Conference Call

Conference calls - "Multi–way is the Mighty Way"

Introduction

The primary knowledge that makes us understand that a conference is an arranged meeting also grants us the intellect to understand the basic meaning of a conference call; it is a phenomenon that allows three or more parties to interact simultaneously over any given telecommunication system. It is a cost-effective way that helps reducing travel expenses. It is the time to know the details about something that has become an inseparable factor in the lives of busy humans.

The Definition

A telephone call that allows the caller to include more than one person in the conversation and can bar them from speaking as per the requirements is called a conference call or an ATC (Audio Tele-Conference).

The Technology

Conference calls can be broadly categorized under two heads:

• MeetMe/Reservationless conferencing: Requires participants dial a specific number.
• Ad Hoc/Operator Assisted conferencing: Requires a moderator who calls the participants.

Recent technological advancements have made conference calls more user-friendly than before; a conference call can now be designed to allow or bar the dialed party from speaking by manipulating the conference bridge – the server that serves the purpose of a telephone and is capable of handling multiple calls at the same time. With the advent of Voice over IP (VoIP), hosting conference calls have become even easier than in the recent past.

Technologies that are more recent include Reservation less Conferencing, an entirely automated audio conferencing service that can support up to 125 participants at a time. The process involves dialing a toll-free number and entering a conference ID and PIN. This takes away the need for operator assistance and comes with an entire spectrum of value-added features; the pre-call notification, audio-conference recording, transcription services, translation services and participant lists are to name just a few.

Advantages

If business needs are in question, then nothing perhaps compares to reservation less service that provides a 24/7 service. The reasons are as follows:

• Toll-free
• Pay-per-use
• Easy and quick connectivity
• Ultimate privacy and confidentiality due to individual conference IDs, tracking capabilities, entry tones, PIN entry, conference call lock features and encrypted software for web conference applications.

But when it comes to providing support for large-scale conference calls of up to 2,500 participants, Ad Hoc/Operator Assisted conferencing should be the choice. Besides, Ad Hoc conferencing provides certain facilities like global dial-out, record and playback, security pass-codes, conference lock, group mute/unmute, roll call etc. along with value added services like toll-free dial-in numbers, toll-free customer support, priority scheduling, recording, telephone playback of recorded conferences, download of recorded conferences, and conference transcription.

Cost Involved

Whether it is web-based conference or a standard audio conference, the specific features and calling flexibilities easily reduce the former expenses by 90%, which makes it all the more affordable. Priced on per minute, per person basis, a 6-person, 45-minute call may come well under a hundred dollars; for those with a high calling volume may find the flat rate monthly pricing beneficial. Also available in pre-paid rates, this helps in keeping the costs under a proper check.