Evaluation of Video Teleconference Systems.
Abstract
The Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manpower, Reserve Affairs, and Logistics (OASD, MRAL) plans to improve productivity by taking advantage of recent technological advances in the following areas: video teleconferencing facilities, database management, and word processing systems. The benefits of technological advancement cannot be obtained without considerable investment. In order to make the most cost-effective decisions, MRAL has contracted for several studies in the three areas listed above. This report describes work performed by Decisions and Designs, Inc. (DDI) to investigate the costs and benefits of a large number of video teleconferencing configurations. The purpose of this investigation was twofold: to find those configurations which best match the needs of MRAL, and hence offer the greatest benefit given the amount invested; and to document the benefits of various teleconferencing systems to determine the overall value derived from teleconferencing. A video teleconferencing system is a complex one, comprising many relatively independent parts. The system components may be organized in these four general areas: the audio-visual channel connecting the conferees; the capability to display and store data; the number of sites; and the central switching and storage facilities. Decision-analytic techniques were used to identify those areas in which the greatest enhancements in performance could be obtained for the least cost.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA099035
Entities
People
- John F. Patterson
- Paul J. Sticha