The Eruption of Conferencing Usage

Back in April, I was preparing to fly to Germany for the tail end of a business trip, when a volcano erupted. As Eyjafjallajökull poured thick plumes of ash into the sky, planes were grounded and most European transportation came to a screeching halt. The Wainhouse CSP Summit in Berlin that I was scheduled to attend –ironically, an event focusing on audio and video conferencing– was among the many European events canceled. Unable to continue my trip, I returned home, and conducted my string of face-to-face meetings using web- and audio-conferencing tools.

My story is just one of thousands that took place that week. Luckily, advances in modern technology allow us to interact with people across the globe without depending on transportation (or, for that matter, Mother Nature). With the volcano disrupting travel plans and limiting the feasibility of face-to-face meetings, numerous businesses turned to audio and video conferencing. The result was a dramatic increase in both the usage and demand for conferencing technology.

Radisys’ Media Servers are a key infrastructure component in next-generation Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) audio conferencing systems. Eyjafjallajökull not only increased the immediate demand for networking technologies, but also helped to inform customers about the longer-term financial and technological advantages they offer.

Businesses need to have the capabilities in place to continue communicating and collaborating regardless of natural disasters, travel plans or economic fluctuations. Conferencing Solutions, enabled by IP media servers, offer not only convenience and cost-effectiveness, but also flexibility and security. You never know when or where the next volcano will erupt, but with the latest in audio-visual conferencing you can rest assured that your meetings can still go on, business as usual.