Toll Free Audio Video Teleconferencing No Surprises Please

Writen by Roy Copeland

Another very important consideration to take into account is the ease of use of the teleconferencing system relative to the skill level and motivation of your employees. It have one thing to have a Ferrari, but if no can drive it is kind of pointless don't you think?

Therefore do not ever overestimate the amount of training, which is equal to the money and time and also opportunity costs in lost productivity in the short term, if you pick something that is way too complicated to be in use on a regular basis.

On a similar note to the ease-of-use, you want to make sure that the system is easy to install as well. I suppose this is relative to the quality of the technicians and the personnel that you have on staff. However, yes, you need to ask them to the review the system if it is feasible to install and implement seamlessly with the rest of the organization.

Most teleconferencing companies and services offer at least trial period for a while where you and your organization can test out the features such as durability, reliability, scalability, availability and ease-of-use during live test runs. This way nothing is left to the imagination- you know right away whether or not the system will work for you or not. If in the event there no qualified staff on hand to help you out, they may even provide you with a checklist of things to look for during your live test runs the will help you ensure that nothing slips through the cracks, and that you do not find any hidden surprises later on.

Toll free audio video teleconferencing products will help you get started asap. Follow the link to http://www.totalteleconference.com for more.

How Web Conferencing Works And How Much It Costs

Writen by Amit Laufer

Comparing to the savings on travel, time and energy the cost of Web Conference Calls is dirt cheap.

There are many conferencing solution providers and it's difficult to distinguish between them. These service providers take care of all the technical stuff. The users left to deal with simple codes like: * and then 2 to get connected etc'.

Basically, there are two pricing models, a subscription per month, usually ranges From $ 25 per month for up to 5 people Plus initial one time $ 30 set up fees and up to $150 per month for up to 20 people plus the set up fees.

The other model is charging per minute per participant not including international calls charges. The rates can vary for local line anywhere between $0.12 - $ 0.40 per minute per participant.

Skype company is using telephony technology of voice over IP to connect users internationally for almost nothing ( 0.03 Euro per minute per caller), it can help to connect up to 500 users in a high speed conference call.

One CEO of large corporation estimated that Web Conference Calls technology is saving his organization more than 40 million dollars per year on travel and accommodations alone.

Web Conference Calls is taking advantage of the Internet's two most notable qualities of sharing information and connecting people from around the globe.

In spite of all the above I must mention though, that there are some aspects of human interaction that web conferencing cannot imitate and replace, these are things like firm hand shake, a hug, an eye contact, a real nice smile, the perfume odor, the impression of a persons' body language, the eating lunch together, drinking beer together and some other small human gestures that build real genuine trust between people.

In addition, some of the trainings seminars that included traveling abroad were a compensation rewards for employees by their employers and served as a change of environment and refreshment for the employees.

=======This Resource box must be included with the Article copy!======

Amit Laufer is a Writer and an Internet Marketer. MBA - International Trade & Finance. Bsc. Computers and Information Systems.

Owner Editor of: Web Conference Calls

(C) Copyrights 2006: http://www.web-conference-call.com

Free Trial Conference Calls Try Before You Buy

Writen by Richard Rojas

There are many consumer products that we are allowed to try out before purchasing. We test drive cars, we try on clothing and footwear, and we can even taste small samples of food at the grocery store. So why not do the same for conference calling solutions?

Fortunately, most conference call services provide a free trial for their services. Many others provide demos. However, there's really no substitute for using a service as you would in an actual business setting.

One thing to be aware of is that many of the free trial conference calls require that you provide your credit card information when signing up for the free trial. They will not charge your card during the free conference call trial period. However, you then will need to cancel your subscription before the trial period expires or your card will be charged for the next billing cycle of the conference call service. This usually isn't a problem provided you remember to cancel the service if you don't wish to become a long-term subscriber.

Once subscribed to the free trial conference call service, you should take advantage of the opportunity. Put the conference calling service through its paces. Spend some time on the vendor's Website learning about the features of the service. Then recruit some participants from your organization to help evaluate the service by taking part in a conference call.

It helps to have a checklist of the features you want to test out. If the service allows you to share applications over the Web, then make sure that the participants are set up for this. Make note of how intuitive the user interface and instructions for using the service are.

Also observe how responsive the data stream is, especially if using video as part of the conferencing service. Of course a great deal depends on the bandwidth of your connection to the Internet, but the load on the conferencing service's servers will also influence responsiveness. Time of day and demand will also impact throughput.

In order to keep things manageable you should probably take on one free trial conference call evaluation at a time. It may prove helpful to setup several conference call sessions with each service to get used to the service and try out all of its features. Of course, if after the first session you realize that the service just won't work for you, then by all means, cancel your free trial and move on to the next free trial conference call evaluation.

As more businesses look to increase opportunities for collaboration with employees and partners and to better connect with prospects and customers, they will be turning to conferencing solutions. It pays to make the investment in time and effort to evaluate potential conferencing solutions. The service provider offers the free trial conference call, but it's up to you to take advantage of it.

Richard R. Rojas covers the telecommunications industy and writes about business conference calls technology trends and services.

Web Conferencing 101 The Future Of Meetings Starts Here

Writen by Frederick Valencia

Simply put, web conferencing is conducting meetings using the internet.

With web conferencing, attendees can share presentations and other contents of their desktop. This type of collaboration can be extremely effective when used for salesforce training or demonstrations to large, scattered groups. Web conferencing usually includes interactive chat, Powerpoint presentations, streaming audio and video, and other implements.

Let's say we both want to meet to talk about a very important topic. I live in Australia while you in the US. Instead of spending thousands of dollars on travel cost alone, we can have a cheap and highly productive meeting right here, right now. How?

Go to your computer. Connect to the internet. Join a meeting. And that's it! We're already conferencing. It's that easy. Anytime two persons or more hold a meeting over the internet, that's what we call web conferencing.

It all starts with a software that the conference host downloads and installs on his computer. For a serious piece of communication software, web conferencing programs nowadays are amazingly small and unnoticeable. They will continue to get tinier as the years or even months go by.

Then the host begins inviting participants to attend the meeting. Most if not all web conferencing services I've seen have a built-in system of announcing to attendees in advance thru email.

To join a meeting, each participant should first download and install a little program of their own, at times even smaller than what the host is using. Or better yet, some setups don't even require attendees including the host to download and install any kind of software (web browser-based).

Generally, once all the partakers have done their part in setting up their computers for web conferencing, what's left is for each partaker to type in a few keystrokes, click the mouse button and begin conferencing. Typically, the entire process of setting up a web conference from ground zero will take around 15 minutes for the host and about 10 minutes for each member. After the one-time setup, subsequent meetings will commence in less than 5 minutes for everyone.

Basic web conferencing allows you to "text chat" with any or all of the attendees. If that's not enough, you can use toll-free lines to add voice communication for that all-important clarity of thought. Yes, you read it right. There are companies offering toll-free lines just for conferencing.

But even voice connection can be web-based too. It's possible thru VoIP or Voice Over Internet Protocol. This technology uses the internet, not regular phone lines, as it delivers your voice to one or all participants.

Although web conferencing will never replace face-to-face or mission-critical meetings, you should at least explore its practical uses for you and your organization. Give it a test run and witness the breakthrough efficiency of having that all important collaboration called web conferencing.

Frederick Valencia is a Netrepreneur, Writer and Owner Editor of Cheap-Web-Conferencing.com, your Definitive Guide for direct to the point information about Affordable Web Conferencing Solutions.

Be Confused No More A Definition Of Video Conferencing

Writen by Jon Butt

You forever hear the term but do you really understand it? The definition of video conferencing can be stated as the integration of audio, video and peripherals for the simultaneous communication of two or more persons who are connected by a particular telecommunication line.

