1. Starting late
Don’t break the cardinal rule of hosting a web conference, distance training seminar, or sales presentation. Be at your desktop and on the phone at least 10 minutes prior to your pre-arranged meeting time. Use the time to ‘get in the zone’, put on your ‘game face’, and organize your online presentation physically and mentally. 2. Technical problems
When done well, a properly executed web demo will impress your prospects, ‘wow’ your colleagues, and make rain fall from the sky. When you spend 20 minutes trying to debug somebody’s home network, firewall, or 3G connection, you look like a schmutz — and Mr. Opportunity has already left the building.
Here’s a tip: stay away from smaller or newer web conference providers – especially the ones that are Java or Adobe Flash based. If your user doesn’t have Flash or the right version of Java already pre-installed, your sunk. Use a ‘name brand’ service that doesn’t require 3rd-party software and has been around for a few years to smooth out the kinks. A good online meetings and web conference service guarantees connectivity through any firewall and doesn’t require third-party add-ons to make it work. 3. Getting an email or instant message interruption
We’ve already established that you’re a technically savvy rain-maker – so you’re using online web conferencing to display your nifty PowerPoint slides, brag about the re-designed web site, and show off your cool software widget right from your desktop. Desktop sharing is a great feature to ‘virtually’ connect everybody to the same desktop in the same room – whether your attendees are a cubicle or a continent away. But don’t risk getting interrupted by an embarrasing Instant Message from a colleague that gets broadcast to everybody in your meeting. Prior to all of your online web demos, make sure you close your IM, email, and other social-network programs. 4. Boring content
Don’t limit your spiel to a 20-page canned PowerPoint presentation. Your goal is to keep your participant’s attention. Keep it interactive with discussion, surveys, or pass control to your prospect and let them “Drive” to see for themselves. We recommend just a few introductory slides, then a quick interactive tour of your product or web site. 5. Boring pace
Respect everyone’s time and keep your presentation flowing and interesting. Don’t get side tracked and leave individual discussions and scenarios until after the meeting. And I’ll end the article here, or risk myself being boring and disrespectful of your time.
If you are looking for a reliable and interactive web conferencing service I recommend eblvd. For a detailed review as well as more information visit eBLVD.com.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
5 Dumb Mistakes that Will KILL your Web Conference
Secure Web Conferencing Software From Smarter Interactive
Smarter Interactive is an experienced and professional audio visual integration company who specializes in designing solutions for communication, collaboration and conferencing. By addressing these areas they can help you deliver increased corporate efficiency through the use of advanced technology. They are a leading supplier of SMART interactive products, digital signage solutions and conferencing systems to a diverse range of markets, including corporate, public sector, and local authority clients. As a customer you will receive an on-site meeting with an Account Manager to discuss your needs, a site survey to ensure we have understood your requirements, a high quality install from our highly experienced installation team, and full integration of the solution. Effective Secure Web Conferencing can boost productivity and change the way people in your organisation collaborate and share any kind of knowledge while saving money at the same time. They improve information sharing. Let the key staff make informed decisions based on the latest data. You can save the travel costs and time. It reduces your Organizations carbon footprint. If you operate any kind of a business, whenever you really need to call your field reps to the headquarters office, You can talk, see and share just as if they are at the home office. Through its variety of services, Smarter Interactive provides full-featured and flexible Web Conferencing Software, video chat server and webinar software. Participants can communicate by voice, instant messaging chat and see each other by video/videoconference. This is made possible by the powerful video chat server. With Professional and Enterprise versions of its web conferencing software, Smarter Interactive includes multipoint, desktop video conferencing software that allows up to 16 individuals to be seen at the same time, and up to an unlimited number of additional web conferencing attendees. Now, anyone with a broadband Internet connection and a browser can log onto the Internet and take part in or host a web conference, a web and video conference or a webinar. Smarter Interactive has taken web and video conferencing services a step further with new, 100% desktop, browser based web conferencing services and webinar software that does not require any special installation on your computer. Meeting online has never been this easy. Smarter Interactive’s video and web conferencing services make it possible for anyone, anywhere in the world to log on and participate in your Internet meeting. The service works on any operating system, Mac, Windows or Linux, and users can take part even if their computers are protected by a firewall.
Internet Video Conferencing Software ? Advantages of Using Video Conference Software
While the number of video conferencing software that can be found online is huge, finding the best versions available isn’t that easy. There are a number of options that you should take into consideration when you’re looking for such a software.
If the number of persons you need to do a video conference with is small, than a normal software for Internet video conferencing will be enough. There are a number of options out there, with prices that vary quite a bit.
If you have a home business, you have video conferencing software that will fit your needs. The same goes if your business doesn’t have that many employees or clients to conference with. All you need in this case is software and a webcam. Your webcam is connected to your computer, which lets the others using the software see you, while you see them through their own webcam. Most of these video conferencing software such as MS communicator will have audio capability, but some of them will let you type the words instead, with the other person seeing what you write in real time.
If you have a home business, video conferencing software is perfect to solve all your needs, to save money and make the needed contacts with other people. There are software versions both for Windows and Mac, so you can talk to as many people as possible.
Do I have to pay for software?
Even if you don’t have that much money to spend on software, you can probably find a free software for conferencing. In many cases, companies that produce video conferencing software will offer free versions for download, hoping that you will like it and decide to pay the price for the full version.
So, you can use these free versions to test different versions of software, get a feel of what they have to offer and later even decide to pay for one of them. Other companies that are new in the market will want as many new clients as possible, so they might be inclined to negotiate prices or even give away their services without asking for money in return.
