Video Conferencing

Why Web Conferencing Is Better Than Traveling for Busines

2010-12-25T00:27:00.003-08:00

In this article, I'm going to make one assumption; you're in business to make money. If you're not, then this article is definitely not for you. Some of what I say may seem to be common sense, yet countless companies continue to ignore the benefits of using web conferencing software for business meetings and sales presentations. I could bore you with figures on how much the average company spends on business travel, but chances are you just want to know how your company can use web conferencing and how it can save you money and make your employees more productive.

When a company pays an employee, they expect to get something in return. Whether the employee is working on a product, completing a certain task, or selling a product to customers, they want a return for what they've paid the employee. With that being said, what type of return are you getting on your employee when they're sitting in an airport, in traffic, or in a hotel room? What will your return on investment be for picking up the tab for your employee's meals while on a business trip?

Not only that, but you are limiting your sales potential. How many sales meeting can one employee attend when they spend a day traveling to the meeting, a day at the actual meeting and then another day traveling home from the meeting? That's probably an unrealistic question anyways, because most business meetings out of state or country probably take an employee out of the office for more than 3 days. So that means a member of your sales team can probably only conduct one sales meeting in a week. Not only is so much of their time wasted, but the travel time and expense involved in that process can quickly put a company out of business and if it doesn't put them out of business, a shrinking travel budget can mean they don't have the money to seek new customers.

With web conferencing software, one employee, I repeat one employee could conduct multiple sales meetings and presentations in a single day. Not only that, but those meeting could be all over town, all over the country and even all over the world. With the added fact that many web conferencing software applications are less than $50 and allow you to have unlimited monthly meetings, do you really need your accounting department to do the math for this one? For less than the price of a one night stay at a hotel for an employee, you could be having online meetings with potential customers.

Not only does this cut your travel expenses and make your employees more productive by keeping them in the office, but now the number of potential customers you can meet with is not limited by the amount of time and money it takes to travel to meet with them.

Invest a little time into researching the different web conferencing options available. Even better, many of them offer a free trial, so give them a trial run first and see for yourself how easy it is to conduct business meeting online. Keep in mind that the cheapest option isn't always the best choice. Remember that you will be meeting with potential customers and giving sales presentations with this software. Choosing a cheap, unreliable web conferencing application could not only give your customers a bad first impression, but could also override all the benefits of web conferencing.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Hamby

Telepresence Manged Services - Best Practices

2010-12-25T00:27:00.001-08:00

THE ROLE OF MANAGED SERVICES FOR TELEPRESENCE

Over the last 12 months, there has been a dramatic increase in the attention that video has received in regards to inter and intra office communications. On a global scale, the introduction of telepresence is making a resounding impact and causing enterprises to change the way they communicate by incorporating video as an essential ingredient in their communications mix. And to that end, the role of the Managed Service provider in the video and telepresence space has become increasingly relevant. In many cases, it's the Managed Service that can play the key difference in the success or failure of telepresence in the organization.

Understanding Telepresence

Before one can fully appreciate the role that a service provider plays as it relates to Telepresence, it's important to understand what telepresence actually represents. Telepresence is a term coined to describe a video communication solution, where the audio, visual and physical elements of a meeting room environment are designed in a way to create an immersive experience. In addition to identical or nearly identical furniture, monitors, cameras, speakers and video devices which are installed at offices in different locations, telepresence equipped locations use an IP network for connectivity. When a video meeting is initiated, the people on either side see and hear each other in a high quality, life size image which yields the appearance that they are actually sitting in the same room. Because of this arrangement of cameras, monitors and speakers, the technology becomes part of the room and the meeting participants become immersed in the experience, focusing on the agenda of the meeting, rather than on the technology that is driving it.

Is this just video conferencing under another name?

Yes and No - Telepresence is in fact a form of video conferencing. Beyond overall adoption challenges, video conferencing has been faced with other perceived barriers including: quality of the network, non-standard room environments, and lack of widely accessible expertise / support.

Network - When initially introduced video conferencing was invariably compared to the television and telephone - both of which took many years to be perfected but have now become synonymous with reliability and quality. In a similar fashion, traditional video conferencing has been slow to evolve into a fully reliable communications method due to the limited quality and capacity of network types (such as ISDN), ease of use issues and lack of reliability. Additionally, there was limited focus and expertise focused on addressing these issues that caused an inconsistent and poor experience to the users of the technologies.

Room Environments - Traditional video conferencing equipment was often purchased and placed in conference rooms with little or no regard to the quality of lighting, the audio or the placement of the camera for optimal coverage of meeting participants. With video systems in vulnerable positions and capable of being moved out of position, there was a high potential for a poor overall experience. In fact, users often complained they could not see or hear people at other sites with the cause being more related to poor lighting, acoustics, and room layout rather than the equipment or the network.

