More and more organizations today are leveraging technologies like video conferencing, telepresence and unified communications in a bid to improve communications capabilities, reduce costs and stay ahead in the competitive marketplace.

 

In the current state of the economy, with the recession impacting just about all industries, research firm Frost & Sullivan believes these solutions provide a viable solution to not only face current challenges, but also to prepare for when the up-turn occurs.

 

According to the research firm, earlier recessions have shown that companies who invest in their IT and communications during the crisis have been in a stronger position when the storm passes – even having the ability to grab market share from their competitors.

 

Frost & Sullivan (News - Alert) advises that companies don’t simply try to ride out the financial downturn, but instead make investments in visual communications if they want to see success into the future.

 

"For companies able and willing to continuing their IT investments during the recession, visual communications and collaboration products and services should become a central part of their strategy for survival – and for creating a dominant position for themselves, come the upturn," said Dominic Dodd, Frost & Sullivan Principal Analyst.

 

Along with the benefits of cost savings offered with these solutions, businesses are also reducing carbon emissions and helping their employees to remain productive and continue to participate in important meetings without having to travel.

 

Instead of the typical wear-and-tear experienced by employees flying to meetings, video conferencing, telepresence and unified communications make it possible to have face-to-face meetings - so important business decisions and customer demands can still be quickly addressed.

 

Also, the research firm notes that with these solutions, businesses can achieve an even faster return on investment and cost savings if they link them with managed services.

 

With a number of businesses also resorting to employee lay-offs as a result of the recession, these solutions are especially key to helping remaining employees to work as efficiently and as productively as possible, while saving on costs for the company.

 

Another recent report from the company, World Audio Conferencing Bridge Markets, found the audio conferencing and bridging market will reach $200 million in 2014 as the demand for economical and real-time communication solutions for long-distance business collaboration rises.

"The ongoing transition to IP, increased focus by businesses on using collaborative solutions, and spotlight on unified communications are offering new growth opportunities as well as challenges to audio conferencing vendors," said Frost & Sullivan Industry Analyst Krithi Rao.

"Like other conferencing markets, the audio conferencing bridge market is undergoing a transformation in product features, functionality, and end-user needs as it becomes a key element in implementing a collaborative workplace."