But, if you want the absolute best video conferencing software, finding it for free isn’t an option. You will need to pay for it, but the price can be huge, up to thousands of dollars.
If you want the absolute best video software that can be found, you might end up paying up to $10,000 for it.
Online Job Interview - How Desktop Conference Software is Cost Effective
Web conferencing is available FREE of charge allowing recruiters to interview candidates from their office and setting up video interviews between their distant clients and candidates at the recruiter office. Some recruiters often have to interview candidates for 10 minutes at their office before approving resume submittal and clients of course want to do personal interviews unless it is a contract. Having the option to offer personal interviews is a selling point.
There are substantial savings on personal interview costs provided the web camera has 30 fps and at least 960 x 720 resolution. The recruiter could even ship a 50.00 web cam out to any clients that do not have a device. Many newer computers ship standard with a built-in web cam. In addition cost effective models from Logitech are available online at office depot, tiger direct and amazon web sites with drop shipping.
The following describes features with FREE Web Conferencing:
- Free web based conferencing with no software install required on the desktop
- White board feature allows engineers/programmers to draw/write answers
- Easy send/schedule invitation facility from your meeting room
- Phone conference online with the cost saving VoIP feature
- Video conference with the web cam feature
- Save thousands in personal interview costs
- Save time doing mandatory interviews online with candidates instead of office visits
There would be significant interview cost savings to recruiters, consulting companies and HR departments. Web cam features and standard system requirements for a commercial implementation such as a recruiter office would include having enough memory on the desktop and resolution on the web cam. Always buy extra RAM for best results with video and DSL or cable internet. There is some additional hardware however most if not all is now standard with newer computers. The Logitech Pro 9000 at 75.00 has good reviews and a good choice for business.
System Requirements Include:
- Windows 2000/XP/Vista
- 256 MB RAM / 512 MB with Vista
- CD Drive
- Sound Card
- High Speed USB port
Web Cam Features:
- pan tilt
- resolution: 1600 x 1200, at least 960 x 720 for commercial
- 30 frames per second (FPS)
- auto focus
- microphone with echo/noise reduction
Shaun Hummel is the author of various technical books and has a web site focused on information technology job search solutions, referrals and online technical interviews. Try FREE Web Conferencing at Network Job Solutions.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Planning an Effective Web Meeting
While there is no doubt that an interactive web conference is an effective collaboration tool, success is never guaranteed. Like any other tool it must be used effectively for it to be considered worthwhile. The natural first step is to determine what web conference option best suits the needs of your company. These can range from web-based services to software that has to be installed, or appliances that require no installation.
Naturally, the reason behind the need for web conferencing service or solution is not static, as companies’ needs change over time. It is however important to understand that hosting a web conference cannot be taken for granted. Every presentation, no matter how small must be planned, and must present its information in an easy to understand form. Here are some tips for utilizing your web conference software and ensuring that all your meetings are successful:
Deciding if a Web Conference is the Best Format
While the various benefits of using an internet conferencing service are indisputable, there may be instances where face-to-face contact is best. This decision will be largely driven by personal preference, the meeting’s purpose and the information that will be presented. Certain clients may also be put off by the idea of a web conference.
Structure your Presentation Carefully
The tone and content of your web conference should reflect the values of the audience as much as possible. In other words, content created for company executives would not be the same as that designed for customers dealing with support issues. The purpose of the web conference is also an integral aspect. Are you looking to motivate your sales team, or woo new customers to your business? This will also impact the way you interact with your audience.
Don’t Forget to Plan
Once you decide to have a web conference, every phase should be properly worked out. This includes establishing rules for audience feedback, collecting video or audio files if any, and establishing the step-by-step flow of the meeting. All relevant information regarding the rules of the meeting should be outlined to participants beforehand. This will help to eliminate the hiccups usually associated with any type of business meting.
Any company new to this format may be surprised at what web conference software can offer. A look at some of the features of the recently released TurboMeeting 4.1 by RHUB Communications Inc. will show why this trend is now longer the wave of the future, but is now a reality. Aside from performance enhancements over the previous version, TurboMeeting also boasts other vital features. These include a
Rhub Conference and Collaboration Appliance Solutions
Are you looking for a powerful web conferencing system? RHUB web conferencing products are geared to meet all your applications, and your remote conferencing requirements, providing you the collaborative feature that you need. RHUB web conferencing systems are specifically designed for home based business and large enterprises as well, linking remote customers, or your globally distributed offices to your computer. The conferencing system can be used for meetings, presentations, or training as your need arises.With RHUB web conference system you can work on your PC from virtually anywhere where an Internet connection is available. You can access the files in your PC from the airport, your hotel, or any Internet hotspots. It provides you with the means to connect to your PC in your office after the closing hours, and gain access to your documents, emails, and other corporate resources. RHUB web conferencing products have the capability to remotely access up to 1,000 computers, at a very competitive price, providing on-premise security.RHUB web conferencing system works differently to the usual video conferencing system that we know of. While video conferencing system works by transferring images from camera, web conferencing works with the help of the Internet. RHUB web conference products are widely used for sales presentation, remote support, training, and countless real-time collaborative applications. It saves time and cost, and improves productivity. There are on premise applications available, such as, PCAnywhare and Microsoft remote desktop, but these do not provide adequate security as required in such applications.
Access Security, the Weakest Security Link in Todays Web Conferencing
Web conferencing insures your company has the freedom of remote communication, but it poses security risks. It places your company’s confidential information in a vulnerable position giving hackers a chance to get into your system. Product knowledge and employee records and other vital information shared in web conferencing can be accessed by competitors through hacking.
