Web Conferencing-Improved Communications Providers

Online conferencing is being seen as one of the most effective ways to build substantial businesses online. The fact that web conferencing systems are both cost effective and very simple to use, appeals to giant multi-million dollar corporations, as well as the smallest home business owner. In this article, I will define exactly what web conferencing is, and some of the benefits that can be derived from choosing a web conferencing system.

According to Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia, web conferencing is defined in this way. "Web conferencing is used to conduct live meetings or presentations over the Internet. In the early years of the Internet, the terms "web conferencing" and "computer conferencing" were often used to refer to group discussions conducted within a message board (via posted text messages) therefore not live, but the term has evolved to refer specifically to "live" or "synchronous" meetings, while the posted message variety of discussion is called a "forum", "message board", or "bulletin board". That is a broad presentation of the word web conferencing. Online group meetings could also be a term used when speaking about web conferencing services.

I have conducted many seo training sessions using a web conference room system. I find that the participants obtain needed information and they simply login, right from their office or home computer, to receive the presentations that I provide. I also use web conferencing as a core tool for building my seo business. When I have someone interested in my services, I simply send them a login link to my web conferencing room via email, or instant messenger. We meet in that environment and I have the ability to view their sites, give them relevant insights about improving their sights for Google indexing, they can record the presentation in an mp3 format and receive good information concerning their seo campaign. They have the opportunity to view, first hand, the ease and simplicity of communication that web conferencing provides.

I often refer to web conferencing as the new paradigm shift in communications. This term is in reference to the way that most online businesses have conducted their training seminars. You would dial a particular phone number, pay long distance charges and listen to the moderators give their presentation. There is little interaction on one of these calls. The advantage of web conferencing is the fact that most services also provide texting services in the web conferencing rooms. This leads to great interaction between the moderator and the participant. They can ask questions, make comments and it leads the moderator to become more interactive with their presentations.

Video Phone Conferencing

Video Phone Conferencing generally refers to a two-way communication system in which two or more persons at different locations engage in face-to-face communication. It's a kind of video as well as audio conferencing, in which both the people can view as well as hear each other. Earlier Video Phone Conferencing was supposed to be a costly affair, and only the big corporate houses were able to afford it. But now prices are on the way down, because with the Internet anyone can afford Video Phone Conferencing. This makes it possible for the two businesses to discuss any deal or product.

Video Phone Conferencing generally acts as a bridge between two persons who are geographically separated. This technology is not only used for business meetings but also used for conducting interviews or giving lectures. Video Phone Conferencing is also used within the organization with the help of LAN for an immediate telepresence. If we go into broader terms, then Video Phone Conferencing can be divided into two types: point-to-point conferencing and multipoint conferencing. Point-to-point Video Phone Conferencing is the communication link within one location, whereas multipoint conferencing is a link between any two locations.

Video Phone Conferencing connects people and ensures successful communication between them. While planning a Video Phone Conference there are several points to be kept in mind. These points can range from technology to clothes to the way of talking. Try to avoid all the unnecessary and distracting actions, as it can act as an obstacle between the ongoing conversations. If possible, make sure that the mike, speakers, camera and all necessary equipment are in proper shape and without any flaws. As it is a very straight and formal communication, try to set the questions in advance so that there is no wasting time. Another important point is to wear clothes that are not too dark or too light. Avoid wearing intense colors, as they can give a very jarred image.

Web Conferencing Software

With the increasing popularity of Web conferences, ICT departments of companies are now taking charge Web conferencing and ensuring standardization on single platforms. However, the jury is still out whether it is better to buy Web conferencing services or host the conferencing software application internally.

Using Web conferencing software and hosting the service internally has its own set of advantages. Web conferencing service providers usually price their services in terms of number of seats and charge for each conference and this can prove to be rather expensive in the long run. Although the initial costs for Web conferencing software may be high, the payback is quick if the number of Web conferences organized is large in terms of their frequency or the number of participants. Having its own Web conferencing software also allows the company to brand it with its own marketing messages so that anyone dialing in receives the marketing communication.

The main disadvantage of hosting the service internally is that the company has to continually keep track of the latest technological developments and keep upgrading the software. It is prudent to opt for a total cost of ownership analysis before making any kind of purchase decision.

While purchasing Web conferencing software a few important factors can have a significant bearing on costs. It is important to specify exactly what users' conferencing requirements are. Cutting down on bells and whistles, which are not really being used, can help in reducing costs significantly.