Support / Expertise - Traditional video conferencing also suffered from a lack of overall support and "ownership", having rarely received the appropriate level of attention that other "mission critical" applications were given. The result was a perceived difficulty in using video and even worse, many employees not even being made aware that video conferencing was a communication tool available to them.

Beginning in late 2000, the transition to IP and the creation of a new breed of service provider dedicated to supporting video communications yielded significant strides in improving the overall reliability, ease of use and performance. With these improvements, video conferencing adoption began to occur in many organizations. At the same time, with greater importance being placed on "green" methods and cost reduction efforts, video was on the verge of becoming a "mission critical" application.

A new era of Video Conferencing emerges: Telepresence

Originally marketed by a company called Telesuites, telepresence has in fact been available for a number of years. Telesuites gained early traction by building and managing "telepresence-type" rooms for several organizations around the world. That said, the term telepresence did not become prevalent until some big technology companies, including HP and Cisco recognized the potential and began marketing the concept globally. There was a common objective: join the emerging video communications market, but distance the "new generation" technologies from the negative connotations associated with the term video conferencing.

With its launch of Telepresence in 2006, Cisco and their CEO, John Chambers have become the driving force for global awareness of Telepresence and have yielded the video market world-wide attention and increased adoption. Since that time, all the leading Video Conferencing industry manufacturers have added to the accelerated adoption and awareness by launching Telepresence solutions of their own.

And telepresence is coming full-circle. Although Telepresence is regarded as a room, immersive experience and, in its original form, includes a complete "room" configuration, several manufacturers are moving toward single screen stand alone models that resemble traditional video conferencing systems.

These developments have driven a new expectation level that represents a significant change from the traditional video conferencing era such that high quality "Telepresence" immersive experiences have become the benchmark for quality and performance of video in the business community.

Markets projections driven by the Telepresence era

There are many conditions driving an increased demand for high quality video communications. Global Warming, rising fuel prices, an economic downturn and terrorism have all combined to create a "perfect storm" of demand for Telepresence. The different approaches by new and traditional providers to capitalize on this emerging market have added to the awareness and attention.

According to the IDC and Cisco, The worldwide revenue opportunity for telepresence is projected to be $5 billion (U.S.) by 2011, with the largest portion of the revenue ($3.8 billion) driven by network and managed service revenues. Of the $3.8 billion, $1.5 billion will be attributed to managed services and $2.3 billion for network connectivity.

Telepresence is increasingly being sought as a collaboration tool between business partners and customers. Although the price tag of installing a telepresence room (ranging from $150k to as high as $400k) may seem to indicate that it is only designed for C level executives, in reality telepresence technology is designed to help any organization reduce costs and improve communications. In addition to playing an important role in addressing the issue of global warming and carbon footprint reduction, telepresence can help organizations save money on travel and can help to increase productivity.

A recent study by TRI, which included discussions with organizations who are using telepresence, identified the following business objectives behind telepresence:

- Greater operational efficiency,
- Optimization of global resources & competencies,
- Mitigate risk & promote secure business interactions,
- Raise quality of life, and
- Promote a homogeneous, robust culture.

Respondents to the study had the following to say about telepresence: "Telepresence provides significant communications benefits. It is a far more efficient approach to working."

"Telepresence provides a meeting across the seas as easy to set up as walking down the corridor to gather up colleagues."

"Telepresence is not just about saving money on international travel, it is about getting smarter at communication, strategy, and collaboration."

Clearly, telepresence has the ability to impact the bottom line of any organization in a positive way with both quantitative benefits and qualitative value. But how does it compare to video conferencing?

Telepresence offers great quality, yields a fantastic experience, and users love it...

So where's the "But?"

As with any new generation of technology there are few key barriers to consider:

1) Interoperability - many companies already have made a significant investment in "traditional" video conferencing equipment and need to leverage both the traditional and the Telepresence solutions.

2) Bandwidth - the great video quality and reliability comes at a high cost in terms of network bandwidth. Each room's set up uses 3 or more video codec's that require an average of 15MB of network bandwidth.

3) Investment - while the rooms are specially designed and integrated, they represent a considerable amount of equipment that must all function properly in order for the experience to be high quality and reliable.

4) Resources - the ability to establish multi-point (several rooms in one session) Telepresence calls requires additional investment and appropriately trained resources.

So when everything is operating and functioning properly, Telepresence offers a superior experience to the users. However, support of Telepresence rooms can be a daunting task and most organizations lack the expertise and available resources to dedicate to this effort. As a result, a new type of video managed services has emerged which is routinely offered along with Telepresence rooms called "VNOC" services.