While holding a web conference, your company’s data is saved on an internet server temporarily. This leaves the possibility open that other parties could get your data. The good news is that every system uses its own proprietary data format and protocol. These are hard for hackers to decode. Also, the data is transferred in screen pixels; document files are not used to transfer the data. The solution to this problem is to use SSL to encrypt the image data. That precaution neutralizes the hacker’s efforts to get into your system.
Actually, the access security is the most unsound point in the web conferencing security. To insure that only authorized people attend the web conference meeting, web conferencing systems use meeting ID’s and passwords as an access security measure. The caveat is that these ID’s and passwords are normally e-mailed to the potential attendees before the meeting. This gives hackers a chance to retrieve the access information and attend your meeting.
Protocols like SSL and AES only make a slight contribution to transmission security. The biggest security issue to hosted web conference services is access security. This issue isn’t completely resolved with SSL or AES. The on-premise solution is the best way to enable your firewall to protect your meetings. The RHUB web conferencing is the best on-premise solution to this security problem.
The RHUB web conferencing appliance can be deployed three ways. All three are better solutions to security. You can use the behind the firewall approach for internet meetings. The DMZ method can be used for both internal and external meetings. The outside firewall can be used for external meetings. All three methods give your web conference meetings better security.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Choosing the Right Web Conferencing Service
Maybe the best thing about interactive web conferencing is that many people online are already using some remblance of the technology. Millions are connected thorough instant messaging services and gaming websites on a daily basis. Microphones and headsets are essential pieces of equipment for this crowded entertainment marketplace. Expand this to the need of modern day business communicate effectively and the importance of secure web conferencing becomes more apparent.
Platform matters, but it shouldn’t when dealing with interactive web conferencing. The best appliances allow for seamless integration of Macs and PCs into any discussion, meeting or webinar. Here are a few other points to consider when looking at interactive web conferencing options.
In the same way that people attending conferences are presented with IDs to gain access, web meetings utilize passwords or other access tools. This is basically an open invitation to hackers who can immediately gain access by intercepting an email with a password. Some web conferencing appliances use the computers own firewall to add an extra element of security.
Vendors in the industry will continue to offer enhanced security features to make their offerings more attractive to prospective customers. In addition to the points mentioned above, technical support is vital to smoothly transitioning to interactive web conferencing. Bookmarking the sites of well known vendors with relevant news items on the front page is another good way to keep the company and its employees abreast of software updates.
In a wide-open field, there are no clear winners but there are certainly a few standouts. RHUB’s TurboMeeting Conference Appliance for example is a heavy favorite among industry customers and analysts. According to one marketing analyst,
Smarter Interactive: Interactive Video - Web Conferencing
Since 2002, Smarter Interactive is an excellent and experienced professional audio visual integration company who is specialized in the designing solutions for communications, easy collaboration, and video or web conferencing. Through the perfect utility of advanced technology, Smarter Interactive helps you in getting increase your corporate efficiency with the help of video web conferencing. Smarter Interactive is the leading supplier of Smart Interactive and serves the nation for easy conferencing by reducing the travel costs. In short Smarter Interactive is the master piece of an organization’s communications. Easy Communication Process with Web & Video Conferencing:With the help of Smarter Interactive you can make an easy way of communication for your organization by conducting a video web conferencing or online group meeting of your employees and distant experts. Smarter Interactive provides you with web conferencing software as well as video conferencing software for your online group meeting and interactive video conferencing solutions. Along with the video conferencing solutions, the collaborative workers in sectors who need to share and communicate important information to colleagues in the same room or building gets benefited a lot. They do not have to move or roam around for anything. Even the time saves and thus the working energy!Interactive web conferencing also saves the cost of travels and in turn also increases the efficiency of employees. The timings of travel gets invest into the work that itself is a good sign. More time to work increases more efficiency and more productivity for your organization. With the simple web conferencing software, you can utilize time and have quick learning for the organization’s efficiency.Whether it is for the purpose of meeting, training, briefing or teaching, web conferencing solutions really helps in conducting a group meeting online. The Staffordshire Police are also believing and trusting collaborative and Interactive web conferencing as their key to success. Video and web conferencing is also very useful for online education services and learning. Smarter Interactive provides Digital notice board solutions and video conferencing to many schools and Pharmaceuticals. The smart products of Smarter Interactive like the web conferencing software and video conferencing solution are supporting millions of organizations including local authorities, hospitals, education entities and Pharmaceuticals around the globe. Save time, save energy plus save money with the Smarter Interactive products and Web conferencing software. Smarter Interactive is the cost effective and successful way for building up collaboration and communication between your employees with web and video conferencing.
Video - Web Conferencing: How to Determine Which Features Will Benefit You the Most
Web and video conferencing technology is becoming more sophisticated with each passing day. A few years ago it was a novelty just to talk with someone online, and view his or her image at the same time. Today web conferences bring together entire companies in complex interaction that rivals live face-to-face meetings. How you might benefit from the latest developments in web conferencing depends on your particular needs. Here are a few points that you should consider.
1. Do you need to make a Powerpoint or other presentation during your conference?
If you answered “yes” to this question, then you will be glad to know that current web and video conferencing services allow the host of a conference to present a slide show or power point demonstration that will be visible on the screens of all the participants of a conference. Similarly, hosts can also open and show other document formats to their attendees. If you need this kind of capability, make sure that your conference provider can give this to you.
2. Do you require telephone conferencing integrated with your web/video conference?
Many organizations have found telephone conferencing to be an effective way to get work done. If you are already connecting with your members and staff via telephone conferences you can expand on this by choosing a web conferencing system that integrates telephone conferencing along with the online conference. The combined service will give you the ease of phone conferencing along with the enhanced visual and presentation features of online conferencing.
