What are the benefits of Telepresence?

It’s the latest buzz word – telepresence. I’m reading about it in the press and I’m hearing partners talk about it. But more importantly customers want it. They want it because of the benefits that the latest innovations in telepresence can bring to the enterprise. Here’s why.

Firstly, what is the difference between telepresence and video conferencing? According to Polycom, 'telepresence’ is a term used to describe visual communication on high definition (HD) video systems, from desktops to fully immersive rooms, whilst ‘video conferencing’ describes traditional non-HD video systems.

In 2009 a Wainhouse Research study identified six key areas of impact from deploying telepresence solutions; travel costs, time to market, downtime, training, recruitment and sales. In particular, it identified that this technology could save 30% on travel costs, reduce time-to-market for new products and services by 24% and reduce sales-related costs by 24%.

These are the hardline figures, but there is more to it.

The smart organisations are those that are looking at how they can use telepresence to work more collaboratively to develop competitive value. The end result is reduced time-to-market, but on the way, your people could be enjoying a better work/life balance by not having to be on the road as often, or have a positive impact on a team’s P&L resulting in greater profitability.

What about the ‘green’ issue and sustainability? Reducing the need to travel as far or as often can reduce your corporate carbon footprint. Not only do you feel you are doing something for the environment, but it can help the position of your business in the market as caring for the community without paying lip service.

There is even a case for using telepresence to get your business back on its feet quickly after a major disruption, such as a terrorist attack or natural disaster.

The step-change in telepresence over traditional video conferencing is the ability for all members of the meeting to feel that they are in the same room. If you’ve not experienced this,

it is amazing! You really can sense someone’s dissatisfaction to a statement or see the looks that pass between people that can give away so much. Redwood can demonstrate telepresence to you at or near your office so you can see for yourself.

With so much to gain with telepresence, it’s no wonder that it is finally taking off and that 2011 IT budgets are including this technology investment. Redwood can help you take advantage of this innovation. Simply call the Redwood team on 0207 738 1000 or email us on info@redwoodtele.com.