VNOC stands for "Video or Virtual" Network Operations Center and is generally comprised of a suite of services tailored specifically for the unique requirements of Telepresence rooms.

VNOC services are a critical component of the telepresence experience because:

- The complete telepresence experience must consistently satisfy end users under the most demanding conditions.
- The adoption rate and overall productivity of a telepresence investment is directly related to user experience on a day-to-day basis.
- The benefits of a telepresence solution can only be fully realized by leveraging the expertise of a Telepresence VNOC Service Provider.
- The right service and support can make the link between telepresence and video conferencing appear seamless.
- Business to Business and the advent of public room rental using Telepresence technology is available without added investment or effort.

According to Frost & Sullivan, telepresence revenues are expected to increase by nearly 850% within the next five years. This means that telepresence and video conferencing will no longer be optional communication methods, as they will be essential for organizations to be competitive and demonstrate improved productivity, efficiency, and to have the ability to communicate with other organization's video platforms on public or private networks.

In order for Telepresence to avoid the challenges and pitfalls of the past and achieve wide adoption, it will require that:

- Video technology from different manufacturers will need to successfully communicate with one another and interoperability must be achieved.
- The complexity of room scheduling and call launching calls must be overcome.
- The technology must be as reliable and consistent as using the telephone.
- Analysis and information about room usage and productivity must be readily available.
- The technology must be "always on" with help and support available as it is with typical help desk availability.
- Seamless communication with private or public environments must be achieved.

The FOUR FACTORS to Properly Evaluate VNOC Service Providers

There is more to a successful telepresence experience than just installing the room and equipment. Utilizing a VNOC Service Provider should not be considered optional or a luxury. Even if you do have the internal resources available, you should be sure that you have access to a team of specialists dedicated to keeping up with equipment and software changes and they should be trained and certified on all the various "standards-based" platforms for interoperability issues. Even more basic than that, is making sure you have a plan to address some of the simple, most common questions that always arise:

- How do you schedule a meeting? What if there are more than two sites involved in the call?
- How do you launch a call?
- Whom do you contact if there are problems?
- How are users trained?
- Do you have the infrastructure to maintain connectivity to the outside world?

When it comes time to make a decision on a provider, properly evaluating their capabilities is essential. The FOUR FACTORS to consider are as follows:

FACTOR 1 - EXPERIENCE & INFRASTRUCTURE

Ensure that your provider has specific experience in Telepresence and traditional video conferencing, as well as networking, scheduling, multi-point bridging. Your provider must also have a proper infrastructure to enable your environment to private and public environments in a secure fashion.

FACTOR 2 - FLEXIBILITY

Choose a VNOC partner who is not tied to any one particular manufacturer or Telepresence solution as your needs may change and different systems may be chosen for the differing conditional and environmental needs of your locations. It's critical that you retain flexibility so your company doesn't get locked into one technology.

FACTOR 3 - ROBUST AND REDUNDANT SUPPORT RESOURCES

Many organizations focus on the equipment and room aspects of telepresence, but the importance of maintaining a consistent experience worldwide should not be secondary. Your service provider should offer comprehensive support for telepresence facilities through concierge services, remote management, and connectivity on a global basis.

FACTOR 4 - INTEROPERABILITY CAPABILITIES

Pay careful consideration to the provider's ability to offer interoperability compatibility between and SD, HD or telepresence environments and provide both telepresence VNOC services, exchange services, public room access and network services:

What You Should Expect From Your VNOC Service Provider

Proactive Monitoring - 24/365 proactive monitoring of the conferencing equipment and connections should be included to ensure that all equipment is functional and operable on a minute-by-minute basis. A combination of advanced infrastructure technology and experienced personnel should be deployed at all times with escalation and notification procedures in place.

Scheduling and Management - a dedicated toll-free number, a concierge service, and web portal scheduling tools for the user communities should be included. Automation and advanced tools such as integrated outlook and lotus notes capabilities with its confirmation notifications provided to requesters and participants of meetings.

Call Launching and Monitoring - can be handled by an engineer, who manages the successful launch of the call and connection of all sites in the telepresence meeting, including point-to-point and multi-point calls. The VNOC should be able to digitally monitor connectivity levels during sessions and should always be available to ensure a high-quality experience, every time.

Help Desk Support - users should have a single point of technical support for telepresence solutions to ensure a high-quality, uninterrupted experience for every call. Your provider should be able to interface and coordinate with hardware vendors, network providers, and integrators to repair or replace any component parts, network degradation, or resolve room integration issues.