Some services allow the host to pay the long distance bill of all the participants (toll free conferencing), while others require each participant to cover their long distance fees.
3. Do all of your conference participants use the same type of computer?
If your participants are going to be using a variety of computers (PC, Mac, Linux) then you will benefit most by choosing a web conferencing system that works on any platform. While earlier conferencing systems required the downloading of complex software that would work only on specified operating systems, newer conferencing formats are delivered online and are browser based. They work on any operating system and if yours in an eclectic audience, then you will get best results with this type of conferencing.
4. Will it be necessary for one of your technicians to “take-over” and operate the computers of any of your participants?
If you wish to use conferencing as a service tool and want to avoid having to send out your service team on physical visits to clients, you can save a lot of travel time and cost by selecting a web and video conferencing system that allows the host of the conference to go online and actually take control of the computer of the client or conference participant. If you are looking at web conferencing as an after-sales service tool, then this particular feature will probably give you one of the most important benefits that you could wish for.
5. Do you want to conduct an online poll or survey during the conference?
If you have a large organization and want to make a quick and accurate poll of opinion or vote on a particular issue then the new polling capabilities of the most advanced web conferencing services will be an important feature for you.
Similarly, if you need to gather demographic information about your meeting participants, obtain valuable input, or quiz and test your participants, then the new online survey capabilities of current web conferencing systems will be an important feature to look for when choosing your conference format. Data from these types of online “surveys” can typically be saved and used for future use.
6. Do you want to brainstorm online, using a “whiteboard”?
Brainstorming is a great way to tap the ideas of a group and to come up with and select new ideas. If this is what you like to do when holding physical meetings, then you will probably want to be able to do the same thing in your virtual meetings as well. This is now possible in some of the more advanced web conferencing systems by using a “group notepad” that enables meeting participants to utilize a shared workspace. The results of these brainstorming sessions can typically be saved in a storage area.
Which of these features will benefit you the most? It all depends on your particular needs. However, one thing is sure: once you experience the convenience of online meetings, you will not want to go back to the era when every meeting required you to pack up your bags and get on an airplane.
Web Conferencing Equipment
As the importance of web conferencing has increased, the popularity of the s has also increased. Three commonly used equipments for web conferencing are microphones, headsets and web cameras. If you are going to communicate with any person with the help of web conferencing service, make sure that your s are working properly. Success of a web conference depends on the equipments used too. The quality of the network used also matters. So, you must have a high speed internet connection. As it involves data transfer, the speed of the internet connection must be good.
You can also set up a web conferencing server. This server will help you to make sure that your s do not suffer from any kind of problems. There is a chance that your web conference may get interrupted due to some troubles. In such a situation the server will help you get out of all such problems. You can do different types of web conferences like audio, video or both combined. The type chosen also depends on the equipment available with the user at the other end. If you interested in audio conference then you must have two s with you. They are microphone and headset. You can also use speakers instead of headset. Headsets are used for privacy. Web camera is required if you are interested in video conference. If you want to do both then you must have all the three s.
Web conferencing facility has helped many people to improve their business. The main advantage of this facility is that more number of people can interact with each other simultaneously. It also facilitates sharing of data and application. You can also share presentations. We conferencing is now used in many fields other than business. Online teaching is possible with the help of this facility. For online teaching, you may require two additional equipments along with the common s. They are scanner and light pen. Pen is required to write down the necessary notes or during online examinations. So, it is required for both student and teacher. Scanner is required if some pages in a book are to be sent to the student for reference purpose. The teacher can teach many students at a time with the help of the web conferencing facility. Audio-video conferencing is used for online teaching. Simple text messaging won’t be effective in case of online teaching.
Some people do not know how to use this facility. They can either ask for their friend’s help or may contact any companies for setting the web conference system. If you are planning to start a business then you can hire the services of any good web conferencing company to set the necessary facilities in your computer. They will help you to choose the right s. With the help of web conferencing facility you can communicate with more number of people and thus you can improve your business.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Turn Your Low-Tech Office into a High-Tech Web Conferencing Center
Congratulations! You’ve decided to join the ranks of professional communication wizards who use conference calls and web conferencing services. Whether you are using an expensive phone conferencing service or free web conferencing software, your company has just taken a giant step in simplifying its communication efforts.
But that’s not the only benefit of switching to a call conference system. Your workman’s comp claims will drop drastically when you quit paying for your employees’ bad knees. How did they get those bad knees, you ask?
The people of your sales force have been painfully contorting themselves into airplane seats every couple of months for the last six years to attend meetings with your biggest client in Piscatawney, PA. Now, they conference call instead. Your salespeople can flip a computer switch, throw on a headset, and start holding their business conferencing meetings via internet or phone!
But since your company is new to the world of conferencing, you’ll have to equip your employees with the right equipment to get the job done. There are a few different conference call components to make their jobs much simpler and more productive, but we’ve provided you with a list of the top four:
Desktop Computer
If your office doesn’t already have desktop computers, you might have bigger problems than you think. You can almost calculate your business’s net worth based on the quality of your computer technology and a PC is crucial to business conference calling. And no computer worth its weight in RAM is without our next conference call component:
The Internet
Whether you’re still stuck with dial-up or have graduated to DSL isn’t as important as having internet access to begin with. Each employee should have access to the internet, and not just to check their email or download the joke of the day. The incredible array of information available at their fingertips, and the ease and speed of communication are well worth the extra expense. Not to mention that the internet access is a critical element to the web conference. They don’t call them “web” conferences for nothing, after all.
