Web Conferencing

"Making a Digital Presence"

The Internet has opened up many a possibilities in the past few years; what was formerly thought to be a mode for transferring simple text-based information has now embraced the domain of audio and video. It started with file sharing; as days went by, newer mediums were introduced that supported the transfer of bulky data as well as real time rendering. Today, with all these newer measures implemented, a whole new dimension has opened up in the arena of communication; web-conferencing, as it is called, has been rated as a measure that’s capable of hyping individual capabilities and productivity of all those who consider information to be their real lifeline. And that calls for a definition for the uninitiated to understand properly the concept; in a nutshell, web conferencing can be defined as a virtual boardroom for holding meetings, irrespective of the locations of the participants.

Among the prime benefits brought over by Web conferencing, the concept (now a reality) allows people to save in terms of both time and money, since attending one doesn’t require any sort of relocation. Everything can be conducted while being within the comfort and the convenience of one’s own desk; the collaboration has also been rated extremely effective especially when sales force training or demonstrations are in question. The basic ingredients being interactive chat, PowerPoint presentations, and streaming audio and video, web conferencing is now considered an indispensable
constituent for fast paced, lucre-generating businesses.

The first step in Web conferencing involves a software that needs to be installed in a computer that has Internet connection involved. After installation is completed, it is time for inviting the others, whom the host would like to participate. Most of the web conferencing services consist a built-in system; it announces to the attendees the event in advance for most of the times usually through emails. The attendees, in turn, also need to install the specific software to participate; however, recent technological advancements provide setups, which do not require such steps to be taken and the facility comes bundled with specific web-browsers. But if there’s still a need for installation and making the necessary arrangements, it is not going to take more than 15 minutes for the host; lesser, in the case of other members.

Web conferencing is a catch-all phrase that spans from simple text-based chat to voice and video communication; however, the later two shall require toll-free lines that many telecommunication companies offer just for conferencing. The terminologies are as follows:

• Chat: Communicating through software like Yahoo! Messenger, MSN messenger or ICQ.
• Internet Telephony: Also known as VoIP or Voice over Internet Protocol, this technology uses the internet and not a regular phone line.
• Video Conferencing: There are certain software (e.g. Skype) that support web-cams; therefore, with a high-speed Internet connection, popping-up into the screen of the other person’s computer becomes a cakewalk.

With all that said and understood, now it is the time to consider when Web conferencing should be opted for. Customer servicing, to mention the first, makes use of the technology on an extensive basis, especially when there’s a team on-site.

Similarly, other businesses are also reaping the benefits of web conferencing; apart from speeding up their routine tasks, it is also reducing the costs that they had to incur previously regarding fixing the premises and extensive traveling. With rates as cheap as $25 a month (for flat rate fees) or 50 cents (per minute) per participant, we can foresee a future when business travels shall be rendered obsolete if it is not a mission critical situation.