Performance Reporting - provides key metrics on a monthly basis to identify areas of success, as well as areas in need of improvement. The reporting should include the telepresence room, the network, and supporting service levels. Your reporting should be detailed, such that it includes network and room service levels and availability, number of conferences held, total hours of usage, mean time to respond and repair any technical issues, along with a root-cause analysis and corrective action plan, where applicable.

Training - required for ensuring the successful use and adoption of telepresence systems.

It is not only important for users to feel comfortable using the technology, but to also understand the value the technology brings to day-to-day business activities. Using telepresence systems helps improve communications, enhance productivity, and have access to subject matter experts when and where they are needed.

Interoperability Testing and Support - to ensure telepresence systems can connect with other video conferencing rooms and businesses outside of your private network. Make sure the VNOC service provider is experienced in evaluating and testing video communication equipment for reliability and interoperability across manufacturers and access to exchange services for communication with private and public environments in a secure fashion.

A Final Thought

The future for telepresence appears robust. Environmental and economic issues necessitate finding more effective ways to communicate, be more productive and creative, and telepresence is rapidly becoming a "mission critical" application in the communication mix.

While providing a superior experience, today's Telepresence technologies are complex and demanding on your network and human resources. Advancements in technology may very well reduce the complexity over time, but the technology should always be secondary to the reason for using it. It is important to address entire picture - the technology, the service and the support - to ensure success with video programs.

As with any communications tool, Telepresence is best supported when an experienced service provider hides the complexity and simply makes it work, allowing the users to leverage the experience as part of their everyday life.

We are embarking on a visual society that is endless. Whether it means communicating with business executives on the other side of the world on important tasks, providing complex guidance to surgeons in an operating room in a different state or country, or extending your most talented and specialized resources across borders to interact with your most valuable clients, the new era of video communications is here and is no longer just a "nice to have".

The final and most critical decision is to choose the right overall solution for your needs by partnering with the right service to ensure it works anywhere, anytime, for any application.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jonathan_Brust

Webcasting 101

2010-12-25T00:26:00.000-08:00

Webcasting is the way forward, it is a simple and effective way of communicating with people, and now due to a radical shake up! Of the way, business is done in this Market, more people can afford to buy and use the product.

It is a medium of communication where you are in control of the message and so much more, good webcasting software is almost like owning your own interactive television channel.

Can your viewer, called an attendee speak to you?

You control it!

Can your viewer/attendee text chat with, you?

You control it!

Do you want all the viewers in the video conference... webcast, too be able to inter-act with each other?

You control it!

You control it... And so much more! All the features actually available in high quality webinar software, would take up so many pages of text, I will have to deal with them separately! Or perhaps I could do a webinar?:)

Awareness of Webcasting is growing, the take up of webinar/webcasting software is increasing, as a business owner can you afford to ignore it?

What is Webcasting?

In a nut shell it is a content delivery system, which can include:

Text Chat
Video
Audio
Power-point
Personal Visual Presentation and interaction
Desk top sharing
Real time web browsing
Record Presentation functionality
Phone dial in access
Email link access

Software's vary, the better ones include more of the above features.

Using webcasting software you can interact or communicate with people all over the world at the same time.

What do you need for webcast's?

Attendee's need access to a computer with speakers and a mike, or a phone. A web-phone preferably for reasons of cost. Now days it is not an issue, with the standard of modern computers in most peoples home.

What do Webcast Presenters need?

The following information is a rule of thumb as system requirements do vary.

A CPU with a processor speed of at least 1000 MHz and at least 512 MB of RAM
A Sound card for audio
A Graphics card.
A built-in Web-cam or a Digital Web Cam
Speakers and a microphone built-in possibly? or a head phone set.

Again it is nothing too fancy and I think fair to say... "Equipment available in most homes"

Here is some important information though, the power to provide such a versatile and flexible service to users online and to allow for recordings of webcasts/webinars to be streamed online, after they have been recorded for all the people who could not attend live is immense!

Webcast software is backed up by powerful servers, in as a rule commercial data centres and this for a long time has been reflected in the price!

But like all things change happens, How change can affect the price for a service like this, is for another article.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sean_Breslin

Videophone - How to Use Videophone Technology and the Pros and Cons

2010-12-25T00:25:00.000-08:00

In this article we are going to show you a three ways to use a videophone and the two types of videophone communications. Plus the Pros and Cons of each.

The videophone is the next big technology shift from analog to digital phone service. A new way of communicating is grow fast making these systems cost effective, dependable, and simple to use. People are quickly learning that videophone communication comes two a close 2nd to being there in person.

A videophone service is an economical solution to communicate state to state, or all over the world. Videophone use is similar to dialing a regular phone but with video and conferencing functions. Using a videophone you can literally see and hear anyone on the planet that has a videophone.

Three ways of videophone technology is used.

