![]() |
|||
![]()
|
![]() |
![]() Click Here! |
![]() |
BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER: THE ROLE OF SERVICE BUREAUS Multimedia teleconferencing between two parties is quite simple: a point-to-point connection (via modem, local area network, or ISDN line, for example) links the two sites and the conference is under way. When three or more parties wish to interact, on the other hand, they require a multipoint bridging capabilitywhich delivers a quantum leap in technology, capacity, and features. A conferencing bridge requires an investment in hardware, software, networks, and human resources, along with ongoing management and maintenance. To avoid these expenses, many companies rely on a teleconferencing service bureau to provide multipoint bridging and end-user support. In addition to the physical bridging of calls, a service bureau also provides the training, troubleshooting, and support users need in the early stages of their multipoint teleconferencing experience. MULTIMEDIA CONFERENCING STANDARDS The long-term acceptance and growth of multimedia teleconferencing hinges on the ability of different vendors hardware and software to interoperate. In the future, conducting a multimedia teleconference should be as easy as making an audioconference call is today. Interoperability is especially important in multipoint applications, where more than two sites are involved. Disparate systems from multiple vendors will all need to be able to talk to one another for multimedia teleconferencing to realize its true potential. The key to interoperability is industry standards. Fortunately, two major sets of International Telecommunications Union-Telecommunications Standardization Sector (ITU-TSS) standards were developed and ratified that are paving the way for complete multimedia teleconferencing interoperability. H.320 represents a suite of standards, ratified in 1990, that address videoconferencing, audio, and control. In 1993, ConferTech founded the Consortium for Audiographic Teleconferencing Standards (CATS), which drove the development of the T.120 standard. The T.120 standards suite addresses infrastructure and protocols for delivering data and graphics images in a multipoint multimedia meeting. The major components of T.120 were ratified in March 1995. In a convergent industry like multimedia teleconferencing, the importance of standards cannot be overstated. Benefits of industry standards include:
To promote the broad use of multimedia teleconferencing based on open standards, nearly 50 industry-leading companies (CATS merged with several other industry standards groups) are working together as members of the International Multimedia Teleconferencing Consortium (IMTC). Members of IMTC include AT&T, British Telecom, PictureTel, Intel, Microsoft, ConferTech, Motorola, and Databeam. IMTCs goals include promoting open standards, educating the industry on the value of standards compliance, and providing a forum for discussion and development of new standards. In general terms, IMTC promotes Standards First. This initiative encourages multimedia product and service providers to start with compliance with at least the H.320 and T.120 standards. This level of compliance ensures basic connectivity across equipment from all participating providers. Exhibit 5-3-2 lists a few of the standards for audioconferencing and videoconferencing.
Challenges of Multimedia Teleconferencing Like any upstart industry, multimedia teleconferencing has some room to grow. Product, network, and market issues are being addressed that should lower barriers to trial and usage. The multimedia teleconferencing vendor community is focused on these primary areas for development:
|
![]() |
|
Use of this site is subject certain Terms & Conditions. Copyright (c) 1996-1999 EarthWeb, Inc.. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of EarthWeb is prohibited. Please read our privacy policy for details. |