Rethinking Video Conferencing

A couple of years ago, the Defense Information Systems Agency cranked up a procurement for the operation and maintenance of its video conferencing hubs scattered nationwide. The sites were essentially television studios for generals and other top Defense Department officials, but today, practically everyone has a TV studio attached to their computer - a camera and a microphone.

So, Jon Anderson, a DISA spokesman, said the agency has canceled its Defense Information Systems Network Video Services II procurement in favor of a system that takes advantage of new technologies. Anderson told me that DISA views video conferencing as just another service in what he called "unified communications" capabilities on the desktop or laptop. That also includes phone service and Instant Messaging.

DISA posted a notice on its telecommunications services and products page last week that said it plans to come up with a new video teleconferencing approach no later than June 1.

The new approach, Anderson said, will help DISA save money and resources, and since the proposed fiscal 2010 federal budget is $3.6 trillion, it's good to know DISA is trying to save money where it can .