The global video conferencing market is expected to hit a value of US$14 billion by 2017, and will be driven by a number of factors. These include an increase in enterprise mobility, which in turn will increase the size of the mobile workforce, and the increasing adoption of video conferencing by small and medium sized businesses. Future growth will also be helped by an increasing demand from developing markets, especially the Asia-Pacific region.

Although there has been a lot of clamor over the potential of enterprise videoconferencing in the past few years, only recently did the technology wield an impact on the corporate world with businesses integrating the technology into the very fabric of business communications and processes. With the introduction of Apple’s FaceTime, YouTube, and Skype video call, video conferencing has taken on a sophisticated note and the trend is only accelerating with vendors actively collaborating on the technological and research front. Factors driving adoption and usage of the technology are productivity, quality, and level of engagement per interaction over video, all of which have increased in the past few years epitomized by high-end telepresence systems.

According to Global Industry Analysts, long-term trends poised to influence the video conferencing market include increasing use of telepresence, and the anticipated increased interoperability between different network and video products. Clients are becoming more aware of the impact that telepresence can have on performance and enterprise communication infrastructure, and are looking for a greater return on their video investments. With the advancement of enterprise communications, end users have increased the expectations from telepresence solutions to not only provide seamless operations with their existing enterprise communications and video systems, but also interlace with other visual solutions much beyond the corporate boundaries.

Following the decline in sales during 2008 & 2009, primarily due to the economic recession, the global video conferencing market staged an encouraging comeback in the year 2010. Huge pent-up demand for cost and productivity optimizing solutions and resurgence in enterprise spending primarily helped market recover from the recessionary blues. Resurgence in business activity, renewed focus on cost savings exerted by post recession cost wary companies, growing mobility of businesses, increasing number of mobile workforce and greenfield deployments among small-and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), are all factors, which will drive growth in the market over the next few years. The managed video conferencing services offering from vendors is also likely to enhance penetration levels as underserved SMB sector moves towards adopting this particular technology. Additionally, the market will also be boosted by fast-paced technology developments and innovations that are helping achieve improved video and audio quality. For instance, high definition video conferencing addresses, which are capable of addressing issues such as poor quality of sound and image resolution will encourage utilization and adoption rate of video conferencing among end-users. The market will also be driven by emergence of new application areas for video conferencing such as recruitments, and use in home office segment.

The US continues to remain the largest regional market worldwide. Asia-Pacific remains the fastest growing regional market, surging at a CAGR of 8.9% over the analysis period. Demand for video conferencing in Asia-Pacific market will be especially driven by robust growth in regional enterprise sector, and subsequent development in IP infrastructure, especially in emerging markets such as China and India. Video Conferencing Services represents the most prominent segment, growing at a CAGR of about 7.3% over the analysis period.

Key players profiled in the report include Alcatel-Lucent SA, AT&T Inc., Avaya, Inc., BT Conferencing, Cisco Systems, Inc, TANDBERG, VCON, Global Crossing Limited, Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd, Logitech International S.A., Polycom, Inc., RADVISION Ltd, Sony Electronics, Inc., Sprint, Verizon Business, VTEL Products Corporation Inc., West Corporation, InterCall, Inc., and ZTE Corporation.

Read more below:

http://www.echannelline.com/usa/story.cfm?item=27250

If you’ve been following the video market this year, all of this probably seems like the beginning of a massive race towards mobile telepresence. It is. With more and more companies entering the arena, Polycom is leading the charge, so you can expect to see mobile HD telepresence become ubiquitous over the next few years.

It will merit much more than a glance from all the players in telepresence, including paradigm shifters such as Vidyo, who are banking significantly on mobile application development moving forward. Indeed, Cisco and Polycom – telepresence’s two most prominent names – have for some time been adapting their more traditional models of custom telepresence rooms towards standards-based, software-driven technologies. As we mentioned in a blog posting earlier this year (“Polycom Extends Mobile Telepresence to MOTOROLA XOOM“), the trend towards implementing true HD telepresence on mobile devices is just beginning, but with increasingly bigger and bolder investment it seems set to become the standard sooner rather than later.

Telemedicine appeals especially to those in rural, remote and developing regions for obvious reasons, as well as to the rest of us who dread the inevitable two-hour wait we endure to see our general practitioner for 15 minutes.  I’m all for it.  And now comes the next great step forward in telemedicine – telesurgery.  Yep, just last week doctors in Kenya, under the guidance and direction of doctors in India, performed several surgical procedures utilizing telepresence.

http://www.businessdailyafrica.com/Video+surgery+opens+the+next+frontier+in+e+health+/-/539546/1234600/-/item/0/-/rwai9qz/-/index.html

The basic rationale for telesurgery – cost savings on travel and accommodations – is much the same as it is for the broader practice of telemedicine.  But rather than just affording a convenience and increasing efficiency, telesurgery has the more dramatic potential to deliver life-saving procedures to people who otherwise would not receive them, while at the same time allowing the foremost experts in various fields of medicine located in any part of the world to provide critical, real-time, virtual “hands-on” training to doctors who can then leverage their expertise locally.  The positive impact upon medically underserved communities throughout the developing world – a market segment you might think would be one of the last to benefit from advanced telepresence – could be huge.

