ABSTRACT
Teleconferencing systems and services are the main set of technologies developed thus far to support group work. Within this set of technologies, videoconferencing is often thought of as a new, futuristic communication mode that lies between the telephone call and the face-to-face meeting. In fact, videoconferencing has been commercially available for almost three decades. During this time, teleconferencing expectations in general have failed to realize themselves fully despite consistently brilliant market forecasts. Teleconferencing as a substitute for face-to-face meetings appears not to suffice. Furthermore, it is not the cure for ever-escalating business travel costs. Research and speculation about the lack of success of these technologies in the marketplace point to a variety of factors that lie beyond the scope of economic and technological analysis. This chapter reviews and analyzes existing literature that addresses these issues, particularly with respect to videoconferencing. In reviewing the teleconferencing experience we may draw from the many lessons it offers to avoid analogous pitfalls in the conception of other new technologies to support group work.