In video conferencing, synchronized images and verbal communication are transmitted between two or more locations. Now that we have videoconferencing defined, how does videoconferencing work?

Why Video Conferencing Works For Many

For video conferencing to work, you would need microphones, video cameras, the necessary computer software, hardware and peripherals, along with the transmission lines for sending video conferencing information amongst video conferencing participants.

When holding a video conferencing event, a codec translates the analog information received by the microphones and video cameras into digital information, which is then transmitted to another codec that translates the digital information back to the original sounds and images, which the video conferencing participants can understand.

Video conferencing used to be more expensive than it is today, because T1, ATM and ISDN lines were used for video conferencing, and all of these were very costly. However, the emergence of the Internet has provided a cheaper solution for video conferencing, using web video conferencing. As a result, video conferencing has become more present in small businesses.

The problem with video conferencing is that the conversion of information from analog to digital format can result in the decreased video quality. The compression ratio is the most important factor in video conferencing. The higher the compression ratio, the faster the video conferencing information is transmitted, but the lower the video quality.

Video conferencing can be used for communication among groups of people. Video conferencing is also very useful in education. Video conferencing can make learning more fun, and video conferencing can work for different learning styles. Video conferencing also allows experts from remote places to talk in classes.

Video conferencing is the wave of the future. Make video conferencing work for you, know more about video conferencing, and make a step forward on improving your conferencing services.

When the subject of conferencing is confusing so many, Jon Butt's site at http://www.conferencing-explained.com does exactly what it says on the tin. Explaining the facts and fiction about web, video, audio and teleconferencing, how this latest technology can save you money, the equipment you need or don't need, the best call plans and where to find the best prices and value online

Video Conferencing Guide Learn About Video Conferencing

Writen by Sardool Sikandar

Video conferencing allows people at two or more locations to interact through two-way transmission at the same time. Video conferencing is also known as video teleconferencing or visual collaboration. Users require a computer, web cam, microphone, and a broadband connection to participate in videoconference. They can generate natural conversations by seeing and hearing each other. Videoconference of two persons is known as point-to-point while the conference of more than two people is called multipoint conference.

Videoconferencing is very useful way of communication because it saves money as well as time. People can do several business activities or meetings with two or more persons while sitting at office table. They don't need to go anywhere to meet someone. Basic requirements for video conferencing are guaranteed latency, synchronization and broadcast. It enables people to have face-to-face meetings from a wide distance. Prices of teleconferencing are generally less than costs of travel. It's an easy way to hold meetings, conduct interviews, give lectures and address employees.

Video conferencing is the best way of communication in medical, legal and educational fields. Normally there are three ways such as computer-based system, desktop system and studio-based system to set up a videoconference. There is a limited field of vision in Computer-based system that is why it is the cheapest way of video conferencing. Desktop system improves the quality of audio and video transmission due to dedicated hardware installed on the computer. Most expensive method of video conferencing is studio-based system that offers best quality conferencing. It is mostly used in large-scale companies and universities. Studio-based system is just like a room that is fully equipped with control systems, document viewers, overhead cameras, vision switchers and slide viewers.

An organization, company, educational facility or individual requires some basic components to take complete advantages of video conferencing. Necessary equipment for videoconferencing is camera that lets user to capture video information at his or her site and transmit to someone on the other site. Video display is used to display video at their site and a microphone to hear the audio material.

Videoconferencing terminals require a compressor/decompressor interface that helps in compressing the information while passing from audio to video to make transmission of materials sufficient over net. It is useful in sending the large files from one computer to another. Codec machine also works for decoding and encoding the useful information. A computer and high-speed Internet connection are essential for a successful video conferencing. High-speed Internet connection makes your video conferencing effective and interesting.

Video conferencing is reliable and an excellent method of communication. Videoconference can easily connect you with other companies. You can generate your business from one place and give instructions to your subordinates. It makes bright future for your business and institution. This pioneering technology keeps your company up to date.

Video conferencing is currently an affordable way of communication. A large range of videoconference units is available in the market. Buyers should check company expansion and system compatibility while choosing the best video conferencing unit.

About Author: The Author owns a website on Video Conferencing. The website provides useful information about video conferencing. For more information you can visit his site about Web Conferencing

Video Conferencing And Education

Writen by Frank Owen

How Video Conferencing Can Support Education

Video conferencing technology is all the rage among corporations. Recently educational facilities have begun taking advantage of video conferencing technology to support learning and education. Video conferencing equipment can help facilitate instruction and provide distant learners with a host of resources and access to content providers, teachers, librarians and more.

More and more teachers are adopting video conferencing as a method of enhanced communication and instruction. Many California schools are using video conferencing to connect with one another and produce networks carrying large volumes of video and text data to educational facilities, teachers and students. Other people that benefit from video conferencing technology include librarians who can use video conferencing to develop strategies, provide resources and improve the quality of their service and delivery.

Video conferencing And Learning

Video conferencing facilitates learning by allowing remote or distant learners to meet regardless of their location. Students can take classes at multiple universities. In essence classes that are not available at one location may be available at another through video conferencing. Video conferencing can also benefit non traditional students who are not able to attend classes during normal hours.

Video conferencing can also be used as a career or employee training tool. Many colleges are now collaborating with local businesses to offer students certification and business training. Expert subject matter delivered from individuals in the field is easily delivered to students using this new technology. Student can also take advantage of mentoring services offered by companies in distant locations using video conferencing technology. The possibilities are virtually endless.

Article by Frank Owen, visit his web site on video conferencing for more information on video conferencing http://www.videoconferencinginsider.com

Video Conferencing Choosing A Camera That Is Best For You

Writen by Dan Richmond

When you think of video conferencing you probably picture a webcam perched on a computer or monitor recording your image and sending it out to the world. While webcams are most frequently used by online conference participants, it is also possible to get the work done with a digital video camera. Which webcam or digital video camera you opt for depends on your needs. Here are some points to consider when making your selection.

Webcams

Nowadays, web cams can be found for under $20 and go all the way up to $150. The difference between the high end cameras and the starter web cams are usually due to the quality of image that is put out.

First, take a look at the resolution of the camera. Ideally you should get a webcam that can produce at least a 640x480 resolution.

Then check how many frames per second the camera can handle. For video conferencing the ideal level is 30 frames per second (fps).

Finally, find out what kind of sensor the camera uses. The better web cams use CCD technology instead of CMOS. Also, remember that most webcams connect to computers with a USB cable.

Digital Video Cameras

For an even better result (sharper and faster images), you can use digital video cameras. These are the same devices that are used to record home movies, etc. Digital video cameras start as low as $250 and go up to thousands of dollars. In order to use a digital video camera, you need to make sure that the device supports a USB or a Firewire output and that it can be used as a webcam and connect you with online applications.

Whether you use a webcam or a digital video camera depends on the type of conferencing that you will be doing.

If you're meeting in a manner in which the quality of the video is not too important, then a lower end webcam will probably suffice. However, if you need quality video, then a higher end webcam, or even a digital video camera will be required.

If you'll be in a conference room setting, in which you need to get more than one person on camera, a digital video camera with tilt/pan/zoom capabilities will work best.

Firewire digital video cameras provide images that are so nice that you can see the second hand of a watch sweep by. You can also see details of products and items that normal webcams simply cannot provide. This is because firewire handles the processing of video much better than USB does, allowing for smoother images and better quality.

When you are out shopping for webcams, take a look at Logitech products. They are one of the leaders in this field and have a wide variety of models. They offer great products at reasonable prices. For digital video cameras, Canon offers a good selection and devices of excellent quality.

