Plan Ahead Determine Your Bandwidth Requirements For Video Conferencing Early

Writen by Michael Lemm

Most of today's companies are maximizing their travel budgets and communication requirements by making smart use of videoconferencing as an alternative to face-to-face meetings. With this decision to implement enterprise-level videoconferencing comes a requirement for bandwidth solutions which are reliable and cost effective.

Videoconferencing can leverage the existing public telephone network, a private IP network or the Internet. The target bandwidth for interactive video communications is in the 300K to 400K bit/sec per stream range. This includes audio and video as well as control signaling.

The H.323 protocol does not require that two or more endpoints in a session send the same data rate they receive. A low-powered endpoint may only be able to encode at a rate of 100K bit/sec, but, because decoding is less processor-intensive, it could decode a 300K bit/sec videostream.

Nevertheless, in videoconferencing, bandwidth is assumed to be symmetrical. In full-duplex networks such as ISDN, Ethernet, ATM and time division multiplexed networks, capacity is expressed as bandwidth in one direction, though equal bandwidth is available for traffic in the opposite direction.

You need to estimate the number of simultaneous sessions your network needs to support, and figure out if your network has bandwidth end-to-end.

A T-1 bandwidth circuit offers 1.5M bit/sec in each direction and would be ample bandwidth for two 512K bit/sec or three 384K bit/sec videoconferences, depending on the amount of simultaneous traffic on the network. Also, make sure that you have 10/100 switched Ethernet throughout the LAN segments where videoconferencing traffic is expected.

Multipoint conference bandwidth (with which three or more locations can see and hear one another) is calculated separately from point-to-point sessions. Multipoint can be conducted in either IP or ISDN environments, and some conferencing units will support both network types.

Multipoint conferencing products may be software-based or accelerated with special hardware, and their configuration can produce different bandwidth consumption patterns as well as different user experiences. For example, when an endpoint is used to host a multipoint conference, the maximum bandwidth for any single participant is the bandwidth allocated to that host divided by the number of locations participating. When you need to have more than four locations on a call at the same time, network-based products are recommended.

If you decide that your IP network can't handle the additional traffic associated with live video sessions in a merged or converged network deployment, your options are to rely on circuit switched networks or to deploy additional IP bandwidth capacity. To assist in determining and acquiring the exact bandwidth to meet your requirements...it's strongly recommended to make use of a free technical consultation service such as via DS3-Bandwidth.com. Also, an excellent guideline resource for video conferencing set-up and management is available from "Video Conferencing Solutions".

Michael is the owner of FreedomFire Communications....including DS3-Bandwidth.com. Michael also authors Broadband Nation where you're always welcome to drop in and catch up on the latest BroadBand news, tips, insights, resources, and ramblings for the masses.

The Amazing Applications Of Web Conference Calls

Writen by Amit Laufer

Conferencing in its very basic form might be two people talking over the phone while browsing through a web site and making comments about the content.

Web conferencing started initially as an audio conferencing calls and it is still largely Used today mainly for presentation calls where the host is guiding a group of listeners, illustrating to them some concepts and from time to time answers questions or asking for comments.

This call can be recorded and later on either distributed to a larger group of potential customers or be put on a web site where other customers can download the audio file to their computer and listen to the whole thing at their convenient time.

With the introduction of the broadband, conferencing emerged into live Video conferencing where participants can actually see each other in addition to be able to hearing each other.

Then it developed into multi layering of information where conferencing participants can talk, see and even share and exchange presentations as well as drawing and sketch a concept on a tablet board (it's called Whiteboard) while making comments on it.

In Addition web conferencing can conduct poles and votes among the participants same as they would during a board meetings.

This technology is a real alternative to face-to-face meetings. This level of conferencing is not without problems, it must be meticulously planed ahead of time, positioning the web cams at appropriate well lighted spots, same for the microphones, the participants must exhibit high self discipline and concentration.

It can be implemented locally as well as internationally by medium to large companies. A well planed and coordinated web conference call can save a bundle of time, money and hassle.

One field where this conferencing application really revolutionized the whole process is the engineering and architectural planning. This has became part of e-construction methodology.

The planner is transferring his drawings CAD files to the next level or levels like the electrical engineer or the air-conditioner planner, they can all design and add their drawings over the original raster background (that is because it works in layers).

Then they can coordinate a web conference call and discuss potential conflicts and problems in their separate planning to the general construction plan, this can boost and speed up the whole planning and design processes and help meet deadlines on time.

Another application can be Coach hiring managers on corporate process, screen candidates and avoid the significant costs associated with flying unsuitable candidates out for interviews.

Training sessions with selected employees around the globe is another time and money big saver. This e-Teacher technology is going to have a tremendous impact in the future on the education system as a whole from high school to the universities.

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

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

Owner Editor of: Web Conference Call

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

Web Conferencing The Perfect Tool For Internet Marketing

Writen by Lars Nielsen

Today you can broadcast your message on the Internet to hundreds of people in one digital web conference room. You have a certain control of content and audio in the conference room. With today's software technology, digital communication has reach a higher level. Now you can sit in New York and make a meeting with your business partners in London without being in the same room. Show the latest sales charts, discuss a new business plan all with a high level of interactivity. Home business owners will show their web site while they speak about their affiliate products. Below you can see the features of most digital web conference rooms.

1. In the same window you can talk and co-browse with students, partners or business associates.

2. Share applications of your choice in the same window. The participant will use the same application. Very useful for IT training.

3. Customise the communication software to suit your need.

A digital web conference room can be the perfect tool for Internet Marketing. The biggest advantages is that you reach people without the cost of traveling and you save time. Plus your presentation becomes visual, therefore more easy to conceive. Web conferencing service provides you the personal contact and hands-on collaborative features that are crucial to productive communication.

My name is Lars Nielsen. I run a business in the area of search engine optimisation.

Visit my site: http://www.ultimate-mlm.com

Video Conferencing An Introduction

Writen by James Hunter

With videoconferencing people can interact as if they were talking face to face with both images and sound relayed in real time. This article is designed to guide you through the various options to arrive at the system type best suited to your purpose.

There are various types of videoconferencing; which is suitable for your application will depend upon the IT structure available and what it is that you actually want to achieve. Video conferencing has in the past been relatively expensive, but prices are coming down and it is possible for anyone with a fast enough internet connection to operate a video conference.