Microphone
The microphone, whether built into your PC or an external plug-in, is a necessity. If you can’t communicate vocally over your computer, you might as well just pick up the phone – or book an airline ticket. And don’t pinch pennies when picking your office microphones. A good model will eliminate static and provide for a clear conversation.
Web Cam
If your intention is to hold verbal conference calls, you won’t need a webcam. But having a web camera allows you to turn a computer-enabled meeting into a personalized one. Face-to-face interaction should never be underestimated in a meeting, as it allows you to put your facial expressions and professional demeanor to good use – the personal touch, so to speak. And clients who feel as if they are receiving the personal touch from their vendor are happy clients.
So direct your office manager to the nearest office supply store or conferencing technology provider. And remember: anything you spend on web conferencing supplies goes to a good cause – improving company communication and sparing your salespeople’s knees!
What Can Web Conferencing Services Accomplish For Your Business?
Web conferencing services are becoming more and more popular and necessary. With more businesses going global and more and more employees working from home, many businesses have adopted a conferencing service of one type or another. Depending on the needs of the business, utilizing web conferencing services may be the best solution.
Web conferencing services include the ability to share documents, make presentations and confer with anyone from around town or the world! With the use of your computer, web conferencing allows you to launch a meeting with all the bells and whistles. The following is a list of services and solutions that web conferencing services accomplish:
1. No software necessary, browser-based system
2. Entire audience can see each presentation, document and spreadsheet
3. Set-up multiple users as presenters to the group
4. Monitor audience participation
5. “Hand-Raise” ability – Know when a group member has a question
6. Pointer Ability – Keep everyone on the same track during the presentation
7. Full Screen – Enlarge the presentation to fill the entire screen
8. Host ability to chat with individuals or different groups
9. Present a slide show
10. SSL Encryption for ultimate security
11. Firewall Protection
And a quick overview of web conferencing pro’s and con’s shows us:
Pros:
Computer requirements are relatively simple and almost everyone utilizing a computer for business purposes will easily meet and exceed the requirements.
Ability to share audio and visual presentations, slide shows or programs.
Easily communicate with each member.
Cons:
Fees can add up quickly. Depending on services rendered, standard web conference prices are about $.49/minute per user. Audio capability can result in additional charges. If you plan to hold regular web conferences, there are subscription prices but, again, this will vary by provider and generally will require some sort of one-time set-up fee. These fees can range from $1000-$3000.
If you are not quite sold on the idea of committing to a browser-based conference system, there are other conferencing solutions.
Audio conferencing allows members to communicate via telephone. This can include regional, national or global members. You will need to apply for audio conferencing services if you feel that this is the best solution since most phone systems only allow for three members to participate at one time.
For the most part, “free” conference solutions are for audio conferences only. Maybe you want to test a provider before committing to their contract or are deciding on the best conferencing solution. Free conference providers will have limitations, but if you are looking to host a small group, the limitations may not even be noticed.
Microsoft Live Meeting is the name of the application Microsoft offers. Live Meeting allows meetings to be integrated with Microsoft Office, which can be quite useful! It offers similar benefits as web conferencing, but with the added connectivity of Microsoft office.
They offer a standard and professional service. It is recommended to purchase the professional service since this allows the use of all the benefits that Microsoft Live Meeting offers.
A hosted conference offers many benefits. Services vary depending on provider, but for the most part, hosted conferences are mostly audio conferences that have an assistant provided from your conference provider.
The live assistant helps with “checking-in” and any technical difficulties that may arise. The assistant is also valuable as an extra security measure. Hosted conferences allow you to focus on your presentation or meetings, while the assistant handles the “details” of running a smooth meeting.
Of course, only you will know which conferencing or web conferencing services will best meet your needs. There is a huge need for conferencing solutions and many providers to choose from. Take your time, understand your business needs and by all means, use the free trial options!
Audio and Web Conferencing Technologies
Audio conferencing is a technology which facilitates two or more individuals to speak to each other at the same time, even if they are separated by vast distances.
In an audio conference, regular phones and VoIP technology are used as communication tools between participants. If the regular phones are used, then each participant dials in and communicates with each other over the same phone line. If VoIP technology is used in place of regular phones, then, the participants connect headphones and microphones to their computers and communicate with each other over the internet.
Web conferencing is a technology which facilitates sharing of photographs and videos, along with audio messages in a conference.
In a web conference, individuals can use their computer systems to share important documents and other information with each other. Therefore, a number of individuals can work on the same documents, blueprints and software applications at the same time. Every individual participating in the conference is able to view the same display on their computer screens. With the use of special applications and software, the users can also create diagrams and pictures for demonstrating ideas to other members present in the conference.
have been found to be a useful medium of business communications by different organizations.
There are many benefits of using audio and web conferencing. The basic benefit is that, these technologies cut down traveling expenses to a great extent. Next, they facilitate the arrangement of important meetings within a few minutes. Most importantly, these technologies help organizations to maintain a regular and effective communication, both internally and externally.
Web Conferencing ? an Effective Tool for Instructing and Training Employees
Organizations have recognized web conferencing as one of the most effective tools for training as well as instructing their employees. The instructor or the trainer can easily get connected to a number of employees, employed in the same office or in offices at different locations, at the same time. The best thing about web conferencing is that it facilitates individuals to communicate in real time. Moreover, distance is not a barrier and distant training can be provided easily.
An individual can hold power point presentations during a web conference. Therefore, the employees can be trained along with proper presentations and slide shows. Also, an employer can share documents and resources with the employees and provide them with relevant information. A web conference provides a common platform to all the employees where they can learn new things, as well as, share their experiences.
