Web conferencing enables people from different locations to meet on the Internet and share information and discuss ideas. In this set up teams can work together viewing the same things on their computer screens at the same time adding the power of visuals to an otherwise conference call. Web conferencing saves time and expenses on travel and gets the work done faster or helps to offer better customer service. The web conferencing tools enable the participants to interact with each other by sharing documents and applications through online collaboration.

Web conferencing is increasingly becoming commonplace worldwide as it helps in reducing travel related costs and saves time. The other advantage is that the marketing reach is vast and beyond geographic restrictions. Web conferencing services enable the host to conduct powerful multimedia presentations during interactive meetings.

The requirements for an effective web conference are a computer with Windows 95/98/2000/XP, MAC OSX or Linux with minimum1.2GHz or a faster processor, at least 256 MB RAM, Internet connectivity of 240kpbs or faster and a browser such as Internet Explorer, Netscape, Safari, etc. with Flash Player 7 plug-in.

Web conferencing helps business owners and managements to perform the following without traveling and meeting in person:

- Conduct hands free presentations online using PowerPoint with synchronized scrolling, hold group meetings of teams, share statistics or images, discuss strategies and provide customer service
- Conduct training for teams and workforce
- Demonstrate applications aided by real time audio and video
- Hold staff meetings to discuss budget, view and share spreadsheets and documents together to plan strategies
- Recording and playback the web conference proceedings

Various web conferencing solutions are available that are flexible, reliable and easy to use. Reservations for the web conference are made online or over telephone, extra features, like, recording or transcription, question and answers and feedback make sure to ensure the success of the call. Usually participants dial designated number and are placed them into the conference by an operator. Automated conferences without the need of an operator are also possible.

An in-house conference call system has become a strategic requirement to be competitive in the fast paced global business scenario. The web conferencing expenses can be reduced significantly by owning the Audio conference bridge as outsourcing the web conference service can be expensive or inconvenient and not secure.

There are many features provided by web conferencing companies. Some of the main features are desktop and application sharing, remote control, multiple presenters, power point and document sharing.

Today it is easy for anyone with a broadband Internet connection and a browser to participate in or host a web conference, a webinar or a web and video conference using affordable web conferencing software. A computer with multimedia facilities and Internet connection is all that is required for web conferencing.

There are many web conferencing companies providing more efficient as well as cost effective ways to meet, train and market products to remote customers and partners. They provide web conferencing as well as video conferencing solutions to small, mid sized business as well as world's leading enterprises.



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