So, consider your needs and your budget and then find a webcam or a digital video camera that is best for you.

Dan Richmond is Co-founder of MegaMeeting.com. MegaMeeting provides web & video conferencing services for individuals & businesses. For more information, please call 818.783.4311 or Visit http://www.MegaMeeting.com.

Audio Conferences

Writen by Kevin Stith

Meetings and conferences will never be the same again! Gone are the days where meetings could only be conducted when everyone involved was present at a proposed venue, properly attired and mentally equipped to deal with the possibility of spending at least half the day in the meeting. Meetings and conferences have now become hassle-free, less mundane, less rigid and less time-consuming, thanks to the innovative method of audio conferencing.

Audio conferencing, also known as teleconferencing or tele-seminar, is a method of holding conferences and meetings using a telephone or computer as the medium of communication. With the help of an audio device attached to something common as the telephone, a meeting consisting of more than 5 people can be held anywhere and anytime.

The biggest advantage of audio conferencing is that it can take place no matter where you are, so long as you have access to the phone. There is no need to be dressed up in your office suit since you will be there without actually 'being there.' This is a great avenue, especially for bosses who are away for business trips and need to hold urgent meetings with their people; it also benefits those who work from home.

Audio conferencing is not only for business purposes, even though this is its most common use. This method of communication can also used for entertainment; for example, to chat with friends or family who are scattered in different parts of the country or even in different parts of the world!

The important thing to remember is that all participants should be aware of the time of the conference and the numbers which they are supposed to dial into. It would also be beneficial if the participants are well-informed of the topic of discussion in order to avoid confusion and prolonged meetings, since most audio conferences are meant to finish at a shorter time.

Audio Conferences provides detailed information on Audio Conferences, Audio Conference Calls, Audio Conference Companies, Audio Conference Services and more. Audio Conferences is affiliated with Online Audio Conferencing .

Telephone Conferencing Evolution In The Web

Writen by Diane Parker

The Need To Communicate

The need for businesses to communicate both internally and with each other has always been great. Successful transactions cannot be completed without communication - so much relies upon it; decent customer service; placing orders; winning new business.

As global markets have emerged with multinational organizations and twenty-four hour trading the need to find a reliable and cost effective method of communicating on a worldwide level has grown too. Logistical problems such as different time zones, busy schedules and a need to quite literally be in at least two places at once has commanded a software application that can tackle these difficulties.

First there was teleconferencing where two or more participants could engage in verbal communication over the telephone. Certainly an effective means of conversing but, as we all know, dealing with a person face to face is far more preferable. Body language conveys so much more than just a voice alone.

Trace it back, and you will find the roots of web conferencing in localized intranet systems. Document sharing and collaborative working was developed from this and the software for these systems was developed further still.

The development of the internet and its capabilities - greater bandwidth capacities, for example - made web conferencing a viable method of communication and developers forged ahead with refining their systems.

The expansion of the internet saw not only big players trading in the global markets but small and medium organizations also found themselves trading with partners across the globe. The need for effective methods of communication had to address the needs of all potential users, from multi-nationals to home-workers.

Web conferencing applications have now reached a sophisticated level. Going beyond the brief of providing a virtual meeting place, some applications now provide fully interactive capabilities, document and file sharing and the ability to communicate with not just one, but hundreds of participants at the same time.

Where Does The Future Lie?

Of course, refinement of web conferencing applications is ongoing. As a relatively new phenomenon, there is plenty scope for developers to enhance and improve their software packages. The needs of businesses are constantly changing and the shift in trend towards home rather than office-based employment will place a higher demand still for virtual meeting facilities.

It is hard to predict the future of web conferencing. There are so many avenues this exciting technology could explore. The popularity of mobile technology - cell phones, laptops and hand-held computers, for example - provide the software developers with new challenges. An increasingly mobile workforce demands software that will work for them rather than them having to work round the technology.

The web conferencing market place is become increasingly competitive and providers will have to stay ahead of the game in order to survive. As it increases in popularity as a means of communication, users will become more demanding in terms of the sophistication of the software they are using. With so many routes web conferencing technology can take it will be interesting to see the diverse range of software solutions on hand to solve the communication problems of the global business community of the future.

Diane Parker is a web content writer who specializes in internet related topics. Her conferencing articles include: web conferencing software, choosing a web conferencing tool and internet conferencing.

Web Conferencing A Boon To Businesss

Writen by Denise Bridgens

It is Sunday evening and you are preparing again to go on a business trip. Monday morning the alarm goes off at 4:00 am, you drag your body and your briefcase to your car, drive to the airport, wait in a long line, get on a plane, get off a plane, and find your way to your client's office. When you finally get home Monday night, you have spent more time traveling than meeting and you have dozens of emails and several important phone calls to return.

According to leading web conferencing service providers, the typical sales cycle can be cut two to three weeks with web conferencing. Providing a virtual conference room environment, web conferencing eliminates the need to travel, linking geographically disperse workgroups and telecommuters. The return on investment for web conferencing can be measured not only in dollars and cents, but also in personnel efficiency, knowledge distribution and increased sales opportunities.

The ability to virtually link workgroups and project teams enables real-time collaboration, a task that once required lengthy email threads or face-to-face meetings.

Web conferencing enables businesses to:

• Reduce operating costs

• Minimize unnecessary travel

• Close sales and negotiate contracts faster

• Enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of communication

• Deliver clear, concise and consistent training

• Encourage real-time collaboration between distant and local co-workers

• Engage in greater levels of communication with clients and business partners

Since its inception, web conferencing usage has expanded to a number of business applications such as daily sales and marketing efforts, interaction with co-workers and customers, corporate presentations and training initiatives. Financial corporations use web conferencing for internal meetings, customer briefings, employee training, client consultations and investment workshops. Healthcare and pharmaceutical companies use Web conferencing for product promotion and marketing, sales presentations and demonstrations, and product training and development. Educational institutions use web conferencing for project teams and student workshops. And, government agencies rely on web conferencing for training and inter-agency communication.

Most organizations use outsourced web conferencing. Why? Because of the quickly changing technology, businesses opt not to invest in what could soon be obsolete. In addition, on a day-to-day basis, it is more cost effective to have web conferencing outsourced. Additional reasons include:

• Leading edge functionality provides greater levels of security, moderator control, and participant options.

• Your people can now focus on your core business, not support systems.

• The external company makes the investment in new features so that your fixed costs are reduced and your overall expenditures are lowered.

• With no capital expense, new technology can be implemented with minimal impact to the bottom line.

When beginning the search for a web conferencing solution, start with setting your objectives and determining the features you require. Here are a few basic questions that should be answered:

• How many participants do you anticipate attending your online meetings or events?

• Will the number of participants remain consistent from meeting to meeting or will the number change?

• How many meetings will be conducted each week, month, quarter? Will usage fluctuate depending on the time of the year?

• What type of content will be presented (Power Point slides, software applications, web-based applications, documents, or spreadsheets)?

• What degree of interactivity do you require (Q&A, polling/voting, application sharing, text chatting, live video, file sharing, etc.)?

• Do you want your own software or a hosted solution?

• How much technical support or event management support do you require?

• What is your monthly budget?

• Are there any special security requirements?

Once you have determined your requirements, screen a number of vendors. Visit their web site, review live demos, and seek client testimonials. Here are few suggestions for choosing a vendor:

Select a pricing model. Determine whether you want to pay-per-use (you pay only for the time you and your attendees spend in web conferences) or pay-per-seat (you pay a flat monthly fee for a certain number of "seats"). Pay-per-use pricing is the better conservative choice for most companies learning to how to use web conferencing for their business. You avoid set up charges and you don't have to monitor the number of concurrent users in order to avoid overage charges. You can always start with a pay-per-use plan and switch to a pay-per-seat plan once there is a clear, long-term financial advantage.