Systems are available for hire, lease or sale.

Systems may be installed at all or any of the following: -

1. on the desktop PC
2. a dedicated videoconference suite
3. mobile - for use when and where the need arises.

Each has various advantages and limitations which may be critical to your purpose.

Paradoxically it is far more critical that audio connections are maintained than the video. You may loose a video signal or it may be intermittent but the conference will still proceed – if you lose audio, nothing can be achieved (unless both parties are versed in sign language!)

Video speed for equipment is often shown as frames per second abbreviated as FPS.

In the UK video from most sources runs under the PAL standard which 25 frames per second – e.g. domestic VHS players. In the USA the system is NTSC which runs at 30 frames per second. Videoconference equipment commonly is specified as 15 fps or 30 fps. In layman's terms - 15 fps will be jerky, it shows every other frame, 30 fps is full motion video.

The higher the frame rate the greater the data load, so the faster the connection required.

A minimum requirement for full motion video and audio between two points is 768 Kbps.

This made up of:- an encoding rate of 384 Kbps (typically used) is selected. This is broken down into two parts –

• 64Kbps is for the audio
• 320 Kbps is for the video.

The resulting 384 Kbps stream is compressed and sent (from you – the source) to the remote point (the destination). Similarly a 384 Kbps stream is received from the remote point to you. Thus twice 384 Kbps in bandwidth is required.

If there is a lot of motion in the video, very little compression is achieved. If there is little or no motion in the video, the savings can approach 50%. It would, however, be foolish to design a system which relied on the participants being forced to remain static.

There are two types of video conferencing, each has sub-types.

1. Point to point - a live video / audio communication between any two locations.
2. Multipoint - links between a three or more locations

Point to Point (P2P)

Point to point - a live video and audio communication link between any two locations.

P2P - Application

Where the need is to communicate between two points only at any one time: -

• Two offices of the same company
• Yourself and a business partner company, e.g. Yourselves and a major supplier
• Senior management/ teams from two divisions – e.g. research and manufacture.

P2P - Use

• Virtual meetings on a one to one basis
• Project workgroup co-ordination of effort, live adjustment of data, drawings, documents or prototypes
• Virtual board meeting between two groups of people in specific locations - say 5 in one and 4 in another

P2P - Limitations

• Bandwidth required increases in proportion to the amount of data being exchanged.
• Audit trail of actions taken by whom with a timeline sequence often required.
• Extra equipment is necessary to show physical objects, using a visulaiser for say engineering parts

Point-to-Point Videoconferencing

Consider two videoconference terminals (vct) that are connected to the Internet.

The vct and its associated peripherals allow the user to make a call to another client, send the local audio/video stream to the remote client, and hear/view the received audio/video stream on a local speaker/monitor that is connected to the vct. Assume one user (the local user) uses a vct to call a user at a remote vct by entering the IP address of the remote vct. The clients setup a call between the stations following the specifications of the H.323 protocol. Once the call is setup, the clients exchange audio/video streams over the Internet. The point-to-point videoconference continues until one of the users "hangs up" the call.

IP numbers are difficult to remember; some users have dynamically assigned (DHCP) IP numbers that can change every time they boot their system and problems in using IP addressing when different vendor systems are used.

The Gatekeeper

To alleviate the problem of IP dialing, the H.323 standard defines the use of a gatekeeper.

The gatekeeper is a system that connects to the Internet just like the client terminals. The IP address of the gatekeeper is configured into the client terminals and when the clients "power up", they communicate with the gatekeeper and transfer certain information to the gatekeeper that describes the vct.

When the clients register with the gatekeeper, they pass their IP numbers, H.323 alias, and H.323 extension to the gatekeeper where it is stored. This allows a local user to dial a remote user by entering the remote users H.323 extension in effect their video telephone number.

The local vct communicates the H.323 extension to the gatekeeper. The gatekeeper then checks to see if the remote client is registered with the gatekeeper, then sets up the call between the two clients.

Once the call has been setup, the audio/video streams flow directly between the clients over the Internet.

Multipoint

Live video and audio links between a three or more locations. To handle this situation, the H.323 standard introduces the concept of a Multipoint Control Unit (MCU). The MCU can be thought of as a "video bridge". The MCU connects to the Internet and registers with the gatekeeper.

A MCU, depending on its design capacity, can handle a certain number of simultaneous videoconferences each with each videoconference being logically separate from the others and with each having a specified number of users.

When users want to join a particular videoconferencing session, they dial the service number/password combination. The gatekeeper checks to see if that service has been registered by a MCU. The gatekeeper completes the call by connecting the client to the specified videoconference on the MCU.

Once the call has been connected, the client's audio/video stream is then sent over the Internet from the client to the MCU. Similarly, other clients connect to the session and send their audio/video streams to the MCU. The MCU selects one of the audio/video streams on the videoconference and returns that audio/video stream to all of the clients (that is all except the client whose stream was selected).

There are several methods for selecting an audio/video stream. Audio switching and chairman control are two alternatives. Typically, the method that is chosen is audio switching where the MCU selects the stream that currently has active audio (someone is talking or is talking the loudest).

As the user(s) at one site stop talking and the user(s) at another site start to talk, they capture the MCU. The process is repeated with the video from the newly selected site now being sent to all the other sites.

Streaming

To participate in a H.323 videoconference, users must have appropriate videoconferencing client terminals and have Internet connectivity with sufficient bandwidth to support the videoconference.

Some users may not have these capabilities but would still like to be able to participate even if that meant that they could only see and hear conference participants but not be able to interact with them. (Watch and Listen)

Users can receive the stream using a browser on a computer. They enter the URL of the server, and the server starts the encoded audio/video stream over the Internet to the computer. Plug-Ins for the browser exist that are capable of decoding both RealVideo and Windows media streams. The user can thus see and hear the participants in the streamed videoconference in near real-time.

Alternatively, a user can connect to the server at a latter date and view the archived version of the videoconference.

James Hunter works for Status AV, one of the premier suppliers of video conferencing in the UK.

Video Talking The Latest Technology To Connect You To The World

Writen by Etienne Gibbs

Every once in a while a new communications technology comes along that changes everything. I was able to see and experience this technology. So excited about its unlimited potential was I that I decided to place it on my blog and write about it as well.

