Think energy conservation and certain actions come to mind: using less fuel, recycling, turning off the lights in an unused room. But what about video conferencing? While not a traditional method to conserve energy, this communication technology is gaining ground as a green technology.
"Imagine not having to travel to a meeting. No driving or flying," said Charlie Macli, senior vice president of sales and marketing for IVCi. Macli drives 57 miles each way to and from work but can effectively work from home one day per week thanks to video conferencing technology.
According to a study released by the National Technology Readiness Survey (NTRS) in July, workers who have an option to telecommute usually don't take it. The choice to instead hop in the car and drive to work is costing the US economy $3.9 billion a year in fuel and time equal to 470,000 jobs, according to the 2005/2006 study sponsored by the Robert H. Smith School of Business's Center for Excellence in Service at the University of Maryland and the technology research firm Rockbridge Associates Inc.
Companies like IVCi offer a variety of enterprise collaboration solutions, including video conferencing, audio-visual systems, and managed conference services, making tele-commuting a smart and simple option. IVCi was founded in 1995 by Robert Swing and, at the time, only specialized in video conferencing. Eventually the company has expanded into all phases of collaboration. Macli joined the company in 2002, when revenues totaled $15 million; this year revenue estimates are $50 million. "Our customers range from doctors who wish to conduct consultations with other offices to schools, hospitals, and corporations," said Macli. "There is value in video conferencing. A company has to have a conscious thought about being 'green' and using this technology; it's not just about worker productivity."
With 100 million adults commuting to work every day, any small bit that can be done to change that staggering number is bound to have an impact. IVCi recently announced the successful implementation of a unique, wireless video conferencing solution for the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center. Implementation costs can range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand; however, not all collaboration systems need to be complicated and expensive. According to Macli, there are several levels of video conferencing that fit most budgets. "The pieces and parts needed depend on the application," he noted.
The most cost-effective option requires just a PC, some software, a web camera, and an Internet connection. This option works if the users are not worried about image quality or reliability. The next level would entail a desktop video conferencing system with a more sophisticated camera, a dedicated processing unit, and an Internet connection or internal IP network. The top end of the spectrum can be a very sophisticated system that would include large flat-panel displays, a wireless control panel, built-in microphones, ceiling speakers, and the integration of data. Macli added: "The value of video conferencing is in the ability to see facial expression; that means proper lighting and proper camera installation."
IVCi is one of few Platinum Certified Resellers and Service Providers for both Polycom and TANDBERG conferencing systems in the world. The company offers turnkey video conferencing systems including hardware, network, and services, as well as mobile, wireless video conferencing systems, broadcast streaming and content delivery tools, and integrated audio-visual systems or a combination of technologies.
To further reach tech-savvy customers at home, the company launched IVCi Home (www.ivcihome.com) in May, specializing in home automation and "smart home" technologies including: residential audio, video, home theater, HVAC, lighting, pool, spa, and security control systems. "It's a logical extension to our successful corporate AV business," said Macli.
IVCi Home can install systems to automatically adjust appliances to day and evening settings as well as monitor security systems and the machinery that runs heated pools. Audio-visual installations can also include a whole-house audio system with music housed on a server. "It's more about the 'wow' factor and a person's home as an entertainment center," said Macli. "You don't need to drive to the theater when you have a home theater to enjoy."
Automatic home systems also help with energy conservation. "If there is no control system, then you may leave your air conditioner on all day when really you only need it on an hour before you come home from work," he explained. "Using control of amenities like pools and spas means they can be remotely turned on when you leave the office so that they're not running all day."
IVCi does not develop its own hardware; rather, the company integrates hardware from other companies. IVCi does do software development, particularly in the area of custom control programs. According to Macli, the company builds reusable modules so "we're not starting from scratch every time."
Although more and more companies are turning green, there are many innovative ways, such as video conferencing, to speed the evolution. "Companies just need to ask, 'How can I save the environment via my employees?'" stated Macli.
IVCi has been awarded "Reseller of the Year" and "Top Five Reseller" by Polycom, Tandberg, and PictureTel, and it was named to the Inc. 500 list of the nation's fastest-growing privately held companies for 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004.
IVCi ranked number 327 for 2004 with a five-year sales growth from 1999 to 2003 of more than 200 percent. Since 1982, the year in which Inc. magazine began publishing the list, only 11 companies from the state of New York have reached the Inc. 500 list four years in a row, and with the 2004 ranking, IVCi became the only Long Island-based company to have ever achieved this feat.
In March, IVCi announced a partnership with ON24, the leader in webcasting and video communication solutions, aimed to simplify and accelerate the adoption of streaming video in marketing and lead-generation programs..
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