Job Summary:

The selected candidate will be responsible for developing engineered audio visual plans in an AutoCad  platform; receiving roughly designed concepts from engineers and transforming them into (CAD) working documents. In this role, you will prepare construction and schematic AV drawings, establish CADD standards, and create a block library. Ideal candidates will be skilled in CAD applications and have work experience ranging from 0 to 3 years in the field or in a related area. Candidates must be familiar with standard design layouts, practices and procedures within the AutoCAD industry.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Creating a preliminary and/or final plan using computer-assisted design/drafting equipment.

• Modifying drawings as directed by engineer or design coordinator

• Performing miscellaneous job-related duties as necessary.

Skills:

• 0-3 years of AutoCAD electrical design experience

• Audio Visual experience preferred

• Able to read and interpret architectural blueprints

• Familiar with standard design concepts, practices and procedures
• Experience with AutoCAD 2010+

• Experience with Microsoft Office and Microsoft Excel
• Proficiency in the use of Revit, sketch up and other 3D computer design programs preferred

• Knowledgeable of Xref, sheetset manager, Dimstyle, Scaling, etc

• Familiar with (IBC) International Building Code a plus

• Ability to communicate effectively with excellent oral and written communications skills

Apply by emailing cover letter, resume and salary requirements to: careers@vsgi.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

Essential Job Functions:

• Responsible for planning, designing, and implementing Multimedia Audio Video (AV), Video Teleconferencing (VTC), Audio conferencing, and Video Display Systems (VDS), ranging from simple (Desktop) to complex (Video Walls; Network Operation Centers) solutions.

• Extensive knowledge with demonstrated experience engineering conference rooms, Webcasting, Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) and Streaming Video systems.

• Work directly with clients, architects and consultants throughout the design development and delivery process.

• Responsible for Defining System Requirements (Needs analysis), creating the Bill of Materials (BOM), designing conceptual drawings and labor estimates for multiple customer projects.

• Develop (simple to complex) system design drawings including, but not limited to audiovisual system diagrams and schematic drawings; architectural diagrams, rack layouts, drawings and sketches; Design/Build and Bid/Build specifications; and operational capabilities narratives, etc.

Qualifications Include:

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in the AV design and field implementation

• Ability to successfully complete jobs from design and equipment specification to configuration and commissioning.

•Possess a working knowledge of low voltage communications systems in the fields of Analog and Digital Audio processing and standard and hi-definition video

• Experience with reviewing bid documents for purposes of evaluating and preparing equipment take offs, review design integrity/discrepancies, wire take offs, scope of work descriptions, etc. a plus.

• Highly technical, with the ability to evaluate situations, utilizing logical and decisive reasoning

• Working knowledge of AutoCAD to efficiently design systems

• CTS, CTS-I and CTS-D are highly desirable and manufactures certifications a plus

• Conducting technical research in order to provide customers with the most up-to-date solutions

• The ability to demonstrate computer literacy, i.e. MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and Auto Cad.

Skills & Abilities:

• Strong working knowledge of Audio Video systems design, operation and installation.

• Demonstrated proficiency in the use of AutoCAD drafting software, similar proficiency in the use of other diagrammatic software tools, or commitment to acquire said proficiency during employment.

• Architectural drafting experience desirable.

• Read, correctly interpret and produce multiple formats of technical specifications; schematic drawings and architectural diagrams

• Strong working knowledge of audiovisual control systems – AMX / Crestron / Extron

• Strong working knowledge of information networks / IP skills desirable

• Must have excellent written and oral communications skills

The AV Systems / Design Engineer opportunity is available immediately.  Apply by emailing cover letter, resume and salary requirements to: careers@vsgi.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

Qualifications Include:

• Course work or direct experience in analog/digital signals, electronics, or logic design.
• 2-3 years programming Crestron and/or AMX systems.
• Experience installing and testing code onsite.
• Completed Crestron courses 1, 2 and 3 ideally with CAIP or soon to achieve this status.
• Completed or willing to obtain AMX ACE certification programming courses
• CTS, CTS-I and CTS-D are highly desirable and other manufactures certifications a plus
• Experience with installing and testing programs in the field.
• Hardware logic design experience.
• Experience working with various control methods and protocols (TCP/IP, RS232, etc.).
• Audio/video system design and engineering experience.
• Must have advanced skills configuring Extron control systems.
• Must have advanced skills setting up audio and video conferencing systems.
• Capable of properly configure DSP devices including Clear One, Vortex, Biamp
• Must have advanced skills configuring a wired or wireless TCP/IP network.
• Must have proficiency setting audio gain stages and adjusting common audio equipment.
• Touch panel layout and design experience.
• Ability to diagnose and troubleshoot problem installations at a system and component level.

