With the high cost of travel today, many businesses are using the Internet to hold live meetings or presentations across the country or world.
In a web conference, each participant sits at his or her own computer and is connected to other participants via the internet. This can be either a downloaded application on each of the attendees' computers or a web-based application where the attendees will simply go to a website address to join the conference.
Features
The following is a list of features to look for if you are considering trying a Web Conferencing tool.
- Invitation Tools allow you to invite a participant through an email notification and some can send events to desktop calendars.
- Slide presentations often created through PowerPoint
- Live video via webcam or digital video camera
- VoIP Real time audio communication through the computer via use of headphones and speakers
- Recording for viewing at a later time by anyone using a unique web address.
- Whiteboard with annotation allowing the presenter and/or attendees to highlight or mark items on the slide presentation. Or, simply make notes on a blank whiteboard.
- Text chat for live question and answer sessions
- Screen, desktop, application sharing where participants can view anything the presenter currently has shown on their screen. Some screen sharing applications allow for remote desktop control, allowing participants to manipulate the presenters screen.
Costs
The cost of these services or applications vary. Fees may be based on a monthly/yearly subscription or on the number of users. Many offer free trial periods.
Popular Web Conferencing Softwares
Some of the most popular web conferencing tools include:
Dimdim - http://www.dimdim.com
- Free unlimited meetings for up to 20 users
- $99 per year for 100 users
WebEx Meet Me Now - http://meetmenow.webex.com/
- $39 per month
- unlimited meetings for up to 10 users
Citrix Go-To-Meeting - http://www.gotomeeting.com
- $49 per month
- unlimited meetings for up to 15 users