Video conferencing can enable individuals in distant locations to participate in meetings on short notice,
with time and money savings. Technology such as VoIP can be used in conjunction with desktop
videoconferencing to enable low-cost face-to-face business meetings without leaving the desk,
especially for businesses with widespread offices. The technology is also used for telecommuting, in
which employees work from home.
Video conferencing is also currently being introduced on online networking websites, in order to help
businesses form profitable relationships quickly and efficiently without leaving their place of work. This
has been leveraged by banks to connect busy banking professionals with customers in various locations
using video banking technology.
Videoconferencing on hand-held mobile devices (mobile collaboration technology) is being used in
industries such as manufacturing, energy, healthcare, insurance, government and public safety. Live,
visual interaction removes traditional restrictions of distance and time, often in locations previously
unreachable, such as a manufacturing plant floor a continent away.