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The Basics of Web Conferencing
Web conferencing is defined as a method that is used to conduct live presentations or meetings via the internet. In these web conferences, each individual is able to sit at his or her home computer while still being connected to all other participants in the web conference via their internet connection. This can either utilize a web based program in which conference attendees merely have to enter a specific URL in their search bars to enter the conference or by an easily downloaded application that everyone loads into their individual computers. A common neologism used to describe specific types of web conferences is known as a webinar. A webinar is usually just a one way transition from the speaker to the individuals in the audience, who have limited to no interaction, much like a webcast. Webinars can also be a collaborative and interactive experience, including question and answer sessions and even polling that allow participants full interaction with the presenter. In some cases, the presenter is actually speaking from their phone line, normally by use of speakerphone, simply points out specific information that is being presented across participant’s computer screens. This normally allows for participants to respond in turn, through their own lines and speaker phones.
Some of the additional features that a web conference can include are: presentations using slide shows, streaming video, web tours, VolP, Whiteboard with annotations, Meeting recording that can be used for later distribution or viewing, surveys and polls, text chat which is especially helpful during Q and A sessions and is closed to the public, and screen/application/desktop sharing in which every individual present can be able to see whatever the presenter currently has shown on his or her computer screen and can even be used to control participant’s desktops remotely. Web conferencing is most often sold as a service, and there are many available companies out there who are more than willing to host your web conference and provide you will all the extras and features available. Web conferencing is a great forum in which to conduct your business conferences and meetings; however, there are a few things to think about before you choose a specific company to deal with.
First off, if you simply take a little extra time to familiarize yourself with each function that web conferencing can offer you; it is much easier to build a tailored package to fit your needs. It also cuts out a lot of unnecessary time spent communicating with the web conferencing service. If you know exactly what you want and what you need, it is much easier to find a company who can provide that for you, as well as streamline the actual business transaction. While you could run an internet search for web conference services and just go with the first result that comes up, checking out as many companies as you can before making a decision will give you a better idea on how much you will have to pay for the service, and also raise the odds that you will find a company that can provide all the features you desire.