Audio Conferencing Education

Audio conferencing has been a useful communication method for delivering information to other people, especially students who participate in distance education. Audio conferencing gives students in remote areas access to great instructors willing to reach out to those in need.

Schools may choose to buy audio conferencing facilities or rent time through a service link provider, called a bridge. The bridge allows people in different locations to connect with each other at a cheaper price.

Among the advantages of using audio conferencing in implementing distance education are its interactive nature, cheap cost, expandability and capability. Audio conferencing allows the learner and the lecturer to discuss topics in real-time, even when the participants are in different places. Audio conferencing is also relatively inexpensive compared to other means of conducting distance education, such as teleconferencing. The technical design of audio conferencing also works when combined with other forms of media. These tools may include, but are not limited to, computers and printers. Lastly, most audio conferencing applications can handle many lines per session.

Aside from distance education, audio conferencing is also used in another type of education called professional development workshops. Professional development workshops serve as a tool to improve the knowledge of employees about the job they are doing. This extra education is an investment in the work force that keeps companies competitive. Audio conferencing in such workshops is applicable when the topic for the workshop can be discussed without visuals.

In either case, audio conferencing should not be misconstrued as a simple telephone call in which a lecturer teaches distance education students or a workshop facilitator discusses topics with company employees.

Audio Conferencing Technical Papers

Technical papers in audio conferencing are useful in providing technical explanations to audio conferencing users. This also serves as a venue for scientists to establish areas for improvement in audio conferencing technology.

Technical papers created for users usually contain four sections. The first is an overview of the architecture. It discusses the overall network design of the audio conferencing application. The second section deals with requirements such as bandwidth and hardware. The third may deal with security installation. This is particularly important for users who use audio conferencing to discuss very confidential or sensitive matters. Lastly, the paper may also feature accessibility information.

Other technical papers are used to further the goals of software companies. For instance, a leading operating system company called for papers to discuss the possibility of setting up audio conferencing systems using the latest release of its operating system. These papers were later presented in a series of meetings in which both technical and professional leaders participated.

Technical papers may be found in various community or national libraries. But a more popular source of these papers is the Internet. There are a number of Web sites that feature technical papers. These sites provide a downloadable version of the technical paper in PDF format. An abstract is also provided for each technical paper.

Web Conferencing Services

An increasing number of companies are now present in the Web conferencing marketing. Some of the leading names include Cisco, GoToMeeting, IBM, Oracle, Batipi, Centra, Elluminate, Genesys, iLinc, Intercall, Interwise, iVocalize, Voxwire Web Conferencing, Linktivity,Raindance Communications, Macromedia, LiveOffice, Netspoke, OpenSpace-Online, WebDialogs, WiredRed amongst several others. In 2003, Microsoft acquired a company called PlaceWare which offered Web conferencing software and renamed it Microsoft Office Live Meeting. It also began phasing out support for NetMeeting.

Refurbished Audio Conferencing Equipment

Refurbished audio conferencing equipment is an appealing alternative for those who cannot afford to buy brand new audio conferencing equipment.

Overhauled audio conferencing equipment, in general, costs less than 60% of the selling prices of brand new audio conferencing equipment. This refurbished audio conferencing equipment is usually sold with a one-year warranty.

Headsets are one of the most popular pieces of refurbished audio conferencing equipment sold today. Because headsets are the most frequently used audio conferencing equipment, some parts usually break down after some time. Audio conferencing facilitators usually prefer buying refurbished headsets because these tools are not expected to last more than two years, especially in an environment where headsets are used more than four times a week.

To locate other available refurbished audio conferencing equipment, you may want to surf the Web sites of companies that sell such equipment. There are even companies that offer online quotes for refurbished equipment to make sure that you get the best deal. You just need to enter the details of the equipment you are looking for along with your contact information and personal details. The company personnel will send the quote via electronic mail or give you a call to discuss available stock.

Renovated audio conferencing equipment actually comes from other users who decided to sell their once-faulty equipment. They sell this to companies who offer to pay a set price for this equipment, granted that the equipment is still in a 'restorable' state. These refurbishing companies then fix the defective equipment and sell it afterwards for a reasonable price.

Web Conferencing

Web conferencing is an Internet-based technology that facilitates the sharing of just about any audio and visual medium in a conference. This includes everything from presentations to polling facilities to product demonstrations and Web tours. Using Web conferencing, groups of people from around the world can work collaboratively on a document, blueprint or a drawing without leaving their desks. For example, an engineering team in Detroit can participate in a new car design review held in London, while discussing the new design with an advertising agency in New York.

