Video conferencing allows participants at different locations to communicate via transmitted audio and video. Early cell phones were not well-suited for video chatting due to expensive dedicated phones, poor image/sound quality, and awkward camera placement. Skype is popular free video chat software that allows conference calls, file sharing, and calls to phones. It has been widely adopted by businesses for remote communication, collaboration, and maintaining relationships with less error.

1. Video Conferencing:

2. What is Video Conferencing? Interactive telecommunication technology Conference between two or more participants at different sites by transmitting audio and video data Tools: Video camera, microphone, speakers on device

3. Video Conferencing Cell Phones: A Bust! Buy a specific phone Cost of the cell phone is expensive Poor image and sound quality Position of the camera is in the back of the phone Awkward Pointless

4. Video Chat Software

5. Skype Software application that allows users to make voice and video calls over the Internet Initial names: “Sky peer-to-peer” and was abbreviated to “Skyper” Since the domain name was taken, the creators dropped the “r” and left the current title “Skype” Special features: Conference Calls with multiple people Send Files instantly Connect to your land line Get your calls forwarded when you’re offline Send Text from skype Incoming calls from anyone Great for individuals and businesses Affordable Free: Both users having Skype accounts Pay as you go or Monthly payment Calls to landlines and call phones

6. Top 3 Video Conferencing sites iChat Must have Mac computer expensive 2009: est. 12% Most businesses use PC Google Talk Both parties have to have gmail account Skype

7. Skype in a Business Aspect Great way to communicate in real time A way to communicate without physically being there Can work anywhere at anytime Better communication Less errors: everyone can look at the document at the same time and communicate Changes are visible Deal with off shore clients Establish and maintain business relationships Improves Customer service http://www.skype.com/business/case-studies/

8. Rip Curl 3,000 people world wide Their challenge: How do you collaborate when you’re in different countries and time zones? Skype Standard Direct communication Affordable No misunderstandings Using video conferencing and file sharing there are less errors on products

9. Skype and Education Video conferencing with authors Tutor session Language tutor around the world Study sessions Great way to Q & A with teachers and T.As

10. Sources http://www.skype.com/business/case-studies/ http://ezinearticles.com/?Corporate-Video-Conferencing&id=2718127 http://www.nefsis.com/Best-Video-Conferencing-Software/video-conferencing-history.html http://ezinearticles.com/?The-History-of-Video-Conferencing---Moving-Ahead-at-the-Speed-of-Video&id=5369 www.brighthub.com/office/collaboration/articles/6109.aspx http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skype www.ripcurl.com www.zoco.com http://communication.howstuffworks.com/video-conferencing-cell-phone.htm/printable http://theappleblog.com/2009/10/07/study-finds-that-85-percent-of-mac-owners-also-have-a-pc/