Video telephony could be the next big wave once Telkom`s new generation network (NGN) takes off, says Mark Chertkow, MD of multimedia technology company Graphic Image Technologies (GIT).
Commenting on Telkom`s announcement that it is to begin implementing an NGN early next year, Chertkow says: "This is good news for the video industry as bandwidth will become cheaper and more accessible."
The NGN will support one connection capable of handling voice, data and video at the click of the mouse. It will also enable customers to manage their communication devices, whether fax, phone, modem or data lines, through just one phone number. This will make the virtual office a reality and offer any service, any time, anywhere.
"The software and messaging technology to deliver high-quality video streams has been available for some years now. One of the hindrances to its effective and creative use in the marketplace is the lack of a delivery mechanism in terms of telecommunications infrastructure," says Chertkow. "Telkom`s announcement promises this infrastructure."
In particular, companies which want to be able to broadcast video to desktops will be able to use the NGN to do so at a fraction of the current cost. The NGN will enable bandwidth on demand, again offering clients greater choice and flexibility.
"The cost of bandwidth is another factor inhibiting the effective use of digital video technology," he says. "Teleconferencing will now be more affordable and could become more commonly used."
In the business world the benefits include cost and time saving as more people will be able to use high-quality video conferencing systems to achieve virtual meetings, saving on travel costs and time. "As more people use video conferencing, so they will begin to appreciate its value," says Chertkow. "People will find it hard to switch off the video and will want to see everyone they speak to telephonically. This could result in video telephony becoming standard."
Distance education will also become more effective as video can be used to deliver lectures to students at remote sites.
"Any area of operation where visual material, including live or pre-filmed footage, is used to add value to the communication of a message will benefit from this development," concludes Chertkow.
Share
Editorial contacts