The next in our User Stories series, Ariel describes how in some cases, video conferencing not only allows us to be more connected in business, but with our family as well.

The latest issue of Newsweek lists The Greenest Big Companies in America -- the majority of which use video conferencing and/or telepresence to help reduce travel. Coincidence?

While use of video technology was not listed in the criteria for selection, it is certainly one of the fastest and easiest ways for a company to drastically cut carbon emissions by eliminating the need for travel.

So, should lists like this include video usage among its criteria for the “Greenest” companies? I think so. What do  you think?

At this week’s Court Technology Conference (CTC 2009) in Denver, there was a lot of buzz about how to use technology to reduce costs, which makes sense in these economic times, and how to automate processes to speed them up. Sponsored by the National Center for State Courts, the show brought together more than 1,500 court professionals from around the world. For three days, participants learned how to use the latest advances in court technology to help them improve court operations and better serve the public.

The courts that already use technologies such as Video Teleconferencing (VTC) are looking at ways to upgrade. For instance, regular users of VTC are looking at ways to add mobility so judges, especially in states that have large rural areas, can stay connected while they are mobile.

Another extension we’ve heard about at CTC 2009 is the use of VTC in civil trials, where there may be a need to include testimony from someone who is incarcerated. VTC allows for that, while cutting transportation costs and lowering security risks.

CTC 2009 was a great show this week, and it’s interesting to see how the tides are turning about the use of technology in the courts. It used to be a “nice to have” — today it’s a “need to have.”

The second in our User Stories series, Robert explains how video conferencing technology allows him to maintain contact with friends and family. (both 2-legged and 4)

When it comes to delivery of quality healthcare, sometimes the reality of distance to facilities and specialists can create a barrier to actual delivery to patients. The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Center for Distance Health (CDH) found that the use of VideoTeleconferencing (VTC) eliminates barriers to that quality care.

In focus groups, UAMS discovered that in Arkansas, transportation is a major barrier for patients who are seeking specialized medical care. By enabling access to telehealth VTC in rural communities, UAMS can deliver specialized services, training, education and support to thousands of doctors and patients in rural areas – and anywhere across the globe.

On Tuesday, September 29, Michael Manley, Director of Outreach for the UAMS CDH, and Joe D’Iorio, TANDBERG Healthcare Advocate, will share the key advantages of telehealth to tertiary hospitals (those that focus on specialized care over an extended period of time), remote facilities, specialty centers, and, most importantly, to patients. They will be joined by Dr. Curtis Lowery, Dept Chair OB-GYN at UAMS CDH, who will discuss specific cost savings and advantages to the tertiary hospital – including the ability to make effective use of the specialist’s time, the ability to bring in other counselors to help the patient understand and move forward without the need for even more visits to the hospital.

You can join this interactive session from your desktop and ask questions of the experts on how best to implement a VTC strategy. Click here to Register.

When:
2 p.m. Eastern /11a.m. Pacific

Tuesday, September 29th

Who:
Michael Manley, Director of Outreach, UAMS Center for Distance Health
Dr. Curtis Lowery, Dept Chair OB-GYN, UAMS
Joe D’Iorio, Healthcare Advocate, TANDBERG