Hearing someone's voice over the phone shortens the distance between callers. Video chatting closes the gap because now you can see each other as well! This new wave of communications technology brings people into each other's offices, living rooms, and their lives. Remember the old slogan, "Reach out and touch someone?" Now video chatting has taken it to the next level making it as close to reaching out and touching someone as you can get without actually being in the same room!

Catch the wave: Almost everyone has 3-way calling on their home telephone. Now the technology is available to have a video 3-way call! Today's technology features a multiparty robust live streaming audio and video web chatting platform that does not require any downloads. This breakthrough communications technology permits member-to-member communication via multiple, resizable video windows.

Users can make video windows as large as desired while sustaining exceptional audio and video quality. Incorporating easy-to-use features for a multi-party video web chat session, this technology includes multi-room and multi-user text, audio and/or video chatting.

Put yourself in the picture with streaming video email whether at work or at play.

Streaming video email: Record, save, and send is all it takes to "put yourself" in the home or office of the people in distant locations with whom you want to communicate. Now you can do so on a regular basis. Fully customizable video screens allow for branding and personalization.

Streaming video on demand: IT has been proven that visitors stay at a website 50% longer when it contains video, yet only 1% of the 50 million websites online are utilizing video! With today's technology you can create your own videos or use commercially produced videos on your website for pennies on the dollar. Enhance your website and ensure that visitors see and hear what you have to say! See and be seen in real time.

"Video email will replace text messages as the online communications mechanism. Text-based email will seem as archaic as black and white TV." - Forrester Research

Today's communications technology has such versatility that offers the latest and most extensive high-end features for the corporate-user, but is so user-friendly that the personal-user may send greetings to friends and family members with ease. Whether you are a small business owner exploring a cost-effective form of advertising or a corporate executive looking to streamline training and company communications, it time to move up to today's latest in communications technology: video chatting.

Here are some features to keep in mind:

* Add video to your website with ease. There's no need to wait on a webmaster or content upload service to update your website. Within minutes you can add video to any website. Streaming video on demand is a simple, cost effective approach to a more effective website.

* Not only see your prospect's phone number, but actually introduce yourself live and in person. When a visitor to your site has questions, they may click the connect button and you will be notified. You may then start a live video feed to them so that they may see and hear you while they ask questions over their microphone or text. What a powerful way to answer questions, share your story and above all, build that relationship. This technology extends the customer relationship marketing that is essential in business.

* If you're juggling schedules, travel, and other commitments that are making it harder for you to coordinate an upcoming meeting? Take advantage of group collaboration without the expense and hassle of travel. Conduct face-to-face interaction with a web conferencing system. Invite an unlimited number of participants to join. All participants have text chat capabilities while six participants may be visualized on the screen for audio and video participation. From all corners of the globe you may join together in one central meeting location. Share presentations, documents, desktops and other applications as if you are sitting around the same table.

* Today's communications technology is more than just one-way broadcast communication. It is true interactive communication. The web-based system eliminates the need for messy downloads or software installations. No additional hardware is required. Its meeting-quality and reasonable pricing make it a feasible solution for anyone needing to assemble a group for an interactive meeting.

* With an exclusive web meeting room available to members 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year, you have a special room set up as a place where your representatives may check in, share stories, exchange strategies, bounce ideas off each other while in the comfortable atmosphere of your home or office. Talk about tele-commuting to the max! Enjoy the advantage of having a training room full of friends available whenever you need them!

* Today's communications technology: The Ultimate marketing tool! This is the first ever internet marketing system that integrates streaming video into every page. This tool is essential in enhancing customer and employee relationships that are so important in keeping a business or organization afloat. Using a combination of recorded and live video, you have the ability to get personal with your prospect. The lead capture system notifies you when you have an interested prospect.

Etienne A. Gibbs, MSW, Customer Relationship Marketing Consultant, known as The Master Blog Builder, conducts parenting management, and customer relationship training that helps small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and individuals improve their CRM. For more information, visit http://www.MasterBlogBuilder.com.

Seven Steps To A Vital Videoconference

Writen by Diane DiResta

When it's time for your fifteen minutes of fame will you be ready? With videoconferencing becoming common place in 21st century communication, executives, entrepreneurs, and leaders need to be media savvy. Here's how to put your best face forward:

1. Prepare. It's not enough to show up to speak. Practice with the technology an hour before your presentation and rehearse your message points. Don't wing it.

2. Pause and Listen. Expect time delays. A weak video signal could cause a delay or echo. Allow ample time for your message to reach the other site and wait for a response before you resume making new remarks.

3. Use Small Gestures. Actions are amplified on videoconference. Wild, sweeping movements can result in distorted, fuzzy images.

4. Appoint a Moderator. The moderator facilitates the meeting, introduces guests, and keeps the presentation movoing. The moderator or a designated person operates the technology to free speakers to focus on the message.

5. Dress for TV. Avoid distracting jewelry, shiny clothing, and large, bold patterns. Keep another shirt or blouse in the office for late day videoconferences. Perspiration stains and wrinkles will be noticeable on video. Keep powder handy for shiny noses and bald spots.

6. Create a Connection. Begin with hello. The wave is a standard greeting in videoconferencing. Use the zoom function on the camera to establish eye contact. It's difficult to communicate without viewing facial expressions from the remote site.

7. Minimize Distractions. Keep noise down by restricitng movement in and out of the room. Turn off all beepers and cell phones at the beginning of the meeting. Place a "Do Not Enter" sign on the door and change activities frequently to maintain attention and avoid the boredom factor.

Nothing can replace in-person communication. But if you master the techniques of online communication, videoconferencing is the next best thing to being there.

Copyright Diane DiResta, 2004. All rights reserved.

Diane DiResta is President of DiResta Communications, Inc.,a New York City based consultancy. She is author of Knockout Presentations: How to Deliver Your Message with Power, Punch, and Pizzazz (Chandler House Press) http://www.diresta.com

Teleconferencing Is A Telecommuters Best Friend

Writen by Roy Copeland

Millions of workers, now called telecommuters, are finding that working at home provides tons of benefits relative to working in a traditional full time 9-5 corporate setting. However as many who remain within their home based business or telecommuting situation for at least a year or more will realize, is that working from home does NOT mean you stop making contact with people. As if!

