Web conferencing software is now a multi-billion dollar industry producing rapid cost savings while promising flexibility, security, reliability and advanced features to make a meeting just as interactive as a face-to-face meeting. Hosting online meetings can be cheaper and more efficient than on site meetings but is it better?

After spending the last couple of years testing and using the major online meeting software programs such as WebEx, Adobe Connect (formerly Macromedia Breeze), Citrix GoToMeeting and Microsoft Live, I have found that they are all fairly consistent in the quality of what they offer.

However, when you start using online meetings for more than talking, you will find a huge difference in what the companies offer in terms of pricing, features and ease of use. As most people will most likely be overwhelmed in product features and usage, the meeting company that you are testing out should offer information and training to help you navigate the complexities and confusion involved in using the software.
Some of the reasons why online meetings are better than offline meetings are listed below.

• Very cheap to host (although if you only do a few meetings a month several software applications may prove to be very expensive on a cost to use basis i.e. WebEx (excluding MeetMeNow and Adobe Connect Pro).

• Allow participants scattered throughout the world to participate. Most online meeting programs offer both VoIP and access to the meeting through a toll free number.

• Better access to customers by offering live and on demand sales presentations.

Without the need to visit new customers, you can quickly meet with them online to close the sale.
The Internet is bringing more offline activities online and lowering the cost of that particular service or product and that is exactly what online meetings can do for companies who participate in a lot of meetings. If you haven't tried online meetings yet for your company, I suggest you visit several online meeting companies that you are interested in and sign up for a free trial which are usually offered for 15 or 30 days.

WebEx is currently the leader in the industry so it is a good idea to try them out before testing other programs. A lot of the programs offered by the big players may be a little overwhelming and more than you need to conduct a quick meeting. If you're looking to save some money, try getting Skype which will give you quick access to meetings without all the bells and whistles that you may not need under your current situation. You might be surprised to find out that a lot of small and medium size companies are using Skype on a daily basis to talk to customers and co-workers throughout the day to solve issues quickly. Your particular situation may not require an elaborate meeting program so consider getting one of the free programs like Skype, Google Talk, Gizmo or WengoPhone to name a few.

Using most of these advanced pay per use or subscription based services require a lot of training and novel thinking in order to find ways in which to best incorporate the programs into your day to day business activities. Adobe Connect offers a large number of case studies and so does WebEx that probably come close to or match a similar challenge you may be having in fully implementing the application. Make sure to ask the company you are interested in using, if they have case studies that deal with the particular industry you are in or the specific problem you are having. If the company cannot find a solution for you, there is the option of getting a certified consultant for that particular software application that could prove highly beneficial depending on how you will be using the application or intend to use it.

Marc Anderson is the CEO of an online English language learning company called Exclusive Language that helps companies of all sizes and individuals around the world learn English online using voice chat and a webcam with experienced native English tutors. If you would like to learn how live online English lessons can help you or your company please visit Exclusive Language today and find out how you can improve your online spoken English.

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