• Face to face- communicating with people from one location to another. More for residential use but can be used for business.
• Video Conferencing- communicating with people in multiple locations. Business and residential use.
• Audible only- can be use to call people with regular phone service

Different Types of video phone units

• Dedicated videophone unit- Compact phones with video screens accompanied with service. These units are portable.

Pros:
1. Conference with people from different locations
2. Runs on a secured dedicated network
3. Ability to project image on a larger screen
4. Ability to port existing phone number to videophone
5. No computer necessary
6. Easy to use- works like a regular phone

Cons:
1. Depending on the service quality, the video portion of the call may very in quality.
2. Must have high speed internet
3. For other person to see you they must have a videophone

• Desktop videophone unit- Computers can work as a videophone. Download software and add a microphone, video camera and some speakers.

Pros:
1. No need to travel long distances in order to see person
2. Conference with people from different locations
3. Use your desktop
4. Calls are free from computer to computer
5. Downloadable free software
6. No contract- pay as you go

Cons:
1. Cumbersome
2. Both parties need active computers
3. Time consuming to make a call

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Calderon

Call Center Industry Needs Unique Communication Solutions

2010-12-25T00:24:00.000-08:00

The operations of the call center industry by providing state of the art technologies and brilliant unique communication applications. They also work towards providing solutions for issues and provide unify communications to ensure that the customers will get the best results from the right agents. The communications solutions are all customer driven to enhance their level of satisfaction and to increase their loyalty towards the company.

Leading Technologies

The audio video conferencing equipment provided & facilitates conferences to take place among offices at different locations as the communication gap between them is reduced. The difficulty of multiple locations is drastically reduced as visual broadcasting can be done along with the audio calls. This increases the efficiency and effectiveness of the work force.

Purchasing the audio video conferencing equipments by the company itself reduces the cost of hiring equipments from outside sources and thus leads to an increase in the return on investments. These facilities are affordable, secure and accessible.

Customer Interaction

The modern and creative tools used &help clients to get personalized information conveniently and quickly that enhances their experience that has a direct impact on the performance of the company. The agents of the company have access to the customers' history and are prepared to handle specific customers and give tailor made solutions to their problems.

Unified Communication Solutions

To provide communication solutions integrates all the data into single data network. To enhance the satisfaction level of the customers the latest infrastructure and communication tools are used. The automatic software updating will be done by the software update manager to ensure that all software that are used the latest versions. Automatic software updating is critical to rule out the possibility of any outdated versions that are used which will decrease the efficiency of the company.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Charles_Dickens

Desktop Conferencing - An Innovative Way to Communicate

2010-11-11T22:54:00.001-08:00

One of the easiest and most innovative ways of communicating today is called desktop conferencing. This technology is a practical way to communicate in that it can be done over the Web, with the convenience of staying at one's own desk. This communication tool also allows users to transfer data, share PowerPoint presentations and send text messages to all participants during the conference.

To set up a desktop conference call, one only needs a desktop computer that is installed with the required software application; an internet connection; a pair of earphones and microphone for audio; and a camera for display. Some operating systems are already pre-installed with the required software application. Otherwise, users can download from the internet any available conferencing software like MSN Messenger or NetMeeting for free or for a fee.

It is highly recommended to have a quality Internet connection with a speed of at least 128 kilobytes to ensure uninterrupted communication and efficient transfer of data. For activities and presentations that would require higher data transfer, like file or image sharing, presentations or videos, a speed of at least one gigabyte is suggested in order for the function to run smoothly.

Additionally, the host of the conference can conduct a one-on-one meeting with more than one participant. In the same vein, the technology allows a user to disseminate a message to a hundred or a thousand participants in a fast and near-seamless way.

For advanced desktop conferencing, participants can make use of the collaborative white boarding. This feature allows participants to share the same virtual board, wherein they can view, review and discuss from their own respective computers the same document, image, file or presentation in real time.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_M_Peterson

Versatility of Video Conferencing and Telepresence Solutions

2010-11-11T22:53:00.002-08:00

In the past, fans would have been delighted to get an autograph or maybe a photo with their sporting heroes. So imagine the excitement at the prospect of actually taking part in an interview with global sports stars. On July 14th 2010, participants from all over the world had that opportunity when they got involved in a live telepresence interview with football legend David Beckham.

In his role as Global Sports Ambassador, and using powerful telepresence solutions from Cisco, Beckham fielded rapid fire questions about his football career, his private life and even revealed a secret passion for playing with Lego. The interview, conducted at Cisco's office near London, was also streamed live to over 600 million Yahoo! users around the world. This is yet another example of the versatility of video communications, as well as showing how the world of professional sport is embracing the technology.