Get the features you need. Some web conferencing solutions only support online presentations while others offer full-featured packages that include polling, chatting, application-sharing, white boarding and group web surfing. Make sure that the product meets your needs.

Check into customer support levels. Is training and ongoing support available? What hours? Is there an extra fee? Is there a telephone number available so that you can contact a support person or is only email support offered? What are their support hours? Call each vendor's customer service number and see if you get a live person vs. a menu or voice mail. You don't want to be in a situation where an attendee has technical problems joining a critical meeting and not be able to contact a live person immediately.

Consider security requirements. Depending on the audience and the information being sharing, security may be a concern. Most solutions are secure enough and do not store meeting data any place except on the presenter's PC. Participants only see a graphical representation of the data through a standard web browser. Some services provide pass code authorization, basic encryption, and the ability to lock and unlock the meeting.

So, the next time Sunday night comes around and you are faced with another week of travel, email trails, difficulty in scheduling training and long lead times in closing sales and negotiating contracts, do yourself a favor and look into web conferencing for your business.

About The Author

Denise Bridgens has more than 20 years experience in product marketing and product management for communications and is the founder of Argo Navis IT. Argo Navis IT is a value added reseller of Premiere Conferencing services and is their exclusive Minority Women Business Enterprise partner. Premiere Conferencing has consistently led the industry in developing the most advanced conferencing solutions, fulfilling today's business-critical communications needs and delivering the highest levels of security and reliability. Argo Navis IT is headquartered in Morristown, NJ and is opening an office in a HUB zone shortly. The company contributes 10% of profits annually to battered women's shelters. To learn more about Argo Navis IT, visit their web site at www.argonavisit.com

Web Conferencing The Advantages Of A Browser Based Online Meeting System

Writen by Dan Richmond

If you are thinking about getting into web and video conferencing, then it is important to know what is required to operate any proposed conferencing system. Some systems run on proprietary software and need special equipment, while browser based systems usually do not require the installation of special software or equipment. Many organizations and individuals will find browser based solutions easier to use. Here are a few reasons why this is so:

1. They work on all operating systems. Do you have some users on Mac and some on PCs? Do you have some users who have Linux? If you want to connect all of these people together in one conference it may be impossible if you have to install special software to run your conference. In this case a browser based system that can run on all operating systems and all browsers allows you to connect with all of your staff or clientele without any worries about what kind of computer they are operating.

2. You don't have to download and install software. Sure, people are becoming more computer-literate as time goes on, but downloading and installing software and getting the software to run properly can be an obstacle to some people. The good news is that with many browser based systems there is no software to download, because the installation is done on the technology provider's host computer. Participating in a conference is as easy as going on line to view a website.

3. People anywhere in the world can go online and join the conference. With no equipment installation and no software installation to take care of, the door is open to widespread participation in your conferences. The only thing that you have to do is to notify your people and provide them with a url and a password and they can join in.

4. There is no problem with firewalls. Most offices and many individuals protect their computers and networks from hackers by using a firewall. This is good for security but can become a problem if you are trying to join people together in a conference. Many web and browser based systems are not affected by firewalls and no special instructions have to be given to conference participants whose computers may be protected by firewalls.

All of these factors add up to one very strong advantage of using browser based conferencing systems: they allow you to get maximum participation in your online events. With little or no technical obstacles, such systems make it easy for large numbers of people, using diverse equipment and with varying degrees of computer skills, to take part in online meetings. So, take a look at the various conferencing packages on the market at the present time and pick out one that is both easy to use and powerful enough to meet your communications needs.

Dan Richmond is Co-founder of MegaMeeting.com. MegaMeeting provides web & video conferencing services for individuals & businesses. For more information, please call 818.783.4311 or Visit http://www.MegaMeeting.com

How To Get Your Video Production Right The First Time

Writen by Tom Antion

I'll cut to the chase. To make your video look right, you have to wear makeup. Sorry guys, be macho if you want, but when you have a five o'clock shadow after you just shaved, don't say I didn't warn you. The harsh lights used in studios penetrate several layers of skin that would appear a lot healthier if you had just put on some powder. It gets worse… baldness seems to be highlighted by cameras for some reason, get over it and put on some makeup. Don't forget your nose and forehead, and always reapply during a break; you'll thank me later.

While we're on the vanity of things; clothes. Don't wear gaudy prints, black, red or white. When you review your video, you want to see yourself rather than your outfit.

OK, now that that is out of the way, onto cameras. You'll want preferably three cameras to ensure you have captured your speech and your audience from all angles. In order for your video to be of the best possible quality you'll want to use Beta Cam, mini DV, or at the absolute worst, SVHS or HI8. Also, to have your video look great you should use professional operators and a director if they are using multi-cameras and a control room.

Lighting is the most important element when planning a video production. I have videos that were shot on poor quality cameras, but look great thanks to the right lighting.

If the organization is doing the editing, be right there in the suite as they do it. Ultimately, no matter what you have bartered, this is your finished copy and you should have a say in what is cut and what is not.

Lastly, scatter microphones throughout the audience. This will allow you to hear real reactions without the filters of lapel microphones.

Tom Antion provides entertaining speeches and educational seminars. He is the ultimate entrepreneur, having owned many businesses BEFORE graduating college. Tom is the author of the best selling presentation skills book "Wake 'Em Up Business Presentations" and "Click: The Ultimate Guide to Electronic Marketing." It is important to Tom that his knowledge be not only absorbed, but enjoyed. This is why he delivers his speeches laced with great humor and hysterical jokes. Tom has addressed more than 87 different industries and is thoroughly committed to his client's needs.

www.antion.com

How Is Web Conferencing Used Today

Writen by Keith Derr

There are many different ways that web conferencing services are being used today.

Distance based learning, also known as E-learning is growing by leaps, and bounds today. Web conferencing software makes it real easy for students and instructors to meet in an interactive environment no matter where in the world they are. They also do not have to worry about security issues, as todays online conferencing solutions are using encryption algorithms to protect the integrity of there meets.

Business Conferencing is another area that web conferencing is becoming common place today. Companies that have offices that are located around the world can easily brainstorm with one another, securely share files, desk top sharing of live data, or just giving a presentation using PowerPoint.

This is saving companies money they would be spending on travel, and on lost productivity.

Telecommuting is another area that is hitting a big growth spike today. With more then 45 million Americans today working full or part time from the home, Studies have shown an actual increase in employee productivity when working at home, as well as a huge savings in travel time, to and from the office, and gas savings from not having to drive every day.

Web conferencing software can easily keep everyone in touch with one another just as if they were all in the same conference room together. Sharing ideas, data files, pictures, with no worry of having to use email to transmit any of these important documents.

Using it as an inter-office communications tool can also reduce the amount of email viruses that are plaguing both large and small business today. By using a secure system like this to transfer your files, you can reduce the chances of one of your employees accidently clicking on an attachment that was sent to them by some hacker or spammer. Even a 10% reduction in virus attacks today could save corporations million of dollars in lost revenue.

Sales and marketing departments can quickly, and easily hold live interactive multi-media presentations with customers, and clients located anywhere in the world, saving everyone involved travel time, and expenses.

Until recently using a web conferencing service was only affordable to large fortune 500 companies due to the costs involved but now there are alternatives to spending thousands of dollars a month for a conferencing solution that would only accommodate 100 to 200 people at a time.

