(Or how we can use low cost technology to support international collaboration & advance the sustainabilty agenda world wide)
Technology is not going to solve all our problems and dilemmas of sustainable development. But one thing that we have learned over the last decade of awfully slow 'progress' in these matters from a global perspective, is that we are not going to get very far with the challenges if we do not learn to make imaginative uses of the full range of the tools which are now at our disposal. Which brings us right up in front of information and communications technologies, an area where there is a huge amount going on and where the tools available to support the international sustainability movement are advancing with great strides. (On the other hands at the human, the user end, progress lags... but that is precisely what we are trying to address here.)
This section of the site will share with the readers leads that have come out of our own hands-on work with these challenges and technologies over a number of years now. A rapidly expanding portfolio of approaches and means which need to be monitored closely not only for careful use in the interests of sustainability and social justice -- but also since they are subject to laws such as Moore's and the like, which means that the process of change in on-going and unrelenting. Technology is a very sharp two-edged sword, so let's make sure that we have it at the right end.
This listing is just getting underway. Even when 'completed' (you know the web) it will not attempt to be encyclopedic; rather it reflects our own knowledge and experience, and that of our colleagues and work partners world wide, and the limitations thereof. What you have here is the beginning of a first cut. Have a look and if you have ideas to share with us on this, click here and let us know today.
Connect Technologies - Initial portfolio
Integrated Communications for Managing Your Dispersed Organization. "Click to Meet 4.1 is the complete package! Client, Server and Middleware combined to deliver voice, video and data communications across your enterprise in a single, web-based interface. Now you can integrate your organization, control the cost of scaling communications infrastructure and provide a fluid working environment whether your constituents are dispersed across campus or across the globe. "
Whether providing a live multi-camera broadcast, encoding and hosting a 30 second clip or providing coverage on-demand of a two-day conference, Fly allows clients to take advantage of latest Internet broadcast technologies, offering:
The Marratech Work Environment helps groups of people to communicate, collaborate and manage information from their computers. It gives users a secure e-meeting environment where members can talk with high quality audio, share information, pictures, MS Office documents and see each other.
Polycom develops, manufactures and markets a full range of high-quality, easy-to-use and affordable voice and video communication endpoints, video management software, web conferencing software, multi-network gateways, and multipoint conferencing and network access solutions. In addition to being the worldwide leader in market share for voice and video conferencing, the company has developed The Polycom Office TM, the world's only fully integrated, end-to-end video, voice, data and web collaboration solution.
SightSpeed offers premium-quality video phone services for consumers and small businesses. SightSpeed is the only service to deliver voice and video at 30 frames per second over broadband and Wi-Fi without delay -- providing clear, precise, natural communications. SightSpeed is easy to install and use with standard computers, cameras and any Internet connection. Its revolutionary human perception-based technology is patented and based on over seven years of research at Cornell University.
This web site aims to encourage the use of net-based meetings as a natural choice for SUNET connected people. The project group behind these pages has done an in-depth examination of different solutions concerning net-based meetings and is financed by SUNET (Swedish University Computer Network).
embodies the emergence of new technologies in the field of virtual communication and interaction, enabling virtual contact between individuals of various cultures.
Linking major European cities, it will lay the foundation for an entirely new form of communication.
Scalable dynamic mediated human communication. Meeting with others is a very important part of life. We develop technology that makes it simple to have rich meetings with family, friends, and colleagues even if they are located elsewhere or are on the move. Rich meetings are charactarised by depth, quality, and substance. They can include video, audio, chat, and shared areas for text, pictures, and drawings.
Sources for further information and leads
The Development Gateway Foundation aims to help improve people's lives in developing countries by building partnerships and information systems that provide access to knowledge for development. We exploit powerful and affordable information and communication technologies (ICT) that were previously unavailable to: Increase knowledge sharing;
Enable aid effectiveness;
Improve public sector transparency; and
Build local capacity to empower communities.
The Information Society Portal provides a unique entry point for all European Commission policies and activities related to the Information Society, irrespective of the internal Commission department responsible for them.
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Last updated on 6 December 2004