s to use these tools, SO it is good to consider phasing-in new skills. The savvy decision-maker, will thoroughly perform her homework, and will let her application be her guide. To assist in this process, we include the following guide and a Personal Conferencing RFP Checklist in the Appendices. Video Communications: The Whole Picture COMPARING DESKTOP CONFERENCING PRODUCTS The remainder of this chapter provides a step-by-step process that one can use to compare personal conferencing products. The line of questioning is intentionally broad to include all product categories. The reader may want to ignore questions that do not pertain to her particular application. The checklist also omits questions such as the financial position of a supplier, its ability to provide support, warranty considerations, and the hardware any particular application requires. For ideas on these questions, refer to previous chapters. Product And Manufacturer Background Product (and supplier) background, industry position, and direction: Product name and the date it was introduced. Solution description (e.g., client-side, server-oriented, client/server). Is it offered as a cross-platform solution? What computing environments does it support? Assumptions that formed the foundation for product design and development (For a large installation, consider interviewing the product design & marketing groups, and signing non-disclosure agreements to obtain futures- information.). Product history, evolution to present position, and market status. Is there a history of backward compatibility? Have no- or low-cost upgrades been offered to stay current with standards? Size of the installed base in pertinent areas (e.g., Asia, Europe). Languages supported. Supplier's position in the industry. What other products does the supplier offer, and how do they relate to this one? Has the manufacturer created alliances and partnerships to enable ability to fully leverage personal conferencing? What is the nature of those agreements? Product Family Look at produc