Learn more at Web Conferencing Servies

Advantages And Uses Of Video Conferencing

Writen by Frank Owen

Uses of Video conferencing

Video conferencing can be used in a host of different environments, which is one of the reasons the technology is so popular. General uses for video conferencing include business meetings, educational training or instruction and collaboration among health officials or other representatives. Thus far video conferencing has been used in the following fields:

- Telemedicine
- Telecommunicatio
- Education
- Surveillance
- Security
- Emergency Response

Advantages and Benefits of Video conferencing

Perhaps the biggest advantage or benefit video conferencing has to offer is the ability to meet with people in remote locations without incurring travel expenses or other expenses associated with face to face communication. Business meetings, educational meetings, healthcare conferences and more can all be easily conducted thanks to video conferencing technology. Individuals living in remote areas can also use video conferencing to keep in touch if you will, with the world at large.

More people are easily accessed and contacted using video conferencing. Because of this technology information and knowledge are often disseminated at more rapid rates, and collaboration between people occurs more willingly and freely. Students can take advantage of video conferencing to take classes at distant locations that would normally be unavailable. They can also take classes that will accommodate busy schedules.

Video conferencing can stimulate better brainstorming, knowledge sharing and information gathering. Businesses can use video conferencing to provide presentations to key members of an organization or to solicit new clients in a professional manner, regardless of their location. The possibilities for communication are virtually endless thanks to video conferencing technologies.

Article by Frank Owen, visit his web site on video conferencing for more information on video conferencing http://www.videoconferencinginsider.com

Phone Conference Services

Writen by Alison Cole

Phone Conference Services are gaining popularity. Nowadays nobody wants to lag behind, either in terms of connectivity or in terms of business, which explains the stupendous success of the Phone Conferencing phenomenon. The success of Phone Conferencing has also translated into the Phone Conferencing Service providers going ahead in terms of providing services and adding new and enhanced features. Every now and then many new companies emerge who are ready to provide enhanced Phone Conferencing Services at a very competitive price.

Currently there are two main conference-call services that are prevailing in the market. The first is reservationless, and the second is operator-assisted service. Reservationless conferencing is the most relevant and widely used Phone Conferencing Service. It has proved to be a boon for daily users. This Phone Conferencing Service is completely computerized and is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. For this service there is no need to make any kind of reservation, as all you have to do is inform the client or person invited for conferencing about the date, time and toll-free call-in number. This service has proved to be one of the most popular among business circles, because of its additional features, such as recording and playback of conference, muting and the provision of a conference lock amongst other features.

The second Phone Conferencing Service is operator-assisted conferencing. Big corporate houses generally use this service for large and complex conferencing meetings. This service also includes modifying invitations, welcoming callers, introducing the speaker and recording the whole conference. Here, the host's team works day and night in order to make your conference successful. They generally chalk out the actual action plan prior the conference date by customizing invitations, carrying out the checking of the equipments and much more. These professional services leave no stone unturned to make your conference a success.

The ease of connectivity by transcending the limitations of space and time has led to the popularity of Phone Conferencing Services. Make sure your company has the Phone Conference Services in place, so that you are not left out in this age where connectivity also spells success.

Phone Conferencing provides detailed information about phone conferencing, audio conferencing, free phone conferencing, phone conference services and more. Phone Conferencing is the sister site of Telephone Headsets.

Audio Conferencing And Videoconferencing Wizard Interfaces Make Experts Of Us All

Writen by Roy Copeland

In general there are step by step instructions via a wizard interface that will probably guide you through the steps to correctly set up your software to work with the teleconference. Prior to finishing the setup configuration wizard, you will probably be presented with a test scenario where you can double check to see if the software has been correctly enabled on your system.

If you're holding a multi-party conference with your friends or people you are familiar with, you may want to take it a step further and get a decent quality digital camera or camcorder. However, remember that this is optional, but if you want to give it a more real-life experience without actually being next to that person, then a digital camera or an entry-level web cam will do wonders for your teleconferencing experience. This applies to both you and for the party members.

These teleconferencing technologies are widely available and accessible to all budget ranges as well as requirements profiles. Don't worry because you don't need extremely advanced technologies to join on this wonderful new wave of technology. This is something that can enhance your life, even if you are living in a small town or small city in a backwater country.

Audio conferencing and videoconferencing technologies are sure to become an indispensable part of your life once you assimilate it. At http://www.totalteleconference.com/ you will find recommendations on qualified teleconferencing solutions for whatever requirements you may have.

Web Conferencing Tool Reduce Your Communication Costs

Writen by Diane Parker

For most people in business, meetings are a necessary evil. Stop for a moment and consider how much hosting or attending meetings cost your business and you may be in for a surprise; precious time spent traveling to and from the meeting location, travel expenses, and in some cases the hire of the meeting facility. Now imagine you could attend that meeting without having to leave your office or home. How much time and money would save over a week, a month or a year? It soon adds up.

The cost savings associated with web conferencing are well documented. Less time and money are spent on traveling, there is no need to hire meeting facilities and staff can focus on doing their jobs well instead of scheduling meetings.

Save On Traveling Expenses

Travel does not come cheap. Whether it's national or international or by air, land or sea there will always be a cost implication for your business; air tickets, parking tolls, hotel accommodation - all these costs will affect your bottom line.

Web conferencing reduces the need for travel. Face to face meetings can be conducted via the web, from multiple geographic locations. Airport delays, flight cancellations, traffic jams on the freeway - all these irritations are not only affecting your blood pressure but are costing your company money, too. All that time wasted while you wait for your flight to be called or the jam to clear is money down the drain. Web conferencing cuts out not just the frustrations but also the financial price of wasting time.

Saving Time Equals Saving Money

It's not just travel delays that waste time and costs money. Time is spent organizing meetings and getting busy colleagues together in the same place on the same day can be a complicated task. Someone within your organization is having to spend time pulling it all together. This is time that could be better spent generating sales and income for your business.

Web conferencing allows your workforce to work smarter. With web conferencing, a meeting that before may have taken a member of staff out the office for several days, can be concluded in a matter of hour, freeing up extra time. A few extra hours in the week to get the job done is something most employees would appreciate.

Work Smarter And Reduce Costs

Document sharing is one of the many facilities available through web conferencing. Documents can be viewed simultaneously by individuals, regardless of where they are located. Projects can be completed more quickly and more accurately. Documents can be updated in real time and colleagues can edit them together. In the absence of web conferencing, this form of collaboration would require an element of travel, costing the business time and money.

There is a personal upside for employees who have their business travel reduced, too. Less time spent traveling for work means they have more time at home with their families and staff who are happier in their home lives are likely to be more productive during their working hours.

Diane Parker is a freelance writer and technology enthusiast providing valuable information including: web conferencing software, choosing a web conferencing tool and internet conferencing.

Directory For Cheap Conference Calling Cutting Through The Hype

Writen by Roy Copeland

One other potential obstacle that you can face is what I like to call the marketing hype syndrome. Effectively, what happens is, while you're shopping around for the latest and greatest, or at least a decent technology for your company, You will invariably get plenty of sales promotions.

And you will have to learn to separate the wheat from the chaff or another words, you'll have to find out what is fact and what is fiction. There are ways to cut down on the amounts of BS that you'll have to cut through, the one thing you can do is read industry standard magazines, which provide independent and quality assessment on the latest technologies for business. Perhaps there is something that you read in a magazine last week that talked about a great entry-level costing teleconference system that may be perfect for you.

Over time, you will notice the same names and manufacturers or service providers come up at the tip of the big kahunas mouths - over and over again. This is the sign that these are probably the more prominent and trustworthy solutions that are available to anyone at any given time.