Recently, NBA legend Derek Fisher used video conferencing technology to conduct similar interviews between multiple global sites. It has even been reported that fellow NBA star LeBron James used telepresence to hold meetings while deciding the next step in his playing career. The basketball player, who recently elected to end his career with the Cleveland Cavaliers, would have saved hundreds of hours and dollars whilst still being able to communicate face-to-face with prospective new managers and teammates.

Other examples can be seen in Germany, where the national governing body for football used video conferencing to conduct meetings with players at clubs spread across the country. This significantly reduced the travel demands for players and coaching staff. After the successes of the all round experience the Deutscher Fußball-Bund (DFB - German Football Federation) extended their use of the technology to keep in contact with the team during the most recent World Cup in South Africa. Similarly, sports broadcaster ESPN also adopted video communication technology to conduct live interviews for their coverage of this global event.

The increasing popularity of video communication technology within the sporting world demonstrates the versatility of video conferencing and telepresence solutions, and just how effective they can be beyond the boardroom.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tulika_Sinha

Live Web Conferencing - 5 Points For a Successful Online Meeting

2010-11-11T22:53:00.001-08:00

For you, live web conferencing meetings may be "old hat." Or, maybe you are about to embark upon your first one. Either way, despite the fact that thousands of people take part in web meetings each day, most people take it for granted that there is nothing they could learn to have even better, more productive meetings.

After all, with a web conference, once you have figured out the technological element, it should just flow naturally, right? Well, not if experience serves. For example, there are some situations you may have experienced in a recent online meeting which are clear signs that things could have gone much more smoothly. Any of these sound familiar?

* one or more people showed up late

* you could hear excessive background noise - maybe shuffling papers or voices

* attendees seemed unprepared or even unaware of the intended topic

* nobody asked any questions during or after the presentation

* one attendee seemed to dominate the entire Q&A portion, never allowing anyone else a chance to speak

If you have experienced any of these things in the past during a live web conferencing meeting, you know the frustrations of an inefficient meeting. Here are 5 tips for organizers, presenters and attendees to have more successful online meetings:

1. Conduct a 5-minute pre-meeting review by yourself:

Everybody who shows up to the meeting, whether presenter or attendee, should come prepared. At the very least, spend 5 minutes just before the meeting to review the topic to be discussed. Prepare at least 1-2 questions that you would like to have answered or items you would like to explore. By showing up prepared, you show respect for the time of both yourself and of the other attendees.

Important: some online meeting software requires that users pre-load the software and login to the account. Be sure to start this process at least 5-10 minutes before the scheduled start time to avoid technology-related delays.

2. Show up on time:

Punctuality for an online meeting is as important as it is for in-person meetings. It is a disservice to everyone involved - especially to those who did show up on time - if the presenter has to review progress thus far or start over just to catch someone up who logged on late.

Important: if people are to be joining from different time zones, make sure to double-check that everyone has a good understanding of the meeting start time in the context of their own time zone.

3. Mind your physical space, including potential background noises and personal interruptions:

This one is all about being a courteous participant. Even if you choose to sit quietly throughout the entire meeting, that is 10 times better than being an annoying web meeting attendee. Be sure to minimize any background noise such as the shuffling of papers, loud microphone breathing, and voices of others in the background. Also, try to attend the meeting from an enclosed office - and alert others in the area that you are not to be disturbed.

4. Be an active participant:

This is a big one. You will show respect for the topic and the presenter if you can actively ask some questions about what has been presented. Even one well-placed comment or insightful question can unexpectedly bring the dialogue in a new and fruitful direction.

5. If you are the presenter, you are also the de-facto facilitator:

Many web meeting presenters forget sometimes to also be good facilitators. A good meeting facilitator is one who respects the meeting process and keeps it on track. For example, a facilitator makes sure that everyone has the opportunity to speak, that nobody dominates the conversation, and that the meeting does not run too long. Also, the facilitator should summarize any conclusions and mutually agreed-upon next steps at the end of the meeting.

Follow these 5 tips to make a more successful live web conference.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jed_C._Jones_Ph.D.

A History of Video Conferencing

2010-11-11T22:52:00.000-08:00

Video conferencing was first introduced in 1964 at the New York world fair, when AT&T presented the world's first picture phone. This allowed two people to communicate and simultaneously see each other on their phone screens. In the beginning stages of video conferencing, T1, ATM and ISDN lines were mostly used but were only common for room-based video conferencing.

Initially these lines were quite expensive and operational difficulties such as bad pictures and sounds caused this idea to not go as far as it could. As the internet became more a part of people's everyday lives video conferencing started being conducted differently with computer-to-computer networking.

