Changing face of telepresence

Telepresence systems are increasingly the technology of choice for multinational businesses looking to undercut the competition using high-definition video-conferencing.

The systems incorporate life-sized projector screens and high definition cameras in their hi-tech conferencing rooms, bring senior executives or business partners into the room in virtual form, with facial expressions as clear as if the original were there.

Telepresence systems are an increasingly useful communications technology for firms with global reach, enabling continent-to-continent business meetings and job interviews.

Although initial costs remain high, at around £160,000 on average, the savings on travel outlay are substantial.

Moreover, the carbon footprint of a videoconference is nil compared to the environmental impact of a flight.

But developers still face some challenges, including improving interoperability, so that different systems can communicate with each other.

"Interoperability is a big issue in the future in terms of really having telepresence adopted broadly," Clare Schooley, a senior analyst at Forrester Research, told VoIP News.