This is not to say that the underdogs of the market do not necessarily have the "goods", but may possess lesser advertising dollars, or marketing muscle in general. But in the fast-paced economy, you want make sure that you get to the meat, as soon as possible and stop wasting time with the little details.

One factor although not explicitly stated outright is definitely the size of your organization. A smaller organization will rely on different needs, as opposed to a larger organization which has more resources, larger staff, and perhaps have a more scattered staff around the world. It's important to be aware of these little nuances as you move from organization to organization.

http://www.totalteleconference.com contains a directory for cheap conference calling that you can refer to in addition to your other research for a good service.

Video Killed The Telephone Star

Writen by Aaron Siegel

You know the 80's song, "Video Killed the Radio Star." It was a big hit and one of the first videos to air on MTV. Well, what came true for music video is on it's way to becoming true for telephone.

You're the star of all your phone conversations already, right? Everyone loves to hear your voice and hold endless conversations on the phone with you … well, you better get prepared to dress up for your appearances now too.

Yup, video phones are now the newest trend to hit the market and it's not being provided via your traditional phone carrier either. The video phone is available only through a broadband phone provider or phone supplier, but it is already taking off in the market as the next household necessity much like the cell phone and high speed Internet did.

My Privacy … I Just Got Out of the Shower!

Before you worry about invasion of privacy issues, like just getting out of the shower, most video phones are optional in their viewing modes. This means you have the option of being on camera or not. Phew, got that off of your chest.

The Entire Globe

Now the great part is that it is through the broadband voice providers that most broadband phone services are available globally. So it is very likely that if you have relatives afar, you can video phone with them overseas.

Cost Savings with a Catch

With broadband phone calling, long distance or international is now running as low as 3 cents a minute or less so you don't pay much to call at all. You might even call it a steal. What's the catch? Well, it's the video phones themselves. The phones run about $500.00 or more a piece. Yikes!

With a little shopping ingenuity however you can find lower prices on these video phones. Packet8, a VoIP broadband phone company has a mail-in rebate for the time being on their line of video phones to notch down their price 50%. Their phones after rebate run at $250.00, which for many households, may still be a little too steep.

History Promises the Trend

Don't get too discouraged by phone prices though, this trend is still in a growing stage. Cell phones are free these days and they use to be only afforded by the rich and famous. Everyone has a cell phone now, a camera phone for that matter. So if price holds you back now, you can anticipate lower prices and even free offers in the future.

Video Phones Save On Travel

If you travel to visit relatives often or even once a year just to see them face to face, the video phone may very well pay for itself in travel expenses alone. So you can't give them a hug, well would you believe there is a prototype for a virtual kissing phone coming out for cell phones? Yes, you can virtually smooch back and forth between another phone owner.

Technology will never cease to amaze, and prices can't stay up forever so eventually you will more than likely find yourself a consumer in the video phone market. Rest assured today's growing technologies will have you saying, "Back in my day." I already say it.

This article was written by Aaron Siegel of TopSavings.Net which provides consultive services for communications for households and businesses alike.

Services available at the website include broadband phone services (Including Packet8), Phoneless DSL(SpeakEasy), Long Distance, Local Phone Services, Cellular services, and more. Broadband Video Phone Service

Audio Visual Presentations

Writen by Jimmy Sturo

Even the best messages can be ruined by a bad presentation. To get your information across effectively and to generate the right response from your audience, you need to know how to use audiovisual technology to your advantage.

Interested in how to improve your presentation? Read on for some audiovisual presentation dos and don'ts.

Organization is the key. Forget about fancy graphics and sounds; instead, focus on making the flow of your presentation seamless and clear. It's a good idea to first outline the points you intend to make before you even begin working on the presentation. Identify major themes and ideas so you know what to visually highlight.

Avoid clutter. Fancy animation and sounds are usually unnecessary; oftentimes, these elements only distract from the message instead of contributing to it. Brevity and simplicity work best – the shorter and simpler your messages and manners of delivery are, the more likely they are to be recalled by your audience. Too much clutter diminishes the impact of a good message. Highlight your message and not your graphics, and you will never go wrong.

Consider the physical requirements of the space where you will deliver your presentation. Are you going to use a small and private conference room with just four to five people or a big theater with hundreds in the audience? Are the room's acoustics decent, or do you need to bring additional speakers to be heard? Is it well lighted? Can you control the lighting to enhance your presentation? You need to answer all these and many other questions in order to design an audiovisual presentation that makes the most out of what the venue has to offer.

Finally, complement your audiovisual presentation with handouts. No matter how effective your presentation, remember that your audience can only remember so much; you need to provide them with follow-through materials like a systematically outlined handout in order for them to truly retain your message. Keep your handouts short and sweet. This way, the reader only sees the most important messages.

Audio Visual provides detailed information on Audio Visual, Audio Visual Equipment, Audio Visual Rentals, Audio Visual Presentations and more. Audio Visual is affiliated with Alpha Numeric Pagers.

Web Amp Video Conferencing Technology Five Great Reasons To Start Utilizing Online Meetings Now

Writen by Dan Richmond

Several years ago I was in a computer store and a salesman was trying to sell me something, in fact, he was trying to sell me anything that he could. I said that I had the latest computer and really didn't need anything more. Then he showed me a web camera and I thought for a few seconds, but I really couldn't figure out why I would need that gadget.

Now things have changed and that salesman could get the sale from me, because the time is right to start conducting online web and video conferences. Here are a few reasons why the age of web conferencing has truly arrived:

1. Transportation costs are rising and web conferencing is one way to conduct meetings without getting into a car or plane.

Imagine how much money you could save if you were able to hold a staff meeting with your distant branches without paying for fuel, hotels and all the other costs associated with outside meetings?

2. The cost of conducting a meeting outside a main office is much higher than you can calculate by only adding up the material costs.

When you leave your office or home, you have to put everything aside and subject yourself to delays in traffic, airports, trains and taxis. Sure, you can take your laptop with you, but are you really as productive using a laptop in a busy airport as you are while you are in your own office? Web conferencing allows you to get back to your other work as soon as the online conference ends.

3. Web conferencing allows you to meet face-to-face with your colleagues no matter where they are.

Globalization is not just a slogan. Business, educational and social organizations are now working in increasingly wider networks which are spread throughout the world. If you have clients, employees, representatives or students in another country or in a distant location, think how convenient it would be to be able to turn on your computer and hold a meeting with them. Well, this is not a distant dream, it is possible right now using existing web and video conferencing technology

4. Online conferencing allows you to give support and help to clients without sending out a technician or a representative.

If you are selling a product or service that must be supported, then think of the improvement in customer relations and reduction in costs that you could achieve if you could effectively meet online with your client. Today's conferencing technology even allows your staff to "take over" the computer of a client and demonstrate how an application works.

5. Video and web conferencing is now extremely affordable, easy to use and very functional.

Gone are the days of proprietary systems and cameras. Today you can use standard PCs and inexpensive web cameras to conduct your meetings. The online meetings do not require equipment or software that is not already found in most offices. In addition, several companies now offer conferencing services at a price that even individuals and small organizations can afford.

If you need to hold meetings, or meet with staff and colleagues who work in far-flung locations then you should consider online conferencing. The spread of online meetings could change the way we all work, just as the widespread adoption of email did fifteen years ago.

Dan Richmond is Co-founder of MegaMeeting.com. MegaMeeting provides web & video conferencing services for individuals & businesses. For more information, please call 818.783.4311 or Visit http://www.MegaMeeting.com.

Web Conferencing Services

Writen by Thomas Morva

As the name suggests, Web conferencing services are services offered by vendors in terms of arranging online conferences between groups of people who may be situated at different geographical locations. Web conferencing services are increasing in popularity because they allow sharing of information in multiple formats such as presentations, text, voice and even video. Web conferences also allow users to share applications such as a spreadsheet and co-browse Web sites.

