Telepresence is being hailed as the next generation of video conferencing, enabling people to interact with remote colleagues and clients in other parts of the world as if they were in the same room. Businesses are increasingly turning to telepresence solutions to reduce travel time and costs, build better relationships across distances and help them meet environmental targets for reduced carbon emissions. According to recent research from market analyst house ABI Research, the worldwide telepresence market, including network services and managed services, is forecast to grow from a 2007 level of just under $126 million to nearly $2.5 billion in 2013.
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I've been writing about technology for nearly 20 years, including editing industry magazines Connect and Communications International. In 2002 I co-founded Futurity Media with Anthony Plewes. My focus in Futurity Media is in emerging technologies, social media and future gazing. As a graduate of philosophy & science, I have studied futurology & foresight to the post-grad level.