Other new, and often software-driven, technologies like digital cellular mobile telephony, low earth orbit satellite systems and desktop video conferencing are now emerging from the research laboratories.
Sears, Roebuck & Co. hasn't tried to quantify any savings from its use of video conferencing but still has invested heavily, because it feels that video improves the quality of the communication.
Telephone conferencing, seen as a poor substitute for face-to-face meetings,may disappear with the spread of desk top video telephones.
It can cut travel time and costs, and facilitate 'telecommuting'. Personal conferencing 'is very processor intensive,' says Grove.
Siemens Private Communications Systems, a subsidiary of Siemens AG, said it formed alliances with PictureTel and another concern to make lower-cost video conferencing available to its world-wide PBX customers.
Document image processing, work flow management and conferencing enable people to discuss issues when convenient to them individually and without attending meetings.
That circuitry, which is normally built into a separate chip, will allow it to be used in such applications as video conferencing and computers that handle audio, video and computer data, National says.
"We're going to offer all these services, but video conferencing and E-Mail won't be for free," said a Sprint spokeswoman.
And, we are only a step away from truly significant breakthroughs in television conferencing.