If you are working from your garage or from your bedroom, then you probably do not want or need to have a videoconferencing solution, unless you wear a suit to your garage on a daily basis. This is just a small little detail. Of course, you can manipulate what the video shows. For instance, you can probably put props in the background while wearing a nicely pressed or rented tuxedo, so that you can present yourself to potential investors and clients as well as to show off to all your friends and neighbors. Or you can slap on a tie and shirt right before that big video conferencing call. OK now I am just being silly.

The bottom line is, as a telecommuter, and especially if you own your own business, it is absolutely essential to have a simple plan to keep those spiritual ties with your clients and customers. People make the world go round, and technologies such as teleconference are a boon to those who use these tools correctly and in a timely fashion.

Learning how to setup teleconferencing calls is extremely simple, yet can literally explode your brand name onto the scene in the minds of your clients and friends. Visit http://www.totalteleconference.com for more.

Web Conferencing

Writen by Thomas Morva

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

This market continues to expand at a rapid pace due to the growing acceptance of online conferencing as an alternative to personal meetings requiring travel and as a better form of communication compared to voice-only conferences.

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.

What You Need To Know About Conferencing

Writen by Eric Morris

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.

Given this, businesses that are located in between long distances need an effective way by which they can communicate with each other without having to spend too much money on business trips. Fortunately, recent developments in communications technology have now made it possible for businesses to do so. One of these developments includes conferencing, which is a form of technology that allows people to have a "business meeting" even if they are separated by very long distances.

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.

To meet the need for businesses to maintain constant communications with their clients worldwide, there are a number of conferencing technologies that businesses can utilize. These include audio conferencing, video conferencing, and web conferencing, which all have features that can enhance not only the conferencing experience but the business relationship as well.

Conferencing provides detailed information on Conferencing, Web Conferencing, Audio Conferencing, Video Conferencing and more. Conferencing is affiliated with Online Conference Centers.

Are You Ready For Web Conferencing

Writen by Mark Walters

An exciting new development in Internet technology is making sales and business meetings through the Web as easy as turning on a computer.

Web based conferencing can now be used by organizations large and small. It is a very cost effective way to overcome geographical obstacles and meet with individuals or groups no matter where they are located.

Sales demonstrations and presentations can reach a large group of buyers quickly, easily and for little cost. No more traveling from location to location to repeat the same presentations. You can generate excitement and sales using audio or video in a way only the Internet can provide.

Web conferencing is poised to create a revolution in fund raising. Low cost, yet dramatic presentations can motivate contributors as no other method has been able to do.

Business and sales meetings can invite input from those in attendance. You can get valuable feedback from those using or selling your product or service. You can do PowerPoint presentations with live video conferencing just as you would if you were renting a hotel ballroom.

People in remote locations can discuss building or sales plans while simultaneously viewing the related blueprints or documents. That can save time, money and misunderstandings. Web based conferencing allows you to do this and much more through the Internet, from the convenience of your own office or location.

Web conferencing is much like participating in a telephone conference. With Web conferencing participants can use their computer's Web browser to log into a third party conferencing company's site. Once there they use a provided code to join the conference. If you are the presenter, the Web conferencing company makes all the arrangements and you are left with the just the responsibility of preparing and presenting the program.

The various Web conferencing providers offer basically the same service with some variation of features. The cost for Web conferencing is much the same as that of a teleconference and is usually negotiable. Companies that contract to do a schedule of regular Web conferencing will be offered discounted rates.

The quality of both Web audio and video technology is rapidly improving and it will soon approach that of television. There are very few limitations on the manner in which you wish to present your message.

The advantages of Web conferencing are so vast that no company can afford not to explore the many ways it can be effectively used to save time and money, and to increase sales.

Mark Walters covers develpments in Web and video conferencing at http://www.HearMeWeb.com

Save Time And Money With Ip Service Video Conferencing

Writen by Ben Franklin

Need to have a big business meeting in a hurry, but don't want to spend a lot of money on travel expenses and lodging? Maybe you're searching for a cost-effective way to connect employees in different locations for collaborative efforts?

Try video conferencing over the Internet. All it takes is two computers, two desktop cameras and you're pretty much good to go. The only thing better would be to never have to attend a meeting in the first place, but since that's not possible, why not go the next best route?

Video conferencing over the Internet using smart software offers some advantages that a teleconference could never provide. In addition to the obvious plus of avoiding travel and its related expenses, video conferencing over the net can give users these advantages:

Ability to see, talk and exchange ideas in real-time.

Low cost, high tech alternative to globe trotting for business.

The possibility to still give full presentations, such as those using PowerPoint and so on.

Real-time exchange of ideas that's the next best thing to face-to-face.

No long distance or even international charges like a teleconference would require.

Depending on the service used, the number of meeting attendees can be as large as needed to get the job done.

Thanks to video conferencing over the Internet, there's really no need to foot the bill for a lot of business travel. Anything that would require a face-to-face meeting can be accomplished over the Internet and there are even ways to "share desktops" so the person on the other end of the connection can not only see you through the camera, he or she can see your presentation or documents.

If you're avoiding video conferencing because you fear you'll lose money rather than make it, think again. Properly set up, this modern day alternative to the face-to-face can not only provide a capital outlay savings, it can be personable and effective.

For those who want to video conference with clients or potential clients, all that's necessary is to make sure both ends have the appropriate equipment. For those that want to video conference with employees who might be in other parts of the country or world, simply make the equipment mandatory in outer offices.

The advantages for inner office communications are many. They include allowing employees in remote locations to share information instantly and even brainstorm ideas and projects without having to take time away from the office for travel. That saves your bottom line twice!

Dealing with clients, too, can be enhanced by this technology in that this type of meeting saves your client the time and trouble of travel or having to adjust schedules to accommodate your visit.

It may seem a little awkward at first, but video conferencing over the Internet is fast becoming how business gets done. There's no reason to wait days or even hours to meet when all it takes is a few clicks of a mouse and you're right in the boardroom!

