The simplest videoconference involves one person having a video conversation with one other person. It’s simple and very inexpensive to set up and use.
For hardware, all you need is a camera, speakers and a microphone. A simple setup can involve a web cam (E.g like a USB-connected one from Logitech) and a headset with microphone. Total price of the hardware is $40-$50 per node.)
For software, just use Skype (see http://www.davidrier.com/?p=99). The software is free and it supports free video calls.
What do you get? Once the hardware and software is in place, videoconferences are available to and from anywhere in the world where the Internet is available. As an example, I had a one hour videoconference with my IT contact in our division in the Czech Republic. We resolved a couple of troublesome issues and set up a new project. Our communications cost for the call? $0.00!
