Videoconferencing for the Real World: Implementing Effective Visual Communications Systems

"John Rhodes' Videoconferencing for the Real World, is a one of the world's most comprehensive blueprints on the awesome power of videoconferencing."From the Foreword by Brad CaldwellChairman ICIA and President ofIntegrated Media Services, Anaheim, CADesigned to be useful to both technical and non-technical managers, Video-Conferencing for the Real World demystifies the subject of video communications. It provides easy-to-follow guidelines for deploying a cost-effective video-conferencing solution tailored to an organization's specific needs.Developed to flexible to the readers need, Video Conferencing for the Real World offers dynamic problem-solving techniques for the communication challenges facing managers today. Examining the technical, economic, and organizational aspects of each requirement and solution, this book offers a sound base of technical information and provides practical solutions based on a wealth of professional experience. Combining his own ideas with the input of system managers and users, service providers, consultants, and manufacturers, the author has developed a guide that will help readers make more informed investments of their time and money. Special attention is paid to conducting an effective needs analysis, and the development of solutions that will adapt easily to future changes in organizational requirements.Covering a variety of solutions, this book explores the advantages and disadvantages of desktop systems, set-top systems, rollabout systems, and room systems. In addition to compression, multipoint conferencing and data conferencing, this book also addresses topics such as, pilot projects, the preparation of RFPs, service contracts, training, content creation, and convergence.

John Rhodes has been involved in the videoconferencing industry since its early days. In 1989 he initiated Sony's entry into the U.S. videoconferencing market and was named marketing manager for Sony's Videoconferencing and Satellite Systems Division. He has been responsible for product development and marketing of videoconferencing solutions at Sony, IPC and Pinacl Communications. He has also designed and/or managed the implementation of video communications systems for a wide variety of organizations, including Citicorp, Sony, Ralph Lauren, The U.S. Navy, Allstate, and the New York School for the Deaf. He has served as contributing editor for Teleconferencing Business, and written numerous articles on videoconferencing and multimedia communications for AV Video, Multimedia Producer, and Inc. Technology's Sourcebook Educational Guides. Rhodes is president and co-owner of Media Resources, a West Harrison, NY-based company specializing in the deployment of new media technologies and content for business communications applications.