#1 Resource

Internet video conferencing guide.

http://www.conferencingguide.com

Audio Visual

Writen by Jimmy Sturo

In this day and age, you need to use audiovisual media to get attention. Whether you are creating a simple presentation or a full on advertising campaign, knowing what audiovisual media are and how to maximize them to serve your needs will definitely make you stand out.

What exactly does the term "audiovisual" mean? You see audiovisual technology at work everywhere – in entertainment, in school, in corporate presentations, etc. The term "audiovisual" actually refers to the technology of combing visual output (such as a moving video, a photograph, or slides) with sound for the purpose of conveying information and ideas. Also called "multimedia output," audiovisual presentations have taken many forms and are continuously evolving as technology progresses. It is mostly used in advertising, entertainment, and, on a smaller scale, in educational training programs and group presentations. It has also found its way into contemporary art. A visit to a contemporary art museum will show you that it's not uncommon anymore to see talking paintings or short video clips with sounds on display.

There are advantages to using audiovisual media. Audiovisual presentations appeal to two of the most-used senses – sight and hearing – to produce the best effect on the audience. Unlike "passive" information media such as purely visual aids (like photographs or charts) or purely auditory channels (like voiceovers), audiovisual presentations give emphasis, clarify and reinforce messages, multiply the audience's understanding of the information being presented, and generate more interest.

In most cases, the use of audiovisual media creates more impact than other forms. Studies show that audiovisual presentations, when well done, increase audience retention. Average people generally remember what they both see and hear, as opposed to what they only see or only hear. In fact, people retain only ten percent of information from an oral presentation, only thirty-five percent from a visual presentation, but a staggering sixty-five percent from an audiovisual presentation.

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.

Tips On Planning A Successful Video Conference

Writen by Tim Gorman

Planning a successful video conference can actually be harder then it sounds. There are several key factors you want to make sure and get right or your conference could become a total nightmare. This short article gives several tips on making sure you succeed with your next video conference.

Nobody likes long-winded meetings and video conferences are no different. Always plan your conferences to last no longer then 1 or 2 hours long. Longer sessions will leave participants tired and bored.

Make sure you prepare an agenda before the event. Double check to make sure you have all of your graphic aids, teaching materials and any other important or relevant materials on hand. Prepare a suitable seating arrangement and ensure that nameplates or tags (if you use them) are clearly legible and nothing is misspelled.

Try to plan your video conference as far in advance as possible. Make sure you do the necessary coordination with your company's IT department for any support you may need in order for your conference to be a success. If your dealing with an overseas location early preparation and coordination is vital to your success.

Attend all test sessions to make sure that your video link is clearly working properly. Use this time to also familiarize yourself with the equipment that will be used during the session. Hand any and all materials for transmission to the video conferencing site technician at least two days in advance so that he/she can get familiar with it. For optimum readability, use large and clear fonts. Use a wide margin, as the sides will be slightly cut off on screen. Keep to the landscape format, with simple pictures and few words.

Prepare a list of questions and answers prior to the conference in order to keep the session flowing in a smooth, quick manner. Arrange for participants to assemble at the video conferencing venue 10 minutes before the session begins so that you will have time to hand out all materials.

Some final tips include:

· Dress appropriately

· Arrive 15 minutes early to spot any last minute glitches

· Avoid wearing intense colored cloths to include all-light or all-dark clothing

· Avoid distracting gestures during the conference to include finger tapping and facial expression

· Test the microphones to be used during the conference in order to find any that may have flaws.

A successful video conference can be done all it requires is an attention to detail prior to and leading up to the minute the conference actually starts. Spend the necessary time needed to do the things this article outlines and you'll have everyone talking about how professional you are when it comes to setting up a video conference.

Timothy Gorman is a successful webmaster and publisher of Best-Free-Insurance-Quotes.com. He provides insurance information and offers discount auto, life and home insurance that you can research in your pajamas on his website.

Other websites operated by Tim

Cellular-Phone-Solutions.com - Free information and resources regarding cell phones and cell phone plans.

Military-Loans-Online.com – Which provides free money saving loan quotes on all of your loan needs to include home equity loan information.

New Service Utilizes Videoconferencing For Easy Access To London Academic Expertise

Writen by Stas Spector

An innovative service, launched in March 2005 enables educational institutions and corporate organizations worldwide to access the immense pool of academic and professional expertise concentrated in London, UK via videoconferencing.

Today, many US and European universities resort to opening and maintaining campuses in London, one of the most expensive cities in the world, to enable their students access to the wealth of experiences and teaching resources that the city offers.

In business, the advantages of professional and executive education are undermined by the significant travel and living costs combined with the prolonged absence of key employees from the work place.

According to the research conducted by the British Council, in fast developing economies like China and India the demand for highly experienced tutors and lecturers critically exceeds supply, affecting the realization of economic development to its full potential.

Teaching quality has also been a major concern. UNESCO states that "Faced with an unprecedented teacher shortage, some countries are now turning to low-paid, poorly trained teachers."

Addressing these issues, BridgesEducation (www.bridgeseducation.org) uses videoconferencing to deliver a wide range of lectures, seminars and programs designed and presented by hundreds of high-profile speakers from leading UK universities, research centers and companies.

This system not only ensures high academic standards, but also offers clear financial benefits. "It's a win-win situation," says Kemi Pearce from the Advisory Centre for Education, "We avoid costly travel, hotels and living expenses whilst we retain the energy and interactivity of live delivery."

Many in education have experienced videoconferencing in the past with different levels of success, resulting in hundreds of unused facilities on campuses around the world. But the technology has come a long way since it was introduced in the early 90s. Today it is not only much more affordable, reliable and interactive; it also offers features such as computer presentations, online broadcast and audience participation from multiple locations at one time.

Michelle Grant, development officer at BridgesEducation, is optimistic about global access to high quality tuition. "At present a few major centers offer a considerable proportion of academic and professional expertise. Now, with the help of technology, the location will become less and less relevant."

It may take time for traditional education providers to realize the power of technology to its full potential, but by using videoconferencing as its main method of delivery, BridgesEducation marks the beginning of a new era.

Stas Spector is a specialist in distance learning technology at the Advisory Centre for Education in London.