The term 'Web conferencing' was earlier used mainly for text-based group communications or discussions over a Web space known as a message board. But now it has evolved to refer to live or synchronous meetings. This technology dates back to the 1990s when the Web was first used for conferences using instant messaging techniques. Microsoft NetMeeting is one of the earliest examples of Web conferencing software that allowed users to collaborate in real time.

A conferencing service provider usually offers Web conferencing as a service. The application software is hosted on the service provider's server and is made available to customers either as a per seat basis or on usage basis. Some service providers allow their large customers to install the applications on their own servers. Conferencing software that operates on a peer-to-peer basis such as Instant Messengers is also available but its functionality is limited and restricted to small groups.

A large number of service providers and vendors are now present in the conferencing market

Web Conferencing Solutions

Web conferencing solutions allow participants to share information in the form of files, applications or PowerPoint presentations – they can even poll. The participants usually sit at their desks and share information either through an interactive whiteboard or through text messaging. They can also speak to each other using a normal phone or a Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone and even share videos via Web cams.

Some of the most popular Web conferencing solutions are Microsoft Office Live Meeting, Genesys Meeting Center, Raindance Web Conferencing Pro Seminar, and WebEx Meeting Center. All of them offer tools considered as standard. These include Web-based PowerPoint presentations, chat, document sharing and annotation, whiteboarding and application sharing. However, they differ in terms of their multimedia features, meeting management tools, and integration with telephone conferencing.

Genesys and WebEx have the capabilities to show slide transitions, play the audio and video integrated with presentation, and allow live videoconferencing. These solutions also allow the connection of the name of the conference participants with the telephone numbers they used to dial in so that presenters can easily mute, un-mute and dismiss callers through a Web based console.

Providing Service and Support through Audio Conferencing Web Services

Audio conferencing web technology and video conferencing web
technology have taken away the barrier to personalized service
and voice-to-voice or face-to-face communications that internet
business presents while enabling the sharing of files and
materials over the internet to facilitate communications.

Phone conferencing has long been recognized as a tool that
enables people in various geographic locations to communicate
effectively in group settings. Audio conferencing web services
have intensified and improved upon the benefits of phone
conferencing adding a greater range of features for conducting
conference calls and communications. Video conferencing web
services add even more personalization opportunities for long-
distance communications.

Audio conferencing web technology or video conferencing web
services can be used to conduct sales presentations, to hold
service calls, to provide training and technical support, and to
hold meetings of any kind.

There are quite a few audio conferencing web services and video
conferencing web services to choose from. Different service
providers offer various options for audio conferencing web and
video conferencing services.

Some require that conferences be preset with invitations to the
conference sent out while others enable you to instantly set-up
and conduct audio conferencing web meetings or video conferences
without making advance arrangements.

Real-time audio conferencing web capabilities and video
conferencing web capabilities, desktop sharing, internet voice
options, and collaboration services such as transferring of files
are all features of video and audio conferencing web services
that have the potential of improving sales processes, customer
service, technical support, training, and communications for your
internet-based business.

Global availability of the video and audio conferencing web
services is something else to consider when selecting a video or
audio conferencing web service provider.

Using video or audio conferencing web services can improve your
productivity and levels of service as well as providing instant
cost savings. Because the use of video and audio conferencing web
services eliminates the need for travel for the purpose of
communicating face-to-face, making presentations, holding

How Anybody Can Make Money From Conferencing Using Web Video Phone Technology

Never before in the history of mankind has it been so easy to make money online, thanks mainly to the wonderful new web video conferencing technology. In fact anybody in virtually any line of business can use this new communication tool to make a bundle for themselves.

In a moment I will tell you exactly how to do it but first it is important to understand exactly what video web conferencing is. This is an online system of interaction, which uses high quality audio and video capabilities as well as digital compression technology to make possible real-time and remote face-to-face conferencing. All one needs to do is to enable a PC that has Internet access. With web conferencing you can speak directly to people who will see your every movement and expression as well as hear what you have to say. You can do a presentation and then follow it up with a question and answer session. You can even ask for the views of your audience. In other words this kind of "virtual meeting" is just like a real thing, only better because in this case you are able to meet and discuss with persons based in remote and distant places as well as those in the same city where you live, all at the same time.

Use Web Video Conferencing To Eliminate The Great Obstacle To Making Money Online

Audio Conferencing and Its Uses

Audio conferencing is helping a wide variety of establishments. It is helping them reach out to geographically separated people. As a result, these establishments are also saving on cost and time. Quite often you have difficulties in scheduling your professional events. This occurs because of conflicts in various departments. These could be conflicts pertaining to schedules, geographically separated venues, time differences between countries, the time that it takes to travel, hotel accommodations, and other logistics related issues.

