USE IT OR LOSE IT!

Leverage your after-tax costs while you still can

Most of you have heard about the 2003 tax incentives, Section 179 and Bonus Depreciation, which expire on 9/11/2004. Are you aware that conferencing equipment "installed" by 12/31/04 still qualifies? However, regardless of who takes office in November, it is not certain that this tax incentive will be renewed.

Small business owners are some of the key beneficiaries of the Section 179 incentive. Now, the amount of investment that may be immediately deducted by small businesses increased from $25,000 to $100,000. Phase-outs for small business investments now begin at $400,000, from $200,000 before the tax change.

In addition, the bonus depreciation deduction increased from 30 percent to 50 percent for investments acquired and put into service after May 5, 2003 and before Jan. 1, 2005. So, if you're a small business owner and you think your business could use an upgrade in equipment, you've got until 2005 to take advantage of this tremendous tax savings. If you are currently searching for a conferencing system as a way to update and enhance your business' communications environment, this is a great opportunity for you to efficiently accomplish this goal.

As Mark Gallagher of Integrity Leasing and Financing, Inc. states, "You can either pay more taxes or acquire new equipment, either way the money does not stay in your checking account. By not leveraging these key tax incentives, you will pay money in taxes that could have been used to significantly upgrade your business." There are less than four months left. Call IVCi and let us help you leverage the current tax code to enhance your company's conferencing environment. For additional information call 1-800-224-7083.

Web Conferencing Comes of Age

By Jack M. Germain

The Internet has brought dramatic changes to the way companies communicate and people conduct their business relationships. One of the hottest marketing trends for businesses across all industry lines involves using the power of the Internet to provide virtual meeting spaces. Web conferencing and Web-based seminars are quickly replacing traditional business travel and telephone conference-call strategies.

With the surge in demand around Web conferencing technologies rapidly increasing, IDC predicts that the conferencing-applications market will grow from nearly US$600 million in revenue in 2003 to more than $1.1 billion in 2007.

According to Frost & Sullivan's David Alexander, the industry research manager of the firm's multimedia conferencing and collaboration group, Web conferencing is a hot and growing market.

"We are seeing a high level of convergence. New solutions have integrated audio and video for a full online environment," Alexander told the E-Commerce Times, pointing out that technology has progressed to the point that full virtual meetings are now possible. Soon, using Web conferencing will be just like sitting on the other side of the conference table, he said.

Mr. Alexander sees Web casting developing into more of a collaborative meeting environment for all sizes of audience. Web conferencing is more collaborative than just making one-sided presentations, he said. It is changing the way people are working and is bridging the gap of distance.

"It serves many purposes. Presenters can send a link for participants to view information during a virtual meeting. Participants can see updates to spreadsheets at the same time and input changes in real time," Alexander said.

"It is also an effective sales and marketing tool and is very reliable as a training tool. It is an ideal way to get information to shareholders. It is also tool being used by help desks."

The question that many first adopters of Web casts and Web seminars ask is how to find an audience. The answer, say Internet marketing experts, is different depending on your purpose.

A Bounty of Treasure Awaits You at the PUG 2004 Conference

"Unlock the Treasure" is the Polycom User Group 2004 Conference theme, enticing conferencing professionals from around the globe to touch, experience, and learn about the riches of conferencing October 9-13, 2004 at the Westin Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor, Florida! It's the most comprehensive, user-focused, conference devoted to conferencing and collaboration technology. The excitement has been building for months, as PUG members and Alliance members have been signing up in record numbers. This year, they expect more than 50 Alliance members to reveal a bounty of treasures and technology.

The Conference officially starts on Sunday afternoon, but there are sessions you won't want to miss on Saturday. Just a sampling: take advantage of the on-site, specially priced, Polycom Learning Center training, including "Implementing IP Networks." (Be sure to register on the PUG website). For introductory-level courses, attend the free courses offered by PUG: "Videoconferencing 101" and "IP Fundamentals." In addition, on Sunday evening, conference organizers have planned a treasure hunt that will take you all around the beautiful grounds of the Westin resort, ultimately leading you to a welcome reception with a bounty of food, refreshments, and a grand opening of the Exhibit Hall.

During the conference, there will be more than 30 concurrent sessions covering a wide variety of topics that PUG members have requested. Be sure to spend time in the Exhibit Hall where our Alliance Members will be showcasing products and services that are important to your conferencing strategy. Get the scoop on the latest conferencing products and services directly from the vendors. Be sure to join us each morning for breakfast and a chance to meet and talk with members of the Polycom executive management team and product experts. The Polycom Executive team is eager to hear from you, highlight recent developments and answer questions on your mind. Polycom product experts will be on hand to provide answers to your technical questions. Don't miss the "Polycom Execs & Techs Panel" on Tuesday, October 12. The PUG Annual Conference is regarded as one of the most valuable events of the year, providing excellent educational opportunities, a view of the latest technology solutions, and plenty of time to network with peers. Don't miss it! Register at http://www.pug.com.