Essential Job Functions:

• Programming Crestron and/or AMX control systems.
• Contributing to the ongoing development of our templates and methodology.
• Installing, testing and supporting Crestron and/or AMX control system code and graphics, both on-site and remotely.
• Provide field support and expertise to the installation staff on jobs utilizing a combined skill set of advanced programming, equipment configuration, troubleshooting, documentation, etc.
• Provide advanced programming and graphic touch panel interface layouts for integrated audiovisual systems using various source code including Crestron, AMX, Extron and others as needed.
• Responsible for organizing, maintaining and archiving all job related code, graphic touch panel layouts and programs on VSGI’s server.
• During the job commissioning phase maintain an on-going dialog, ensuring that the systems quality and performance meets job requirements.
• On consultant based projects assist with conducting bid reviews, take-offs and submittal preparation related to control system. On projects requiring specific test procedures and submittals, perform required testing and checkout procedures, and assemble results per the specifications.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Crestron and/or AMX programming certification.
• System design and engineering experience.

Apply by emailing cover letter, resume and salary requirements to: careers@vsgi.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

The Cisco TelePresence Video Master ATP Program is focused on providing a new way of working in which everyone, everywhere can be more productive through face-to-face collaboration with Cisco TelePresence Video solutions. A Cisco TelePresence Video Master ATP Partner has the greatest depth of knowledge and skill in deploying the entire Cisco video endpoint portfolio, which comprises single- and triple-screen Cisco TelePresence units, custom TelePresence suites, and infrastructure solutions. Cisco TelePresence Video Master ATP Partners possess deep networking and advanced Cisco Unified Communications capabilities, regional to global coverage, and a strong and mature services practice.

“Achieving Cisco’s Video Master ATP Certification is a tremendous accomplishment,” said Donald K. Jones, Chief Executive Officer of VSGi.  “It’s an important distinction that sets VSGi apart from the large majority of Cisco Partners.”

“The Cisco TelePresence Video Master ATP Program is designed to enable partners to take advantage of the tremendous market opportunities ahead—not only in the telepresence space but also in the overall collaboration market,” said Richard McLeod, senior director of collaboration for worldwide channels at Cisco. “As a Cisco TelePresence Video Master ATP Partner, VSGi has made an investment in the sales, technical and life cycle services capabilities needed to deliver the industry’s most comprehensive and interoperable Cisco TelePresence Video portfolio.”

The Cisco Authorized Technology Provider (ATP) Program is part of the Cisco go-to-market strategy for emerging technologies. The program helps Cisco to define the knowledge, skills and services that channel partners need to successfully sell, deploy and support an emerging technology. As the market changes, an ATP designation may be discontinued or may evolve into a Cisco specialization.

About Cisco Telepresence and Video Collaboration Solution

Cisco TelePresence® and Video collaboration solutions provide life-like, high-definition, conferencing facilities with superior audio and video, allowing participants to meet their colleagues, customers and business partners across a virtual table. Participants can enjoy a same-room meeting experience, even if they are located in different locations around the world. Participants can also meet more often and enjoy more productive sessions, helping to improve business interactions while potentially building stronger customer relationships, accelerating sales cycles, improving project management and forming tighter integration with remote offices.

About VSGi

Founded in 1988, VSGi (www.vsgi.com) is a nationwide leader in Video Conferencing, Telepresence, and AV Integration. VSGi leverages a cross-functional team of sales, engineering, project management and 24/7/365 technical support personnel to deliver the highest quality solutions to customers. VSGi was awarded a customer satisfaction rating of 99% for service and support in 2010, as reported by a third party research group. VSGi’s provides its customers a fully integrated turnkey solution including design, configuration, project management and implementation, installation, testing, training and ongoing support.

VSGi and the VSGi logo are registered trademarks of Visual Systems Group, Inc. in the United States.

Cisco, the Cisco logo and Cisco TelePresence are trademarks or registered trademarks of Cisco and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. A listing of Cisco’s trademarks can be found at www.cisco.com/go/trademarks.

For successful professionals, there is no cap on commissions with unlimited potential and an opportunity to advance your career in one of the fastest growing industries.  Please email careers@vsgi.com if interested.

Job description below:

Inside Account Manager Responsibilities:

• Develop new leads through persistent cold calling and Internet research
• Proactively develop sales techniques to effectively identify and quantify strong, qualified new business opportunities
• Consistently portray a professional image in all communications to potential customers.
• Proactively enter and track all leads and contacts through Web-based Sales Tool(s). Qualifications:
• Strive to exceed established goals and time lines in support of both individual and team objectives.
• High energy and interest in growing in the technology sales profession
• Strong Communication Skills
• Strong Organizational Skills
• Proficient in the use of Internet and PC Applications, including MS Word, Excel and Outlook
• Ability to manage time to meet personal goals.

Visual Systems Group, Inc. is a Nationwide System Integrator with a 23 year track record delivering end-to-end Video Conferencing, Telepresence, AV Integration, & Networking Solutions to its customers.