How To Give Your Small Business A Competitive Advantage

Writen by Jenni Baty

Today's small businesses face an uphill struggle. In addition to being in an intensely competitive marketplace, businesses must confront obstacles that larger firms don't face, including a lack of financial resources, an increased need for visibility, a lack of brand recognition, and a shortage of qualified sales people. To compensate, small businesses must find a way to ratchet up their marketing communications programs.

What small businesses need is a dynamic, cost-effective way of marketing products and services, one that helps them battle competitors and capture market share. Enter the new contender in the marketing arena - video communications. Simple and easy to use, video communications, which includes video email, video on demand and video broadcasting, is helping to level the playing field for a growing number of small businesses. In fact businesses that have integrated video into their marketing strategies have reported a 300%-400% increase in responsiveness to their marketing message.

Video communications represents the next wave of marketing communications. It's so powerful it's revamping the way businesses communicate with customers and each other. With video communications, buyers can see that you stand behind your product and/or service. They also can relate to you as a person. And because they can SEE and HEAR you, they can connect with you on more than one level, creating credibility, excitement, and most importantly of all, trust.

Video communications also helps small business challenge companies with bigger marketing budgets, large sales forces, or better brand recognition, without the need for a large financial investment and it helps businesses distinguish themselves from the competition by promoting their unique selling proposition through a medium with the impact of television

Video communications is Ideal for both on and off line businesses, consultants, and professional services. Simple and easy to use, video communications puts a human touch back into the process of communicating with consumers, enabling sales reps, consultants, and professionals to generate "face time" with consumers, clients, and businesses without spending a great deal of time and money. In fact from just a few dollars a week businesses can integrate the power of video technology into their current marketing strategies.

Video communications offers numerous advantages over main stream marketing. In addition to increasing visibility and adding a personal touch to your e-mails and Web sites, video communications:

• generates qualified sales leads
• increases brand recognition
• provides uniformity of messages
• establishes credibility with customers
• generates higher retention rates
• shortens sales cycles
• increases click-through rates
• improves sales conversion figures

Video communications super-charges sales and profits with minimal cost and effort. And thanks to its effectiveness it's growing increasingly popular with small businesses that are looking for a marketing edge. More important, it's ideal for today's time conscious and tech savvy consumers, whose interest in electronic devices, like ipods and mobile phones, continues to grow. As personal rich media goes mainstream, consumers will expect businesses to communicate this way. Those companies that don't will struggle to remain competative.

Copyright 2006 Jenni BATY

Article by Jenni Baty, author of "Boost Profits with Innovative Marketing – 10 ways Video Communications can drive your marketing" - pick-up your Free Video Marketing Report from http://www.communicatingsuccess.com

An Introduction To Video Conferencing Basics Amp Benefits

Writen by Bob J. Valkovski

Benefits of Video Conferencing

Video conferencing hardware and software allows users to see and hear the person they are communicating with.

A video conference allows you to take part in live audio/video presentations in your classroom, and to collaborate through them. Calls can be made between 2 classrooms in the same town, or between 2 classrooms in different parts of the globe. It is also possible for multipoint conferences to take place, where more than 2 schools take part in the same call.

Live video conferences have lots of advantages over other multimedia resources, such as video recordings or television presentations, but the main benefit is that they are interactive, allowing you to talk face to face with someone else in 'real time', but in a different location. This is great for for gaining high levels of engagement from your students.

Multipoint videoconferencing

Simultaneous videoconferencing among three or more remote points is possible by means of a Multipoint Control Unit (MCU). This is a bridge that interconnects calls from several sources (in a similar way to the well-known audio conference call). All parties call the network ID number of the MCU unit or the MCU unit can also call the parties which are going to participate, in sequence. There are MCU bridges for IP and ISDN-based videoconferencing. There are MCU which are pure software, and others which are a combination of hardware and software. A MCU is characterised according to the number of simultaneous calls it can handle.

MCUs can be stand-alone hardware devices, or they can be embedded into dedicated TVC units.

The technology of video conferencing

The core technology using in a videoteleconference (VTC) system is in digital compression of audio and video streams in real time.

There are basically two kinds of VTC systems:

Dedicated systems have all required components packaged into a single equipment, usually a console with a high quality remote controlled video camera on its top. These cameras can be controlled at a distance to move in the horizontal and vertical directions (pan and tilt, respectively) as well as to perform image zooming, so they are called PTZ cameras. The console contains all electrical interfaces, the control computer, modem, and the software- or hardware-based codec. Omnidirectional microphones are connected to the console, as well as a monitor TV with loudspeakers and/or a video projector. There are several types of dedicated VTC devices:

(a)Large group VTC are non-portable, large, more expensive devices used for large rooms and auditoriums. Use of PTZ cameras is practically mandatory.

(b)Small group VTC are non-portable or portable, smaller, less expensive devices used for small meeeting rooms (e.g., up to 10 people) and PTZ cameras are usual

(c)Individual VTC are usually portable devices, meant for single users, have fixed cameras, microphones and loudspeakers integrated into the console.

Desktop systems are add-ons (hardware boards, usually) to normal PC's, transforming them into VTC devices. A range of different cameras and microphones can be used with the board, which contains the necessary codec and transmission interfaces. Most of the desktops systems work only with the H.323 standard. Video conferences carried out via dispersed PCs are also known as e-meetings.

Video Conferencing Tips On How To Make Your Meeting A Success

Writen by Steadman Issenburg

One of the great business tools of the last few years that the internet has brought to the marketplace is video conferencing. This allows a group of people to be able to meet and collaborate together through sight and sound no matter where they are located throughout the world.

It should be obvious to see that there are many benefits that businesses can derive from video conferencing including being able to hold office meetings in real time without having to pay the travel costs associated to bring people from various locations together at one time. It also saves on the lost productivity spent in just traveling there.

So how do you make sure that the web conference is a success? Here are a few tips to help you plan for your next video conference session:

1. The person conducting the video conference will most likely want to arrive early, and make sure that all of the equipment is functioning correctly well before the meeting begins. You don't want to have to be fumbling with equipment problems when the meeting is scheduled to start. They should all be ironed out well in advance.

2. The conductor at the video conference should also try to pay attention to the kind of clothes that they wear for the meeting, as bright and bold colors can be very distracting and perhaps even irritating on a video screen. So try to keep clothing colors as muted and solid as possible.

