Videoconferencing is a powerful multimedia tool that improves communication and increases your organization's productivity. Along with e-mail, instant messaging, Web conferencing, and other collaboration technologies, video is part of a Unified Communication strategy for any organization looking to improve its competitive positioning and the quality of life of its employees.

In an organization with a Unified Communication approach, all communication tools work seamlessly together, allowing users to move from one form of communication to the next without a break in the flow of conversation. Imagine an Instant Message between two co-workers escalating to a real-time video meeting over IP, then patching in a supplier on his 3G mobile phone, and later streaming over the Web to those who couldn't make the live call. Video offers an essential element of communication that other technologies cannot -- the face-to-face experience.

If 55 percent of communication is determined by nonverbal cues, namely tone of voice and body language, how many important details are you missing in an e-mail exchange or teleconference? A TANDBERG/Roper ASW survey found that 56% of business professionals estimate they waste more than 30 minutes a day using inefficient communication methods. Face-to-face communication is more personal, builds higher trust, reduces confusion, and makes people more accountable for their actions.

That's why the ability to communicate via video is the driving force behind much of the IT convergence we are seeing today.