The TCP/IP connections of the Internet were found to be less expensive and was able to hold more information. By 2003, high-speed Internet access became available widespread at a very minimal cost, as well as the cost of web cameras and display technology. An individual is now able to do a video conference in High-Definition which was first introduced in 2005 and the fastest ever. The picture quality is more clear and crisp also, the audio is synchronized providing a higher quality and more effective and enjoyable experience.

A conference in High-Definition gives a wider presentation angle which enables more conference participants to be on camera and fully engaged in what's going on. Having this life like experience has completely changed the outlook of these conferences. Many would mock the technology and doubted that it would ever be turned into a viable form of communication. This was due to the low quality of picture and the delay of sound. For many years it seemed that there would be no comparison between video calls and telephone calls as the ease of information transfer were not too dissimilar.

It is also good for the transmission of high-resolution content, such as charts or photographs with amazing detail and clarity. These events are more enjoyable and memorable when the material on the screen can be seen without causing eye strain. Plus, the clear images along with the smooth motion makes sign language easy to follow for hearing-impaired conference participants. The high-definition technology makes the quality and range of information communicated through video conferences a more valuable communication product for everyone.

With modern day technologies it is possible to rely solely on standard PC servers and desktops to accomplish boardroom-quality conferencing, but this same technology enables us to go above and beyond. Even though hardware-based systems are still available today, the whole process has become more wonderfully complex than ever before. Nonetheless, the concept is the same but over time the transmission has changed.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jamie_Simpson

Video Conferencing is the New Telephone

2010-11-11T22:51:00.000-08:00

Many corporations now rely on video conferencing equipment nowadays. With the global market continuing to expand, video conferencing equipment may be the new phone. Enterprise people no longer have to leave their house offices or may possibly conveniently keep in touch with other traveling employees when required. A Tucson workplace can now effortlessly have both verbal and visual communication with a Bangkok workplace while using correct equipment.

Video conferencing equipment makes it possible for two-way communication among two entities whether it can be a point-to-point meeting between two men and women or a multi-point meeting among 3 or far more individuals at 3 or a lot more web sites. Even though visual meeting systems have gone via a number of phases more than the years, they have recently been vastly improved with developments in digital telephony then World wide web Protocol technologies. Visual meeting systems have benefited greatly with devices that may simply compress and transmit data rapidly utilizing many Net techniques including broadband (cable or satellite) World wide web, LAN lines or telephone lines.

Video conferencing equipment could be used in today's globe in several fields. In the field of business, it provides executives with a means to discuss and resolve timely issues without having to travel large distances to do so. This helps to speed up the decision producing procedure. In addition, conferences may be held with employees of a business in different locations to disperse info, deliver training, notify changes of policy, etc. all at the same time reducing the time and trouble of intercompany memos and emails.

As the consumer, when you are considering purchasing a video conferencing system, there are two types you must choose from. The first is referred to as dedicated and has the audio, online video and data transfer components packaged into the same single device. Depending on the manufacturer, the console will have a controllable high output video clip camera that will pan left and right, zoom and tilt all from across the room. Although there is a control computer built within the unit, the online video screen or video projector will be connected to the console to provide the ultimate visual experience.

Several World wide web and telecommunications firms offer video conferencing equipment. Manufacturers such as Cisco, Polycom and TANDBERG carry numerous types of equipment. In some case, a simple kit with a remote control can cost less than $100. However, there are also devices that cost thousands of dollars. The less expensive equipment might only allow data transmission via modem or analog means, but the fully loaded options include wireless and Ethernet transmissions along with other computer staples such as word processing, spreadsheet and presentation capabilities.

Most video conferencing equipment is simple to use for even the novice computer user. Users have to know a few basic things before finding the proper equipment such as how numerous simultaneous sessions the bandwidth will have to support so that it really is compatible with either an IP or LAN connection as essential for the device. If equipment is needed for a large group in a boardroom, the equipment will have to be in the highest video clip quality to accommodate everyone inside the room.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Garth_Russell_R_Beach

Are You Using Video Conferencing? A New Way of Communication?

2010-06-26T01:40:00.006-07:00

Many business people throughout the word are looking at saving costs. Traveling expenses alone are costing companies thousands and in some cases millions of dollars resulting in massive cutbacks and lay offs. Business people are looking for answers, ways to cut costs and at the same time maximize their profits. Let's look at how video conferencing can help.

Just think of the money a business man or an individual can save on a regular basis with video conferencing. Just think of the money you can save on flights across the country and around the world or the cost of staying in hotels. Think of the cost you could save on attending and holding conventions. What about the cost of rental cars, gas and the travelling expenses paid to employees.

