The almost universal forecast is for more IT and data systems for data generation, data transmission and handling, modeling, scientific computing, and remote video access. Plan for a big investment in a robust IT infrastructure. For technology planning for the future, anticipate desk-top video conferencing as a linkage tool in multi-campus scenarios. It takes four to six months to install and commission a successful medical education videoconferencing system. Make this part of your schedule or you’ll end up either with unanticipated occupancy delays, problem-plagued early operations, or both. Be aware that the technology standards for videoconferencing are still in the “emergence” stage and not well worked out. Audio quality is more important than video quality in video conferencing.  Don’t believe the hype on ceiling-mounted mics – avoid them! Lastly, videoconferencing technology has a five-year life, so your financial plan should reflect buying new equipment every five years.

- From Tradeline’s Academic Medical Centers 2007 Conference