tations. We admire those who profit by developing technologies that address human needs; we applaud even more those who adopt rather than impede better technologies that serve the public good. A standards-based approach integrates tools from multiple sources. It is scalable, flexible, and based on best-of-breed components. Video communication system implementations that pursue this strategy are more likely to deliver an application- responsive, manageable, and cost-effective solution. Callers can leverage such systems regardless of what systems called parties use. We believe that people will increasingly leverage the power of standards-based video communication and interactive multimedia to address important business processes that directly relate to organizational success and competitive advantage. Video communication facilitates teamwork. Many of the ways in which people have leveraged it to respond quickly to changing business conditions between remote regions of the earth were previously unimaginable. Systems based on such architecture can break through organizational barriers, and thereby provide links that bind trading partners in a flexible, personal, and highly efficient manner. Although the focus in this book is on corporate enterprises, we emphasize that interactive video communication can help people complete ordinary tasks. Many valuable video communication applications provide breakthrough solutions for individuals and small organizations. Network choices abound such that anyone anywhere in the world can deploy video communication solutions. Small or large, the principles that underlie video communication systems architecture remain the same. Standards-based systems are always better than closed ones. By promoting standards and supporting the efforts of groups such as the ITU- T, the IMTC, the IETF and the ISO, we overcome barriers to worthwhile communication. The promise of such standards is video communication, anywhere, any way, any time, with anyone. We hope that you enjoy this book. We invite yo