New Communications Company Advice (credit, sales, buying, sell)

[cdubs3201]

I have a new business solution idea regarding video conferencing. I don't want to get too much into detail about the solution, but I currently work in IT sales for a hardware/software/services reseller.

I have a close friend who is an entrepreneur who had a recently failed business and is looking for a new project after learning quite a bit from his last business.

My concerns are regarding the point of entry, meaning I realize it's hard to gain business from businesses for these types of solutions as a new business that can't promise long-term support or don't know 100% if they'll be around in 3 or 5 years (obviously I plan to be, but it's risky to start a new business). I also understand companies want testimonials or references as street credit for being able to implement/install these solutions are important and companies want to know you're capable. I'm currently seeking an engineer/technical person who would be able to configue/install video conferencing solutions, and possibly even develop one for a specific purpose. I know for a fact my idea is currently not being marketed or offered for a specific purpose yet I know it can save a company hundreds of thousands of dollars a year. So I may need someone to develop a solution for production, but right now I plan on buying Polycom equipment for resale and installing the hardware as a service and offering support.

I want to know if this is a type of business I can get started with initially without having to quit my day job. Can I gain enough funding, venture capitalist support to hire an outbound sales force of roughly 5 sales reps to pound the phones to find opportunities for this solution?

Do any seasoned entrepreneurs have any advice as to how to go about this or suggestions/advice that would help this have a better chance for success? I've never started my own business so I realize I have a lot to learn. Any suggested books or readings to help me learn more about starting a business?

[scapegoatpa]

I am an Engineer for one of the "Big Three" telecom companies and have installed hundreds of these ever since Picture-Tel developed the first system. I fail to see how you could develop a system for a "specific application" or whatever, because their is really nothing you can do to "custom tailor" a video-conferencing system unless you come up with some kind of software interface that is different, but I don't think that would sell the system.

You could start a company with salespeople and installers while working your current job. However unless you have some really unique idea, I can't see you standing out from the other established companies. If you are reselling Polycomm, I don't understand what you can do to make it do anything more than Polycomm can. But.....good luck.

[cpg35223]

Ummm....ever heard of Skype? I'm thinking somebody has already beaten you to it. Unless you figure out how to harness that to your overall videoconferencing idea, I wouldn't quit your job.