Considering the cost savings that Web conferencing can deliver, the market is geared to take off in the next few years. According to a prediction by the Radicati group, a consulting and market research firm, the Web conferencing services market could grow to $2.2 billion by 2007.

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.

While selecting a service provider one must take into consideration the features, cost, and the references given by the service provider. The reputation and experience of the provider are important because most of the group communications require that the conference proceeding be secure and free of technical glitches. The conferencing service providers are responsible for security, including SSL encryption, management tools for administration, and installation of solutions that can be set up behind a corporate firewall.

Web conferencing service providers have different models for charging their customers. Some service providers may charge based on the number of participants in the conference, others may charge based on the usage in terms of time.

Web Conferencing provides detailed information on Web Conferencing, Web Conferencing Services, Web Conferencing Software, Web Conferencing Solutions and more. Web Conferencing is affiliated with Live Web Cam.

Video Amp Web Conferencing How To Determine Which Features Will Benefit You The Most

Writen by Dan Richmond

Web and video conferencing technology is becoming more sophisticated with each passing day. A few years ago it was a novelty just to talk with someone online, and view his or her image at the same time. Today web conferences bring together entire companies in complex interaction that rivals live face-to-face meetings. How you might benefit from the latest developments in web conferencing depends on your particular needs. Here are a few points that you should consider.

1. Do you need to make a Powerpoint or other presentation during your conference?

If you answered "yes" to this question, then you will be glad to know that current web and video conferencing services allow the host of a conference to present a slide show or power point demonstration that will be visible on the screens of all the participants of a conference. Similarly, hosts can also open and show other document formats to their attendees. If you need this kind of capability, make sure that your conference provider can give this to you.

2. Do you require telephone conferencing integrated with your web/video conference?

Many organizations have found telephone conferencing to be an effective way to get work done. If you are already connecting with your members and staff via telephone conferences you can expand on this by choosing a web conferencing system that integrates telephone conferencing along with the online conference. The combined service will give you the ease of phone conferencing along with the enhanced visual and presentation features of online conferencing.

Some services allow the host to pay the long distance bill of all the participants (toll free conferencing), while others require each participant to cover their long distance fees.

3. Do all of your conference participants use the same type of computer?

If your participants are going to be using a variety of computers (PC, Mac, Linux) then you will benefit most by choosing a web conferencing system that works on any platform. While earlier conferencing systems required the downloading of complex software that would work only on specified operating systems, newer conferencing formats are delivered online and are browser based. They work on any operating system and if yours in an eclectic audience, then you will get best results with this type of conferencing.

4. Will it be necessary for one of your technicians to "take-over" and operate the computers of any of your participants?

If you wish to use conferencing as a service tool and want to avoid having to send out your service team on physical visits to clients, you can save a lot of travel time and cost by selecting a web and video conferencing system that allows the host of the conference to go online and actually take control of the computer of the client or conference participant. If you are looking at web conferencing as an after-sales service tool, then this particular feature will probably give you one of the most important benefits that you could wish for.

5. Do you want to conduct an online poll or survey during the conference?

If you have a large organization and want to make a quick and accurate poll of opinion or vote on a particular issue then the new polling capabilities of the most advanced web conferencing services will be an important feature for you.

Similarly, if you need to gather demographic information about your meeting participants, obtain valuable input, or quiz and test your participants, then the new online survey capabilities of current web conferencing systems will be an important feature to look for when choosing your conference format. Data from these types of online "surveys" can typically be saved and used for future use.

6. Do you want to brainstorm online, using a "whiteboard"?

Brainstorming is a great way to tap the ideas of a group and to come up with and select new ideas. If this is what you like to do when holding physical meetings, then you will probably want to be able to do the same thing in your virtual meetings as well. This is now possible in some of the more advanced web conferencing systems by using a "group notepad" that enables meeting participants to utilize a shared workspace. The results of these brainstorming sessions can typically be saved in a storage area.

Which of these features will benefit you the most? It all depends on your particular needs. However, one thing is sure: once you experience the convenience of online meetings, you will not want to go back to the era when every meeting required you to pack up your bags and get on an airplane.

About The Author
Dan Richmond is CEO & Co-founder of http://MegaMeeting.com. MegaMeeting provides Web Conferencing & Video Conferencing services for individuals, businesses and educational institutions. For more information, or for a free live demonstration, please visit http://www.MegaMeeting.com/ or call (818) 783-4311.

A Review Of Popular Audio Conferencing Software Programs

Writen by Steve Valentino

Audio conferencing software normalizes audio, video, and file sharing applications. In other words, this software allows everyone participating in a virtual meeting to see each other hear each other, and work on the same projects together. This last attribute of audio conferencing software is often called collaborative software (formerly known as groupware.) For example, if there is a diagram on the television or computer screen that everyone can see, it is possible for everyone to make marks on the document using a special whiteboard-and-pen program. This brings everyone together in as "real" a way as possible over infinite distances.

Other applications of audio conferencing software include slide shows, streaming audio and video, and document sharing. As telecommunications companies come up with newer and newer ideas, audio conferencing software will have greater and "more real" applications.

When choosing your audio conferencing vendor, the number of users or "seats" could determine which type of technology you'll need. Some technical support will be needed for all web conferencing solutions.

Three examples of audio conferencing software brands are the following:

Centra

Centra is both a software and a service. The software has all the usual normalizing characteristics, plus a few extras. Centra can be programmed to automatically set up and communicate conference times and dates. It can also track who is logged in during the conference. Afterward, the program can automatically send meetings notes via e-mail to all participants.

Microsoft NetMeeting

Another popular audio conferencing software program, NetMeeting is compatible with any web device. It integrates your calendar, e-mail system, and so on, and is very easy to use. You can even use your web camera to take a snapshot of something and place it on the whiteboard for discussion or markup.

Xbox Live

Even modern video gaming systems use audio conferencing software! You can play a war game against other gamers anywhere else in the world, and talk trash to them at the same time via a headset.

Audio Conferencing Info provides detailed information about audio conferencing services, equipment, software, companies, plus online audio conferencing, and more. Audio Conferencing Info is affiliated with Original Content.

Latest Conference Calling Technology News Dont Just Reach Out Connect

Writen by Roy Copeland

Let's slip away from the verbal aspects of teleconferencing. Let us not forget that you can actually gain virtual access to entire resources from document repositories, including PowerPoint presentations, drawings or mind maps, Excel spreadsheets, and whatever else you can think of, you can do essentially through teleconferencing. It's really that simple.

Also, students who are on remedial leave for whatever reasons can actually play back on demand, lesson plans from their professors or from other professors and learn from the comfort of their own dorms and apartments. They can even catch up on old homework assignments from a remote location without missing out on the fun!

You don't even need any specialized equipment, the type of equipment that you'll need for the most basic of teleconferencing features are simply an Internet connection through a Mac or PC, as well as the basic setup of a keyboard and mouse and a nice quality monitor. Also you might want to have speakers and a microphone in case you want to enliven the experience of it with other types of communications.

Consider joining a party of more than five individuals on a teleconferencing line at any given time. The work load to the teleconferencing systems will be proportional to how many people and how active individuals are during the conferences. After you make sure that you have all the basic requirements as far as the system set up is concerned. You want to make sure that you have the appropriate software in general- every service for teleconferencing, uses their own proprietary connection software that allows you to connect to their specialized network.