On browsing the Internet, we can find many schools that are offering distance learning courses. Microsoft offers their Windows-based MCP training through distance learning. This has solved several problems, which would inevitably have appeared if professionals and other students had to physically be present at the classes.

Within the communication technology available today, audio conferencing is considered to be a lower form of interactive technology. Nevertheless, audio conferencing does offer great opportunities. Audio conferencing is extensively used in distant professional development programs and helps in communication over long distances.

Web Conferencing Services: Meetings in Cyberspace

Many firms today are looking to cut costs wherever they can. Annual meetings, trainings, product launches, employee meetings and other similar corporate events are traditionally expensive propositions. Web conferencing services can reduce the costs of these meetings and gatherings drastically.

A web conference allows groups of individuals in different locations to have online meetings and discussions via the world wide web. Large corporations, small businesses, families and educational institutions are all taking advantage of this new form of communication. However, most web conferencing is currently done in the business sector.

Utilizing web conferencing services reduces lateness and absenteeism to company meetings, since the meetings are easier and quicker to attend. Employees can view the web cast at a common location or at their own personal computers, depending on how the conference is configured. Additionally, materials and information can be shared equally, making participation more uniform and useful.

Companies that specialize in providing web conferencing services abound on the internet. There is a software and application for almost every size business, and prices vary as widely as the sophistication of the software. Most companies charge per minute, per person, or on a flat rate basis, so be sure to review the rate structure as it pertains to your business.

Some of the companies that provide web conferencing services limit themselves to Windows and Internet Explorer, but others are expanding into Firefox and some of the other browsers. Webex works with the Internet Explorer browser and Windows and is one of the most popular web conferencing services out there. You may also want to check out other providers who charge a flat monthly fee like eBoardroom Suite at about $250 per month if you are planning on heavy utilization.

Microsoft Office LiveMeeting offers any user visiting its website a free 2 week trial. You can have your first web meeting on them. The trial includes meetings with up to 10 attendees for the first 14 days, the ability to embed a web page into your meetings and have all of the participants view it, application sharing and live polling capabilities. After the free trial, you may decide to purchase the software or go with another carrier. With their full software you can even choose to record or archive your meeting.

Whatever software you choose, investigate costs carefully. Price plans vary widely, so decide how you'll be using the software in advance and choose a plan that will allow you the most access at the least cost. Since some plans charge per participant and others charge per minute, preplanning and choosing the correct plan can make web conferencing services a bargain!

Virtual Classrooms

A Virtual Classrooms or VCR is a learning environment that exists exclusively in the form of digital content that is stored, and accessed through network of computers and information systems like PDAs, notebooks, mobiles etc.

Physical or Virtual Classrooms?

The manner in which a teacher delivers educational material remains an important factor in the success of both classrooms. Though both the classrooms employ similar learning theory, curriculum design and pedagogy, live face-to-face interaction is missing in the VCR method, which may have a negative influence.

May be the solution is the blended method where physical classroom training is combined with the virtual classroom training, thus accommodating a wider range of student needs.

VCR Tools

The important communication/participation VCR tools are

E-mail
Discussion boards
Chat rooms
Whiteboards
Video/audio conferencing

Instant messaging
Podcasting/vodcasting
Teleconferencing

Weblogs
Wikis

These tools can be further divided into two methods of learning Synchronous and Asynchronous learning.

Synchronous VCR Learning

Asynchronous VCR Learning

Asynchronous learning or communication does not occur in real-time, students or teachers are not present in the same space and time as each other. The instructions are delivered at one time and the work is done at a different time. Asynchronous learning allows the student to study at their own space and in their own time, plus both the teacher and the student benefit from because the entire discussion is recorded and can be repeated continuously. E-mail, discussion groups, whiteboards, wikis, weblogs, and forums are all Asynchronous learning tools.

Conclusion

The virtual classroom transcends the boundaries of location, time and space providing a flexible learning environment for all. Schools, universities and corporate organizations benefit form VCR Learning because it provides an excellent way for experts to teach a geographically dispersed group of students without hassle.

Video Conferencing Basics

Video conferencing ingredients: The main ingredients of successful video conferencing are video cameras, microphones, appropriate computer software and computer equipment and peripherals that will integrate with the transmission lines to relay the information.

The problem faced was in video conferencing was that when we convert analog to digital for transmission then it is the loss in clarity of image. The most important factor in video conferencing is the compression ratio. The higher the compression ratio, the more quickly the information is capable of being transmitted. In many cases, however, this also means some loss in clarity or audio/video quality.

