Internet Web Conferencing Software ? Advantages of Having Video in Web Based Conferencing Services

Is internet web conferencing something as great as marketers say it is? Here you will have the chance to read about a number of disadvantages and advantages of internet web conferencing.

The main advantage is that anyone can use internet web conferencing software to communicate with others. While you only have audio with a phone conference, a conference through the internet allows you to feel like you’re in the same room with the people you’re talking to.

Using modern internet technology, people can talk to each other using live video software. In our current age, people can talk and see each other even if they’re thousands of miles apart.

You can interpret their facial expressions and body language just like they would in a normal face to face conversation. You can put a face on the person you’re talking to even if they’re far away from you.

A great problem when you do an audio conference is that you’re not able to put a face to the voice you’re hearing. Not unless you already know him in person. That’s why with audio conferences you need to tell people who you are, but they might have a problem knowing who is talking if they can’t see you.

You no longer have this problem if you’re using internet web conferencing. You don’t need to spend time letting others know who is talking, you can just talk and they will know who speaks to them.

Another form of doing internet conferencing is the use of stored video. What I mean by that is that people need to show other people a video in some cases, to make them understand their point better. Internet meetings allow for such videos to be presented.

You can show others any video you want them to watch during your presentation. Some web conferencing services also provide the option to record the entire conference so you can simply ask it to other colleagues or clients who cannot attend the video conference.

But, the video part isn’t the only thing great about internet conferences. If you’re in an audio conference, you need a quiet room to be sure that everyone understands what is being said.

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!