Due to its ability to allow business owners and their employees the ability to communicate in real time, videoconferencing became a trend many companies embraced as a way to improve worker communication and productivity in 2011. However, as 2012 approaches, a new report indicates that the technology is also expected to play a role in business continuity.

"There is this increasing awareness that companies need to have emergency backup plans in terms of how they can contact their employees and maintain their operations in the event of weather or other disasters," Bob O'Donnell, vice president at research firm International Data Corporation, told InformationWeek.

Other experts say that the rise in unified communications use will inspire many business owners to think of the value of the technology outside of its return on investment (ROI). While a valuable tool that can cut travel time, videoconferencing is also able to ensure that the business is still operating at maximum efficiency, even when individual employees may be facing geographic restrictions.

According to the news source, this technology is predicted to play a part in ensuring that in the event of a large-scale disaster, a company's operations aren't affected. In particular, the article cited the recent SARS outbreaks, volcanic eruptions in Europe and the enhanced airport security following 9/11 as events that severely impeded the ability of some business owners and mangers to communicate effectively with clients, customers and co-workers.

As a result, business owners who are thinking about adopting videoconferencing as a means to prepare for disasters and other potentially damaging events may first want to consult a business continuity planning firm. By obtaining a professional assessment by experienced industry experts, businesses can determine how to best make their investments while ensuring that their internal emergency processes remain strong.