Why Open Standards?
When the foundations for GENESIS were laid, it was clear that it was not a technology focused ministry, but rather with a purpose to recover technology for the purpose of teaching, convening, relationships, unity and to see God’s kingdom come. The technology platform and standards used were however highly significant. Responsibility towards the locations, future compatibility, scalability, availability and integration were some of the factors that had to be counted in. Today, more than a decade later, the decision to go with an open standard, rather than a proprietary solution, has been proven wise. The International Telecom Union (ITU) has developed recommendations for communication over various protocols, and various equipment providers innovate their solutions around these standards. For audio-visual communication over the Internet Protocol this standard is called h.323, describing how audio, video, data and connections are handled.
Dozens of companies all around the world are developing solutions around the h.323 standard, offering literally hundreds of options, ranging from software clients for computers, interfaces for mobile phones, satellite-based devices, standard definition conference room equipment, high definition systems and high end telepresence systems. Recording equipment as well as media servers are also developed around the standard, as are multipoint connection units (MCUs) that can connect hundreds of locations together at the same time.
The potential for application is vast, bringing solutions into education, business, government, healthcare, churches and many other arenas. It has multiplied resources, knowledge and wisdom throughout the earth, and literally every nation is connected together.
Working around this standard, companies innovate in an open market that is not controlled by one player, and where the standard will not change overnight, or be acquired to see the entire business model shift. This gives freedom and opportunity for long-term thinking, which is also why GENESIS uses this standards-based technology.
Standards will certainly develop and change, but in a large arena like this, compatibility will be a requirement, and technology does not become obsolete overnight. We look forward to seeing many more connected together!
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