Saturday, July 31, 2010

5 Dumb Mistakes that Will KILL your Web Conference

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.

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.