lock your office door or leave a note asking to not be disturbed. Mute your office phone and switch off your cell phone if possible.
Make it clear when you are leaving the conference
Remember to say goodbye to all participants before exiting the conference.
Tags: Canadian Teleconferencing, Effective Meetings, inexpensive rates, Non-Profit, Small - Medium Business, Successfull Teleconferencing, Teleconference, Teleconferencing, Video Conferencing, Web Conferencing
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November 9th, 2009
Teleconferencing used to be a tool only utilized by the corporate elite. Today, however, teleconferencing is used by a wide sector of businesses, charities, educational institutions and social groups.
Proven to be an extremely cost effective method of bringing parties together, teleconferencing, as well as web and video conferencing are smart and efficient ways to conduct meetings, seminars, conferences and training sessions.
Larger organizations favour teleconferences because of the ease with which they can assemble participants, reduce the number of meetings required and cut traveling costs. Time is saved and productivity is increased.
Many charitable and non-profit organizations have also benefited enormously from teleconferencing technology. In Canada, field workers in remote areas are able to participate in meetings without having to incur travel expenses or brave inclement weather.
Meetings, viewed by many as a necessary evil, are an integral and vital aspect of any work environment. Traditionally meetings were always held face to face. There is no doubt that communication is enhanced when there is visual contact, but the benefits of having a teleconference outweigh face to face contact when you consider how efficient and economical teleconferences are.
Productivity is also enhanced when participants are aware of each others’ role in a project. Teleconference meetings allow participants to get to know and communicate with others that they may not ordinarily meet. It is a smart and effective way to bring numerous parties together without the usual downtime incurred traveling to and from meetings.
Company seminars and conferences that utilize teleconferencing and web conferencing capabilities only pay for the time they use and save on accommodation and traveling expenses.
Choosing teleconferencing, web conferencing or video conferencing is the smart way to meet in Canada and across the world. With options like reservationless conferencing, toll free conferencing and guaranteed security on every teleconferencing meeting, Vesta Networks offers outstanding conferencing services.
Tags: Canadian Teleconferencing, Effective Meetings, inexpensive rates, Non-Profit, Telecommunications, Teleconferencing, teleconferencing services, Vesta News, Video Conferencing, web conference, Web Conferencing
Posted in Canadian Telcom, Teleconferencing, Teleconferencing Strategies, Teleconferencing Tips, Vesta Networks, Video Conferencing, Web Conferencing | No Comments »
November 2nd, 2009
Conferencing is becoming as common place as email in the business and non profit sectors. The benefit of conferencing is unquestionable and its potential keeps expanding. Although teleconferencing is still the most utilized conferencing tool in Canada, many employees find it challenging not meeting face to face with colleagues or clients.
A growing frustration among teleconference users has been the inability to demonstrate a product or show a document to other participants. After all it is much easier to show a colour sample to a group instead of trying to describe the colour to them. The introduction of Web Conferencing and Video Conferencing is the solution.
Web and Video Conferencing has literally changed the face of conferencing etiquette. Teleconferencing by its very nature is faceless and allows participants the freedom to wear whatever they want and to go about doing other tasks while participating. Being on camera during a video conference requires a higher standard of performance, appearance and focus.
To ensure that your web or video conference goes well, take the time to put some things in place beforehand. The following tips will ensure that participants are relaxed and confident in front of the camera and other participants.
Check your appearance before the video conference.
We all feel more confident when we look respectable and are appropriately dressed.
Do not move around or play with items such as pens or paper clips.
Your actions are all visible and can be distracting. Keep your hands free to take notes.
Maintain eye contact and act naturally
Be natural, friendly and professional.
Watch your body language
Do not pull faces, show frustration or have a side conversation with another participant in the same room as you. It will all be seen by the others.
Greet all participants at the beginning and end and introduce new colleagues
Maintain all normal business meeting etiquette during the conference. Make sure you are off camera and the sound has been switched off before you comment about the meeting and what you thought.
Tags: Canadian Teleconferencing, Non-Profit, Successfull Teleconferencing, teleconferencing services, Teleconferencing Tips, Vesta News, Video Conferencing, web conference, Web Conferencing
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