3. Another common cause for irritation while video conferences are going on is excessive movement on the part of the speaker. So whoever is speaking needs to make a conscious effort to try to keep their motion and movements during the discussion down to a minimum.

4. Everyone on the video conference should be made aware that the microphones can be very sensitive, even picking up very small and inconspicuous sounds. So everyone on the conference needs to know that they should be careful to avoid sounds like tapping pencils on a desk, or other similar sounds that can be distracting. They also should be made aware that they should not try to whisper something during the meeting that they do not want everyone else to hear, as it could prove embarrassing if amplified by the microphone.

5. The main speaker of the video conference can also add immeasurably toward the enjoyment of the meeting by imagining that everyone else on the call is in the same room, and by maintaining eye contact with the video camera. This will usually result in natural gestures and a comfortable speaking style that is easy for everyone else to follow.

If you practice these ideas, they will most likely help you to conduct successful and enjoyable video conferences.

Steadman Issenburg writes on many consumer related topics including communication. You can find online teleconferencing and online web conferencing and more by visiting our communication website.

A Web Conference Service As A Customer Service Enhancement

Writen by Christopher J Enders

A web conference service is usually a hosted application. It enables online collaboration in a conference-like environment sometimes including video. A web conference service opens many communication options for internet businesses.

The very nature of the internet which breaks down geographical barriers and makes it possible for internet businesses to conduct business anywhere in the world has changed the face of sales, customer service, technical support and interpersonal communications. While the opportunities in e-business are grand, a company's ability to provide personalized service has been somewhat hindered. The impersonal nature of the internet has practically eliminated face-to-face interactions between businesses and their customers. A web conference service has the potential of changing that.

Using a web conference service can improve your sales process. When you have a sales proposal to make, a web conference service can put you virtually in front of your audience to make your presentation regardless of where the conference participants are located. In a web conference interaction is possible so you can answer questions, clarify your proposal, counter objections, negotiate if necessary and close the sale.

A web conference service can help you to provide more personalized customer service to your clients. While it may not be practical to use a web conference service for every customer service call, in cases where something needs to be discussed or explained, especially when more than two people are involved in the discussion, a web conference service with video capabilities enables interaction and removes the disadvantage of misunderstandings that can occur when it isn't possible to interpret one another's non-verbal language. So, a web conference service can also be a wonderful customer service tool.

One-on-one or group training can be effectively accomplished using a web conference service. If you are in a tech industry or another industry that requires customers to be trained once they purchase a product, a web conference service is very valuable. It can actually enable a company to provide training that they would otherwise be unable to provide because of geographic limitations and exorbitant costs that can be associated with traveling for the purpose of conducting training. With most web conference service files can also be shared between participants in the conference.

A web conference service is an excellent tool for online entrepreneurs who provide coaching, consulting or counseling services. Even though clients are at a distance, they can receive personal one-on-one coaching, consultation, counseling or instruction in more of a face-to-face manner than what would be possible without a web conference service. Group coaching sessions can also be held via a web conference.

Another advantage of a web conference service is the ability for a company to hold operational meetings or training sessions with telecommuting staff. The telecommuter can easily become detached from a company because of the distance from the action, so to speak. By holding regular operational meetings via a web conference service, those that work within a business at a certain location can build relationships with staff members that are not regularly onsite. The off-site staff will benefit from the interaction as well as it will keep them up-to-date on company news, strategies, concerns, and so forth.

Because web conference service is a growing industry, there are many providers of such services that can be found on the internet. Each web conference service has its own unique offerings in regard to how the service is provided and what features are available. If you are interested in web conference service to breakdown the impersonal communication barriers in your business, it just makes since to evaluate and select a web conference service for your internet-based business.

Copyright Christopher J. Enders. Are you at the end of your rope, fed up and confused by all the scrambled internet marketing advice you're getting? Whether you are new to internet marketing, or a website owner who wants to make more money from your website, learn the proven strategies that will sky-rocket your internet business at http://BiznessTips.com

Video Conferencing A Checklist

Writen by James Hunter

What do you wish to achieve?

• Point to Point – two locations only at any one time
• Broadcast Live – from one site to many – watch and listen
• Broadcast pre-recorded – from one site to many – watch & listen
• Multipoint – three or more sites with Q&A between any, relayed to all
• Multipoint - three or more – plus broadcast from any to satellite sub-groups as a watch and listen.
• Live with session taped for future edit and distribution
• Person to person/s with video & audio & data manipulation across participants – e.g. sharing documents, drawings with or without live edit and audit of changes made.

  With whom do you wish to communicate by videoconferencing?

• Only inside your company
• From your company to sister/ contractor/ supplier companies
• With your customers
• With your prospects

  Frequency of system use

• Ad hoc
• Estimated use per annum (min/max)
• Weekly
• Monthly
• Quarterly

  Installation type

• Custom built static installation – i.e. a designated room
• Desktop location/s – i.e. from the office desktop PC
• Mobile "roll-about" system -
• Off-site facilities required – going to a dedicated videoconference facility

  Options required

• Record, Edit & Distribute by hardcopy (CD/DVD)
• Record, Edit & Distribute by softcopy (Web cast)
• Broadcast live via direct links to named recipients/ groups
• Broadcast pre-recorded across one or more time zones
• Log who watched and listened and when
• Multiple persons at One or Two (group to group videoconferencing – e.g. design teams, board to local management)
• Multiple participants at Three or more sites

  What are your current IT capabilities?

• ISDN 1
• ISDN 2
• ISDN 30
• LAN – Cat5/ Cat5e/ Cat6
• LAN – Fibre
• LAN – wireless – type?
• WAN – bandwidth?
• VPN – bandwidth?
• Internet access, dial-up 56k
• Internet access , Dial-up 128K
• Internet access , Broadband 1Mb
• Internet access , Broadband 2Mb
• Internet access , Broadband 4 Mb
• Internet access , Satellite link
• Internet access , permanent fibre/ cable link
• T1 / T2 / T3 / T4 (aka DS-1/ DS-2/ DS-3/ DS-4)
• OC-1 / OC-3 / OC-12 / OC-38

  Impact on your system – to be considered

• Bandwidth load
• Current capacity used & unused & reserved (max/ min for each)
• Planned bandwidth use – excluding video conferencing
• Contention ratio
• Speed
• Video quality – predominantly static (talking head – Yes/No)
• Hardware at point of display
• Hardware at point of transmission
• Hardware at point of distribution

  Points to consider

• Budget
• What do you spend currently on flights/ travel/ accommodation per annum?
• Write-off period for cap ex
• Leasing options
• IT infrastructure
• Cost and timescale of increased capacity and hardware -if required

James Hunter works for Status AV, a premier provider of video conferencing solutions in the UK.