What You Need To Know About Conferencing

Globalization and the integration of the world economy have now made it possible for people and companies to tap into new markets around the globe. This means that in their search for new clients, people in business need to travel to as many places as they can. However, the search for new clients does not stop at the initial business meeting, as constant communication needs to be maintained between businesses as they enter into a business relationship.

Types of conferencing solutions

Today, there are three conferencing solutions that businesses can use for their communications needs. One of these is Audio Conferencing, which utilizes PBX systems that bridges two speakerphones wherein the participants of the conference can hold the meeting right at their respective conference rooms. Among all the types of conferencing technologies, audio conferencing has been around the longest and it utilizes comparatively simple technology.

Another type of conferencing solution is Video Conferencing, wherein an added feature of having video technology is added to the conference call. Although these types of conference calls are a little more expensive than audio conferencing, most businesses still use them as it can greatly enhance the conferencing experience. The most modern among these technologies is Web Conferencing, wherein desktop computers that are hooked to the Internet are used to hold the conference. This option is becoming very popular as it provides additional features at very low costs.

Video Conferencing Pros and Cons

Video conferencing solutions allow participants in a meeting to see and hear each other, making for an interactive conference. Video conferencing is also used for educational training, surveillance, emergency response and security. When video conferencing is used correctly, it has a significant effect on the way people do business and the success of the business. Decisions can be made faster and deals sealed quicker. This enables you to stay in front of your competitors.

Another obvious benefit of using video conferencing is that it allows people, especially business owners, to meet with their clients from any location, This obviously saves a great deal of time and money that can be better spent for educational training, etc. Video conferencing is also used to provide customer service and for sales.

Unfortunately, with the pluses that come with video conferencing, there are some limitations. This sophisticated technology requires months to design a network and install conferencing equipment. The initial cost is very high. A conference room has to be available for the video system to be installed, and the system might be underutilized. Also, the system itself will need at least one staff person to run the technical part of any conference. This could also be an under utilization of staff time.

Professional Web Conferencing

Web conferencing can increase important communication through immediate association, document sharing, video sharing and presentations to large audiences with the help of slide shows. Two or more individuals can conduct a meeting over the Internet using this technology. Common applications of professional web conferencing include software demonstrations, product launches, marketing seminars, sales presentations, employee orientation and training, staff meetings, human resource broadcasts, product launches, new product training, shareholder meetings and distance learning.

Basically, anyone can conduct a professional web conference -- all that is needed is a computer with a Java-enabled browser, a phone and an Internet connection of 56 kbps minimum. It helps people to stream audio/video, use web-based chat technology, share documents or use Voice over IP (VoIP). Web-casting is a type of web conferencing where a live event is recorded and streamed over the Internet, or archived for viewing after some time.

Professional web conferencing software may be purchased from a reseller. One can also work with a full service vendor, who will provide the software as well as the planning, marketing and production of a specific event. This helps to execute the process effectively.

Technological Developments in Conferencing

In addition to having the combined features of transmitting audio and video signals, web conferencing has other features that make it superior. Participants share desktop applications like documents, presentations, spreadsheets, etc. during a web conference. Web conferencing has a white board function that allows participants to make presentations and illustrations during the meeting. During a web conference, participants can be totally interactive.

Hotels with Video Conferencing

Video conferencing allows people to communicate over the Internet. It enables two or more persons in different places to engage in face-to-face audio or video interaction. Hotels with video conferencing facilities benefit people who spend considerable time traveling and meeting customers, suppliers or business partners. Hiring a hall in a hotel with a video conferencing facility can help to save time and expense. The main advantage of video conferencing is that it can reduce the need for travel.

Many hotels provide meeting rooms with facilities for video conferencing. These hotels offer video conferencing equipment on rent from their audio/visual provider.

You can hold a business conference or invite key people to speak to your audience no matter where they are located. People who are far away can be seen and heard clearly, in live video format. Video conferencing can be used for holding meetings, conducting interviews and giving lectures. Hotels with video conferencing facilities hire leading companies for technical support.

Video conferencing can be classified into point-to-point conferencing and multipoint conferencing. Point to point conferencing is basically a communication link between two locations. Multipoint conferencing is a communication link between more than two locations. Multipoint conferencing can be further classified into, LAN and Multi Control Unit (MCU). LAN provides a link between different groups or locations. In the MCU environment, audio and video signals can be connected to one or more conferences simultaneously.