Web conferences are also used by organizations as an instruction medium to instruct the employees working on the same blueprints jointly. Because of many benefits of web conferencing services , more and more number of organizations, especially those with a global presence, are using web conference as a communication medium to train and educate their employees.
For successful web conference training, it is very important that, a high speed internet connection is used. The conference should also be supported with all the necessary equipments, software and hardware.
It is always advisable to subscribe web conferencing services from a well known service provider as it is a prerequisite to safeguard confidential information of an organization which is shared over the internet during a training session.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Web Conferencing System
allows you to communicate with different people living in different parts of the world. It can be used for business purposes, educational purposes or recreational purposes. There are many types of s available in the market. You can choose any one from these according to your choice. But there are certain factors to be considered before purchasing the conferencing system
The first factor is regarding the location. The location can be a fixed one or a variable one. If the location of the person whom you want to communicate is static then you can go for the fixed connection system. If the location of the person whom you want to communicate varies locations then the must be selected in such a way that it permits the addition of users from any place.
Most of the organisations are using firewalls to prevent unauthorised access of their files. Certain will be blocked by the firewall. In such a case you must ensure that the selected conferencing system does not suffer from this problem. Firewalls are required to prevent the attack from hackers.
Certain requires some extra hardware to be added along with the software module for its working. Other conferencing system only uses a software module and is compatible with all browsers and operating systems. So, this factor should be considered before selecting a system. Some may require video conferencing facilities. Each video conferencing system has got a maximum limit for the number of individual video windows that can be opened simultaneously. So, you must ensure that the system selected must provide the necessary number of simultaneous windows. Sometimes, you may have to share your applications online. In such a case, the conference system should be selected in such a way that it is capable of sharing applications. Certain organisation requires voting facilities in the conferencing system, which can be used to register the votes of the participants.
Most important factor is your budget. The cost of the system selected must be within your budget. It must contain all the necessary features needed for you. If its cost exceeds your budget then better go for some other model. You can buy a from a normal shop or from an online store. It would be better to purchase it from an online store. You can compare different models of conferencing system available in the market. Thus, you can select the right one at the right price. It also helps to save your money.
Certain people require both audio and video capabilities in the . They must ensure that the number of windows that can be opened simultaneously for the selected system must be greater than the requirement. If it is less then it won’t be much useful to you. If you select the system which contains the exact number of simultaneous windows which are required then it may not be possible to increase the window number if you need to increase it in the future. So, these factors should be kept in mind before selecting a web conference system.
Web Conferencing Solutions ? Helping to Improve Global Economy
Web conferencing solutions are conferencing technologies which helps organizations to improve their business communications. These solutions are playing an important role in improving global economy to a great extent.
Web conferencing solutions are not only helping organizations to cut down traveling expenses spent for attending meetings and seminars, but are also helping to improve productivity through faster decision-making processes and actions. Important individuals of an organization can get linked up with each other whenever required, no matter where they are present physically. Because of the many benefits offered by web conferencing, it is being widely accepted by more and more number organizations, with each passing day.
The participants of a web conference can share documents, organize power point presentations, conduct polls, etc, over a whiteboard or by using instant messaging software. The web conferences can also be accompanied by phone conferencing. It enhances the conferencing process and at times also helps to bring in better results.
Web conferencing solutions are offered by many leading conferencing service providers. Whiteboard, sharing of applications and documents, footnotes, instant messengers, web Power Point presentations etc, are the common tools offered by the conferencing service providers. These tools differ from one another in terms of multimedia features and integration with phone conferencing. Organizations can also subscribe advanced conferencing tools from the service providers according to their business requirements.
There are many free conferencing services available on the World Wide Web. However, these services are not reliable and are not secured enough for sharing confidential information. Therefore, it is always advisable to survey the market and then subscribe conferencing services from a reliable and experienced service provider.
Web conferencing solutions have become an essential requirement for business organizations for improving their communications and productivity. These solutions are helping organizations to stand upright in the cut throat competitive market.
Web Conferencing ? the Best Way to Share Business Documents and Applications
Web conferencing is a technology which enables sharing of business documents and applications over the Internet. It facilitates live presentations, an easy solution to conduct polls, demonstrate products and perform group discussions. Web conferencing saves time as well as money. That’s why, it is gaining a fast popularity with businesses worldwide.In a web conference session, the participants use their computers to get connected to each other over the Internet. With the help of web conferencing services, employees and clients of an organization, situated in different locations, can collaborate on common business documents, blueprints etc.In present times, web conferencing software has emerged as a basic necessity for every organization collaboration with all their clients and employees. Web conferencing tool has made it possible to conduct presentations, seminars and meetings for an unlimited number of business delegates, situated in different locations, at the same time. Web conferencing has emerged as a cost effective medium to improve efficiency and productivity of an organization. It facilitates files and documents sharing as well as organizing professional presentations.Communication is a vital part of any successful business. Web Conferencing, teleconferencing integrated with audio and web conferencing is the perfect solution for all the major organizations communication needs. Conferencing has thus become the mandatory part for any successful organization.Web conferences are basically classified as web meetings, Webinar, online collaboration, Web cast and online presentations. The business organizations can choose a type according to their business requirements.Due to those reasons mentioned above, web conferencing market is expanding at a very fast pace.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Web Conferencing Tools
Different types of are available in the market. You can select any too depending on your requirement. Each tool has got its own features. Some tools are available as freeware and for others you will have to pay. If you are going to use the web conference tools for recreational purpose then you can select a free tool. If you are looking for a web conferencing tool for business purpose then you can purchase any model depending on your needs.
