Only six months into 2003 and what a turbulent year it has been for public and private enterprises hit by a series of blows which has affected continuity in the workplace.

Travelling to another destination to attend a meeting with customers, partners or staff is not as simple as it was five years ago.

This has led to increased awareness of the benefits of videoconferencing, particularly over the past two years as the technology has become more advanced and easier to operate.

Today's videoconferencing experience is far more affordable, user friendly and does not solely feature talking heads. It offers seamless imagery, crisp audio quality and is useable over Integrated Services Digital Networklines - the global standard for digital rate services - or via InternetProtocol networks.

While boardrooms still make up the majority of uses, there is an increasing trend to use videoconferencing in conference rooms that are accessible to staff at all management levels rather than exclusively for top management. As the technology improves and becomes more accessible, other applications for videoconferencing aside from face-to-face meetings are gaining popularity. These applications make economic sense and help boost productivity.

Following the outbreak of SARS in Singapore, SingTel saw an increase of 50 per cent of hosted videoconferencing services in the first week alone.

Distributors and resellers of video, voice and webconferencing systems in the Asia-Pacific region reported in April more products were ordered than for the entire first three months of 2003. Once the costs of the executive are factored in, the result is an even more compelling reason to go the videoconferencing route, especially for companies seeking to remain competitive, overcome travel issues, reduce overhead costs and reassure executives that not all journeys are necessary.

Videoconferencing is not so much a replacement for meetings but a way in which to ensure continuity in the workplace.