Teleconferencing industry expects record growth in ?98

The International Teleconferencing Association (itca) anticipates record growth in 1998 for the domestic and worldwide teleconferencing industry. The organization represents teleconferencing systems and software users and providers, and is based in West Conshahocken, PA.

According to a statement issued by itca president Henry Grove, the association predicts that four industry trends will spur growth in the areas of audio, video, audiographic, and data conferencing. They are:

Y Falling costs for telecommunications

and computer hardware. Increased competition, production volume, and technological advances will drive down prices on group and desktop videoconferencing systems, audio and audiographic equipment, and add-on kits for PCs.

Y Lower connectivity costs as a result of

competitive pressure among telecommunications carriers. The deployment of fiber-optic technology, Asynchronous Transfer Mode, Gigabit Ethernet, and iso Ethernet is increasing affordable bandwidth for corporations and consumers.

Y Ratification of three new standards by

the International Telecommunication Union, expected to increase compatibility between multiple vendors and applications. H.323, which governs moving audio and video across a local area network, will support rapid expansion of videoconferencing. H.324, a standard for transmitting audio and video over Oplain old telephone service,O will provide low-cost videoconferencing. T.120, a multipoint graphics standard, will create a potentially huge market in audio/graphic teleconferencing, according to Grove.

Y Increased emphasis on ease-of-use by

the telecommunications industry in designing and implementing teleconferencing solutions.

The itca will host its annual conference and exposition showcasing teleconferencing and collaborative communications products and solutions, Oitca ?98, The Collaborative Communications Expo,O March 24 to 26 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, PA. For more information about the show, call (800) 800-5474. u