A Brief Guide To Audio Conferencing Services

Writen by Steve Valentino

Audio conferencing provides a way for businesses and other groups to interact, without having to travel to each other's offices. The savings in time and travel expenses quickly make up for the cost of audio conferencing services and equipment. Audio conferencing usually involves other types of teleconferencing technology, such as video and collaborative software. Collaborative software is software that one user may send to other users for simultaneous viewing and modification. For example, if the group wants to work on a diagram, it can be seen and drawn upon by anybody in the conference via a special electronic whiteboard.

An audio conferencing system can be rented, bought from a vendor or reseller, or hired as part of a full audio conferencing solution. Such full-service packages include human support services like management, marketing, and tech support.

When audio conferencing services are rented, the communication is routed through the vendor's server software. The client is charged according to the number of users or "seats" who will be participating, the length of time each seat will be participating, and any initial equipment rental or purchase costs. The vendor can charge a per-seat and per-minute fee (for example, $0.15/seat/minute). Alternatively, a client can rent the service by the week, month, or year, with a maximum allowed number of seats per conference or session. For example, a one-week service for five seats could cost $100 a week, while a one-year service for 100 people could cost a few thousand dollars. Rental audio conferencing services are best for small to medium sized businesses where the initial equipment purchase costs would far outweigh the savings on travel.

When audio conferencing services are bought, the communication is routed through the client's server software, which is bought and licensed from the vendor. The client chooses how small or large a package he or she wants. For example, the client can buy software that allows for 100 seats, 1000 seats, or much more. The client can decide whether to include any of a number of high-tech add-ons such as whiteboard capabilities, and whether expandability is important. The client buys all the necessary equipment and software to run the system. The initial cost can be tens of thousands of dollars, so these are best suited to larger numbers of seats over the long term. However, tech support will always be a necessity, so the client should subscribe to the vendor's expertise.

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.

The Benefits Of Online Audio Conferencing

Writen by Steve Valentino

Audio conferencing used to be limited to telephones and televisions. In that setting, one group would get together in one room and audio conference with another group, who are located in another room (and most likely in another city or country.) The two groups could hear each other, and in most cases, see and interact with each other's software.

Now, with the ubiquitous proliferation of the Internet, online audio and web conferencing is taking the place of telephone technology. With online audio conferencing, individual users can meet electronically. Each person is equipped with special headsets that have microphones and earphones and web cams for feeding their image to the rest of the participants. Also, computers involved in a web-conference can be networked so that the conference utilizes the full power of every computer. Users or "seats" can send each other anything from documents to movies to sound files, and offer the material for modification.

Anyone can engage in audio and web conferencing. All you need is a computer, a current web browser such as Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator, a phone, and an internet connection of 56 kbps or faster (that's 56 kilobytes per second – your typical cable or DSL connection.) You then download and subscribe to any of a number of web conferencing software services, sometimes for as little as $0.15 per seat per minute.

A special Internet-supported phone system called VoIP can be used instead of a regular phone connection. This software program allows you to talk over the Internet as if it were a regular telephone, but without the massive long-distance charges of regular phones. You do have to buy a headset for this, but it's peanuts compared to long distance charges over time.

For additional fees, you can also add recording, archiving, registration, event planning, operator assistance, and more.

The benefits of online audio and web conferencing are immense. You save on long-distance phone time, travel expense, and time spent organizing the conference.

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.

Web Conferencing Services Types

Writen by Diane Parker

You may already have recognized the need for web conferencing within your organization. You have heard all about the many benefits and have decided it is the way forward for your company. Now all you have to do is decide which type of web conferencing would best suit your company's needs.

A quick investigation into the types of web conferencing available will result in a myriad of information. For the uninitiated, unraveling what is available can be confusing and time-consuming.

Below you will find a quick guide to the types of web conferencing currently out there. Each organization will have its own individual requirements and it is important to be clear about what you hope to gain from web conferencing. For example, is it a fully interactive virtual meeting place that your organization needs, or do you require a document sharing system that will allow employees in different geographical locations to work together on projects? Once you understand how you want web conferencing to work for you, analyzing the types of web conferencing and how they could work for your organization will become much easier.

Web Meeting

With growths in international business and a growing trend towards home working, the need for a virtual meeting place is increasing. A web meeting is just what it says - a meeting that takes place over the Internet. This facility has the capabilities to hold real-time conversations and share documents. Web meetings can be fully interactive, allowing participants to converse in real time and for information to be exchanged between delegates.

Web meeting set-ups vary in terms of sophistication and a very rudimentary system can be set up using just a digital camera and a broadband connection.

The Webcast

As the name would suggest, a webcast is a type of broadcast similar in nature to a television broadcast except, of course, a webcast takes place over the Internet. The broadcasting nature of this facility means that there is little opportunity for the presenter and delegates to interact with each other and therefore its function is primarily as a presenting tool. The other main feature of a webcast is that it can be broadcast simultaneously to hundreds of recipients.

If your requirement is for a presenting tool that also offers the interactive features of a web meeting, then you should consider a webinar.

The Webinar

As the name suggests, the webinar is a facility that allows you to conduct a seminar over the web. Allowing a greater level of interaction than the webcast, a webinar enables the presenter to conduct question and answer-type sessions with delegates. However, you should remember that a webinar does not afford the same degree of interaction as a web meeting.

Other Uses For Web Conferencing

Online Presenting

Web conferencing can also be used for conduction online presentations. Online presenting is ideal for sales pitches, performance reporting or providing training for other members of your organization. Add on features include slide shows, web based conversing and audio/video streaming.

Online Collaboration

This is by far the most commonly used type of web conferencing and is the ideal solution for organizations who have multi-location sites yet require collaboration between their employees on projects and documents. Online collaboration has file sharing capabilities that updates changes and alterations to documents in real-time to avoid errors.

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.