Some of the popular include Microsoft Live Meeting, GoToMeeting, Central Desktop. Adobe Acrobat Connect, Ready Talk , Yugma and Glance. There are many other conferencing tools too. You can select any one of the tools from these. Selection should be based on certain factors. The type of chat required, like text chat, voice chat and video chat. Other factors include pricing, browser compatibility, application sharing, file sharing, session recording and the number of individual windows allowed.
Adobe Acrobat Connect is a popular web conferencing tool. It is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems. At a time, it is possible to do video conferencing with 15 peoples. It also provides whiteboarding capabilities. Another tool is the Acrobat Connect professional. It is actually the rebranded version of Macromedia Breeze. With the help of this tool you can do web conferencing with 2,500 people maximum. It also supports various other features like session recording and embedded quizzes. But, it is not a freeware.
Another web conferencing tool is Central Desktop. It has got a number of features. It includes wiki style editing, tracking of project status, and document archiving. By using this tool you can conduct web meetings with 10 attendees maximum. It supports almost all browsers. But in order to conduct the web meeting you require Java Runtime v1.1 or higher. It is also integrated with popular Instant Messaging networks like MSN messenger, Yahoo messenger, AIM and ICQ.
Dimdim is another web conferencing tool and it is available in four versions. They are free hosted version, hosted enterprise version, open source community version which is free and onsite enterprise edition. In order to use the video conferencing feature you have to install flash player only. Some of the features included in Dimdim include application sharing, presentation, session recording, annotations, video chat, desktop sharing and video chat. The free version offered by them does not have too much features. Most of the features listed in the free version are demo ones. So, it would be better to purchase any of the premium editions.
Glance is another tool. But it does not contain any extra features. There will be a live desktop screen alone. It is compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux. Some popular free include Google talk, Yahoo messenger, MSN messenger and ICQ. GoToMeeting is a web conferencing tool which supports Windows only. It does not support Linux or Mac operating system. Some of the features in it include chat, screen sharing and attendee permission. It is also possible to record the meeting sessions. Microsoft Live Meeting supports features like video sharing, VoIP, audience feedback, file sharing and video recording
Web Conferencing For The 21st Century Business
If ever there was a time for businesses to tighten their purse strings and count their pennies, it is now. The struggle to survive the global economic downturn is an ongoing one for many companies, with a number of economies either in recession or teetering on the brink of it. However, there is little time for pessimism if the long-term goal is to emerge at the other end of the financial crisis as a solvent, profitable and thriving business. Now is the time to be taking proactive steps towards curbing all unnecessary expenditure and looking at ways to maintain growth and profitability, without having to compromise on the quality of services and products on offer. One of the biggest expenses that many organisations are faced with is travel. Whether it’s for internal company meetings, conferences or any other number of revenue-generating ventures, most organisations will need to network with the wider world at some point. But a combination of growing environmental concerns and less luxury money to burn on unnecessary expenditure is leading many companies to reassess their policies on business travel; especially given that there are perfectly viable alternatives to jumping on planes, trains and automobiles. In the age of the Internet, communicating with all corners of the globe has never been so simple. Emails and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology are now commonly used by organisations of all sizes, and has helped companies to cut their communications costs substantially. Those important business documents now no longer have to be couriered to the other side of the globe thanks to emails. But it is the substantial savings that can now be made relating to the sending of people to far off places which may well prove to be the real saviour of countless companies. Whilst telephones have played an important part of business communications for many decades now, they do have their limitations. Even telephone conferencing technology that facilitate more than two participants don’t offer true interaction in the same way as a real-life meeting would. With web conferencing however, we may at last have a genuine substitute for group meetings. A simple networked computer with the latest web conferencing software installed is all that’s required for companies to engage in rich, interactive and productive meetings. It’s possible to deliver presentations, collaborate on whiteboards, negotiate deals with clients and brainstorm new ideas that can help take the company forward. At a time when many businesses are adopting green policies whilst simultaneously trying to survive the global economic crisis, it would seem that web conferencing technology will go some way towards achieving both these goals.
Tips for Using Video - Web Conferencing to Train, Manage and Support Your Sales Team
If you have a large sales force, spread out over wide distances, or if you have a small staff in various locations, then video and web conferencing is an ideal way to train, manage and support your team. In case you are wondering what online conferencing has to do with managing and training a sales force, here are a few ways to utilize this new technology.
1. Hold Virtual Online Sales Meetings
Instead of calling all your representatives to one physical point, you can set up a web conference and meet with them online. Your sales people only need a computer and a broadband connection to the Internet and they will be able to take part in the online sales meeting. The newest conferencing systems have a real time notepad allowing online brainstorming.
2. Hold Meetings More Frequently
Whenever your organization holds a physical meeting, then you have to pay a cost in terms of travel as well as in time lost from normal work. For this reason meetings have to be scheduled carefully and not too frequently. When the meetings are held online, the “opportunity costs” of your meetings are reduced because no one has to leave his or her location in order to attend. This should make it possible to hold your sales meetings more frequently, and take advantage of improved communication with lower costs.
3. Show Your Staff How to use Video Conferencing to Sell to and Support Customers
As you get more accustomed to online conferencing with your staff, you can use these meetings to train your staff in online conferencing skills so that they in turn can reach their contacts, clients and customers using the same online conferencing technology. Your sales people can meet a contact “face to face” online, demonstrate products and even perform after-sales service without leaving their offices once they become familiar with online conferencing. Your regularly scheduled online meetings offer a great opportunity to impart these skills to your staff.
4. Get Valuable Feedback From Your Team With Online Conferencing
Meetings do not have be a one-way street where only the organizer or presenter gives information or instructions to the attendees. Rather, online conferencing makes it possible for the executives to get valuable feedback from the field. For example, you can take a poll of your organization or get information via an online survey using the new instant polling and survey features of the newer web conferencing systems.