The latest conference calling technology news will help you keep abreast of the new changes and applications within the teleconferencing industry to allow you to reach out to more customers with more of a human touch. This benefits your bottom line directly. For more please go to http://www.totalteleconference.com/ .

Redefining Distance To Market Your Company

Writen by Lee Traupel

The recent terrorist attacks here in the US have caused many companies and individuals to rethink how they want to market to and work with others. As a result, web-enabled presentations and or collaborations are finally coming of age – the technology works with a minimum of hassle, it's an efficient way to give marketing presentations, hold meetings, provide training and do product demonstrations. The cost savings can be significant, especially when contrasted with all of the burdened costs of holding conventional meetings; i.e. travel, hotel, transportation, facilities and "time out of the office issues." Here is a quick primer on some baseline issues to consider when weighing the effectiveness of virtual marketing presentations and meetings.

1. There are a broad number of vendors, although the "virtual presentation and meeting" market segment has undergone consolidation in the last few years. I'd recommend assessing these four market leaders: www.webex.com (well established with diversified terms of services), www.placeware.com (corporate focused), www.centra.com (provides a good client plug in that enables Voice over IP ("VOIP") communications, www.raindance.com (emphasizes teleconferencing).

2. PC configuration, Internet access and firewall issues all need to be considered when your assessing the effectiveness of this process and technology. Port settings need to be "tuned" or optimized, the PC must have multimedia capabilities if your using VOIP, just about any speed of internet connection will work, but the experience for the attendee can vary depending on the connection speeds and how "heavy" your presentation is with graphics.

3. Web presentations offer a lower cost model versus traditional presentations or meetings, but there are burdened costs for web-enabled marketing – phone conferencing can be anywhere from $.15-35 per minute per user, presentation uploads for a standard power point presentation (which is the defacto app for virtual presentations), can cost $10-30. per presentation, costs per attendee can vary tremendously but average $50-500. per session, depending upon the number of users.

4. One of the most expensive parts of virtual meetings is always the teleconferencing component. All of the market leaders have some VOIP component (voice over IP) but most are not publicizing this technology or service, as they don't want to cannibalize a significant contribution to their revenue streams. One exception is Centra – they are offering VOIP integrated services with their standard web presentations or meetings. The audio quality is good, analogous to voice quality of a standard cell phone call – but there is a client download (small under 250K) to deal with and you must have a multi-media enabled PC.

5. Some web-enabled presentation challenges include the need to keep people involved – you can do this easily by leveraging the chat capabilities, dynamic polling, and standard Q&A components built into the application. The higher their interest level (as in real world meetings) the better your meeting or presentation will be.

6. Marketing presentations can be easily archived and made available to others on a 24/7 basis – this archiving can include the standard presentation, enhanced with video or audio components, depending on the sophistication of your presentation. Be prepared to pay an extra charge for this – but the marketing ROI can be significant, especially when you factor in how little most companies charge for an archiving service versus your front end costs.

7. Virtual marketing enables a whole set of web-enabled processes – you will have the ability to easily capture your prospect/customer's e-mail address and standard contact points via a registration process, involve them and capture preferences via polling in your presentations and "push" follow up communications during your presentation/meeting or later. But, it's very important to include standard "privacy" statements in your materials and adhere to them as you move forward through your business processes.

8. How does video conferencing impact your assessments of web-enabled presentations or collaborations? This depends on your budget, number of people attending the presentation, presenter and attendee locations and other intangible that are specific to your business. In general, video conferencing works better for very small (under five people) presentations or meetings, due to some of the inherent challenges of this medium.

About The Author

Lee Traupel has 20 plus years of business development and marketing experience - he is the founder of Intelective Communications, Inc., http://www.intelective.com, a results-driven marketing services company providing proprietary services to clients encompassing startups to public companies. Lee@intelective.com

Lee@intelective.com

Conference Call Providers

Writen by Eddie Tobey

Conference call providers are the ones who enable the basic service for conference calls, either on web conferencing software or on a comparative low cost audio conferencing solution for online conference call meetings. They provide advanced teleconferencing platforms for customers to place international phone calls to anywhere in the world. With these features and calling flexibility, the telecom costs can be easily reduced by 90% over the traditional phone companies. This helps businesses to save money on international phone bills.

An organization can have up to 50 people connected on a single call through a conference caller, and be billed the same rate as a regular phone call. They don't have to pay those high per-minute rates from other telecom companies. Conference call providers use the latest digital routing and switching equipment. Nowadays, conference call providers use full fiber-optic cabling throughout the network, providing callers with the finest quality service available, with a good bandwidth and less noise and transmission errors. There are multiple options to connect to a conference call provider. You can dial into a local toll-free access number, enter your conference code and get connected.

For conference call providers, with Conference Caller Web Dial Out, the calls are initiated via the Internet, are able to be received at any time of the day, 7 days a week. The fully automated system acts as a 24-hour operator, connecting organizations to their international partners and clients.

A lot of these providers are full-service conference call companies offering quality service and low-cost options. These companies provide personalized service for all of your conferencing needs. Affordable conference call provider rates, obviously, are preferred by most businesses. Reasonable pricing is the growing trend in the conferencing industry. Conference call providers are battling for their share of the marketplace. One must be sure to discuss and negotiate the best deals from their providers.

One should note that many providers offer a limited selection of conferencing services. Most of the companies specialize in one or two services, like audio, video, web, or data. Web collaboration software, video equipment, and conferencing phones are also offered by some companies.

Conference Call provides detailed information on Conference Call, Conference Call Services, Audio Conference Call, Conference Call Providers and more. Conference Call is affiliated with Cheap Conference Calling.

Teleconferencing The Borderless Classroom

Writen by Roy Copeland

Teleconferencing has become so uncomplicated and so pervasive in daily society that it does not call for a great level of skill to operate. On the contrary, you can be a junior high school student or even medical student or beyond, and it would work just as easily for you.

In fact, students from all over the country and around the universe are hosting their own video teleconferencing academic session* as we speak, whether it's for a school related project or if it is to discuss a business project, etc. These teleconferencing sessions and especially the telecommunications technology itself has been an enabler of fundamental interaction of the global community on an unprecedented scale.

For instance, there's a company called See You See Me, which helps individuals acquire greater insights into what makes another person click. Traditionally if you wanted to work with someone remotely, you would rely mostly on textual communications tempered with some phone interactions.

However more often than not, especially in these kinds of mediums, misunderstandings and all out flame wars in the worst case scenarios have erupted all over the internet. It's very important to have a moderator in these cases to ameliorate and avoid irreparable damage to valuable relationships via these informal communication systems.

Schools are now reaching out beyond the schoolroom, and even beyond the school system where students can now "meet" other students from other territories as well as around the world in every single words and civilisation. It truly is a very dynamic experience that is sure to break down barriers and misconceptions people may have of one another due to lack of social interaction.

Click the following link: teleconferencing services for business reviews to find out which programs are the best for your needs.

Web Conferencing Solutions

Writen by Thomas Morva

Web conferencing solutions are applications of Web conferencing technology for business communication purposes and have an important role to play in an increasingly global economy. Companies are increasingly embracing Web conferencing solutions not only to cut down the travel expenses but also to speed up decision-making processes by allowing key people to collaborate instantly, no matter where they may happen to be physically located.

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.

Eventually, Web conferencing solutions might become just another feature within other productivity applications. The recent acquisition of Placeware by Microsoft and the addition of the term 'Office' to the name of its Live Meeting service is a signal that the company may bundle Web conferencing solution with its popular Microsoft Office suite.

Web Conferencing provides detailed information on Web Conferencing, Web Conferencing Services, Web Conferencing Software, Web Conferencing Solutions and more. Web Conferencing is affiliated with Live Web Cam.