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Organisations deploying more advanced IP collaboration tools have a higher return on their collaboration investment, according to "Meetings Around the World II," a new study by Frost & Sullivan.

Commissioned by Verizon and Cisco, the study surveyed more than 3,600 respondents in 10 countries and across seven industries on how they use collaboration tools to support their operational objectives. In particular, the study examined how advanced, IP-enabled collaboration solutions help organisations achieve higher levels of performance.

Released today, the study also finds that business performance increases as companies employ more advanced IP-enabled unified communication and collaboration (UC&C) tools, such as voice over IP soft phones, immersive video and fixed mobile convergence solutions.

However, for companies who are not advanced collaborators, it’s not too late as the study shows that both early adopters and recent converts have found collaboration can generate positive results for their operations in a variety of business-critical areas.

In the study, more than half of all respondents said reducing their organisation's carbon footprint and other environmental concerns are important considerations in determining UC&C technology requirements.

As for collaborative culture in the workplace, the study finds that APAC is the most improved player, driven by China and India. China is embracing UC&C in a big way. The country has the largest proportion of its firms currently having both desktop videoconferencing (69%) and immersive video (62%). Chinese organisations also have the highest percentage of companies giving these tools to their non-management employees.

Meanwhile India, which sees the biggest return on their collaboration investment, is the most telecommute-friendly country. It also ranks second to China when it comes to having both desktop videoconferencing and immersive video.

Hong Kong ranks second as the most telecommute-friendly country while US and China are tied for third place.

In general, Asia-Pacific respondents feel that communications technologies give them control over their lives, and allow for a better balance between life and work.

Companies in the region are most concerned about the security of their information when using communications technologies. The region's respondent also said they like to work on projects with teams, and accept that conferences can be a good alternative to face-to-face meetings. They also like the ability to telecommute, and believe that communication technologies reduce the need to travel for business. Finally, Asians believe that communications technologies are invaluable to help them stay in the loop and keep business moving forward.
 

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