5. Inspire Your Team With Guest Speakers and Special Presentations
Once you have your online conferencing system set up, you can announce and hold meetings whenever you like. Use this channel of communication to educate and inspire your staff with the best speakers in your particular field of activity. Your guest presenters do not even have to come into your office, they too can participate online which will save you a lot of money in transportation and lodging costs.
Once you get the hang of online conferencing you will probably be able to add to this list and come up with even more ideas on training and supporting your sales team.
Web Conferencing ? Taking the Business World by Storm
Web Conferencing is a way in which two or more people from anywhere in the world can meet over the Internet to communicate and share information. Web conferencing enables the participants to work together sharing documents and applications by providing the necessary tools. It is possible to control remotely other peoples’ computers to aid in training and for help desk support. It is possible to demonstrate any application to clients without coming face to face with them. Organizations use these services to hold virtual seminars web based meetings and to interact with members or students in different corners of the world. Taking advantage of the power of the Internet, web conferencing tools make it possible to conduct meetings or giving presentations to clients and interacting with teams.
In today’s world organizations and management teams turn to web conferencing as an effective tool to conduct business meetings or demonstrations of their products. No wonder web conferencing is finding wide acceptance.
Wainhouse Research, Inc. conducted a survey and found that small and mid-size enterprises (SMEs) were more likely to conduct a Web conference than meet with customers, partners and co-workers in person, over a six-month period (41% vs. 36%)
Another research firm, Gartner, predicts Web conferencing will be a standard method for
companies to conduct business in two years. As a result, market research firm Frost & Sullivan predicts Web conferencing will grow at a double-digit rate through 2011.
Web conferencing allows online training sessions, interactive meetings between people from many different places and multimedia presentations for businesses and many other purposes. It is easy to connect and communicate with a client or a company representative or executive through web conferencing irrespective of their locations. This saves a lot of time and effort as the whole team or organization gets to work together at the same time. The interactive nature of this system enables the parties concerned to share ideas and discuss issues and also for getting clients’ feedback instantly.
Some of the many advantages of web conferencing services are given below:
Web Conferencing offers major advantages to businesses in terms of reduced costs, increased employee productivity, enhanced customer support capabilities, and reduced time to develop products and communications.
Web conferencing is increasingly becoming the most important tool for businesses to increase productivity and profitability.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Webinar Software In Healthcare
For many companies, the decision to use webinar software is based on enhancing workflow and saving money. It is clear, however, that audio video conferencing has many real world applications as well. The most obvious benefits of utilizing these tools are really just the tip of the iceberg. One recent example of this is an undertaking by the National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA) in Suffolk exploring elderly care options.
The NFCA in collaboration with Home Instead Senior Care put on a free webinar in November. Its aim was to help families coping with caring for elderly parents to make decisions and understand potential problems. The 45-minute online conference addressed vital issues and featured well known professionals in the field of senior care.
Elderly care is a growing concern in the US. Using a web conference service to enhance care and making decisions is a step in the right direction. The facilities of a good web conference system can also be applied to other areas. These include:
Other areas of the health care sector can likely be improved by the use of a web conference service. Today’s web conference systems are not clunky or as pricey as earlier versions. Providers like RHUB Communications have created products that give any company or organization the ability to be flexible.
The web conference systems today are based on speed, reliability, and enhanced communication. Some of the features of the best web conference services are:
A conference like the one put on by the NFCA in Suffolk creates opportunities for other areas facing similar decisions. Not surprisingly, the decision to have the web conference was largely influenced by the current economic climate. This factor has also helped to spur interest in the growing crop of web conference services.
Users have the option of hosted services, downloadable software or web conferencing appliances. RHUB appliance is an example which many companies find to be preferable to hosted solutions. However, even the most basic web conference systems have helped companies streamline their operations and improve productivity.
This will no doubt set a new trend for other cash strapped communities looking to provide care for the elderly. Special needs organizations, private health care facilities and similar groups could also explore the use of webinar software for delivery of information.
Conferencing Software Assisting In Senior Care
Organizations today use conferencing software as a way to raise productivity and cut cost. It is clear, however, that desktop conferencing has many real world applications as well. The most obvious benefits of utilizing these tools are really just the tip of the iceberg. One example of this is by the National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA) in Suffolk with using webcast to reach out to the senior community.
Last November, the NFCA in collaboration with Home Instead Senior Care put on free webinars. The 45-minute web conference addressed vital issues and featured well known professionals in the field of senior care. The aim was to help families coping with caring for elderly parents to make informed decisions and understand potential problems.
Senior care is a growing concern in the US. Using webinar software to enhance care and making decisions is a giant step in the right direction. The facilities of a good netmeeting software can also be applied to other areas. These include:
Other areas of the health care sector can also be improved by the use of a video conferencing system. Today’s web conference systems are pricey as earlier. Providers like RHUB Communications have created products that give any company or organization the ability to be flexible.
The web conference systems today are based on speed, reliability, and enhanced communication. Some of the features of the best web conference services are:
A web conference like the one put on by the NFCA creates opportunities for others facing similar situations. Not surprisingly, the decision to have the web conference was largely influenced by the current economic climate.
Users today have the option between hosted services or self hosted, in house solutions. Web conferencing appliance from RHUB is an example which many companies find to be preferable to hosted solutions. However, even the most basic web conference systems have helped companies streamline their operations and improve productivity.
As other cash strapped communities look to provide care for the elderly, online conferencing will likely set a new trend for other. Special needs organizations, private health care providers and similar groups could also explore the use of conferencing software for delivery of information.