With video conferencing you can save on those costs dramatically. You can save on your flights, travel expenses, saved man hours and bring your cost down within a few weeks. It is not only about saving money but being able to meet regularly and effectively which could have a massive effectiveness on your company

Just imagine sitting in your boardroom, your office or at home video conferencing with twenty, thirty or even a hundred employees sharing ideas and information. Imagine having your own virtual office where you can video conference, text chat, share files, download files, do desk top sharing with employees directly from your office or home. What a huge advantage that would be for your business.

Many MLM companies are using conference rooms and webinars to communicate with their clients. There are a lot of companies that are still using the old method where the clients can call into a telephone conference but they are limited to what they can say and usually the is muted and you listen to moderator. With your virtual office or video conferencing room you can work together in a group. Everyone can text chat ask questions and share ideas like one big family controlled by one or more moderators.

Who can use video conferencing? Large Companies with a large number of employees spread across North America and throughout the world. Small and Medium sized firms that realize the benefits. Firms that need the facility to conference with clients. Schools, Universities and Training Institutions Court Rooms. Prisons and the Legal System, governments, health care systems, and even families needing to bring themselves back together over distance. Example: Communicating with a love one overseas or a son or daughter in the military.

Conferencing online is becoming one of the most important ways to market online and is a very effective way to save costs, transfer files, share information and ideas and communicating with love ones. It is also an affordable way of communicating.

Thank you for viewing my article. I enjoy sharing information and ideas with others.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Randy_Whitehorne

Get Acquainted With Web Conferencing Collaboration

2010-06-26T01:40:00.005-07:00

Web conferencing collaboration is one of the latest technologies that has brought revolution in the corporate world. This technology allows business houses to share different applications and documents on the internet. It acts as an easy solution for conducting polls, perform various type of group discussions, facilitates live presentations and demonstrate new launch products. This technology not only saves money but also saves time. It is because of this reason this technology is increasingly becoming popular among business organizations.

Using this technology, business organizations or corporates organize webinars, make presentations and then show them to hundreds of professionals at the same time. Moreover, an organization can organize for meetings and question-answer polls. Webinars refer to seminars that are conducted online. Webinars are considered as a useful tool for delivering staff training, conducting reviews related with the performance and presenting sales pitches.

In the present scenario, where world has turned into the global village and organizations need to communicate with each other on the constant basis, this tool has proved to be of great help. This software has become one of the basic necessities for most of the business organizations collaborating with employees and clients. It is a cost-effective medium which not only enhances the productivity of a business organization but also enhances its efficiency.

Communication plays a key role for the success of an organization. Teleconferencing integrated with web-conferencing and audio acts as a perfect solution for all the communication needs of a business organization.

There are many business organizations that have to move files continuously on the regular basis as a part of their normal work procedure. Using this software, the task of moving files becomes quite easier. Formats comprises of PDFs, audio or video files and document files. Moreover, employees can share their desktop with other people in the organization so that others can know what is being displayed on their computer screens.

Many business organizations make use of this tool for providing remote support to their existing and potential clients. Companies can provide step by step help to their clients. Few options of software include RHUB Communication's TurboMeeting 4.1.

Therefore, it can be said that by making use of this technology, a large number of business organizations are able to coordinate with their clients and employees settled in different parts of the world.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jacob_Bainton

10 Things I Hate About Video Web Conferencing

2010-06-26T01:40:00.003-07:00

It's difficult for business to survive during these tough economic times. So if you're looking for ways to keep your competitive edge...

Watch out for these 10 things I Hate About Video Web Conferencing:

1) I live in Wisconsin and winters here are brutal. I like going on business trips to sunny California to get out of the frozen tundra! So meeting online makes my winter, warm business trip less likely.

2) Sometimes I would rather skip being "seen" on camera...especially when I'm working from home taking care of my sick child. Video web conferences makes face time easy - anywhere - any time.

3) Less business expenses to write off for taxes. Web conferencing slashes 68% or more off of business costs such as teleconference fees, long distance & international calling fees, courier fees, gas & insurance costs every year.

4) I'll have to deal with more customers, suppliers, and remote co-workers on a daily basis because it's easier to communicate better and more often online.

5) Possibility of being bumped up into a higher tax bracket because online sales presentations makes it easier and less expensive for you to double or even triple your revenue.

6) More time to sit in marketing plan meetings to grow your business since more routine business will be efficiently handled online.

7) More training sessions since it costs less to provide your sales reps timely, state-of-the-art, online training on demand. Web conferencing significantly lowers your training costs.

8) More meetings in general. Because online meetings are so economical, you can include key decision makers or employees - even if they're located across the globe - to get your business done.

9) Less exercise! Because you won't have to walk (or drive) to another building for a meeting, you'll have better use of your time during the day.

10) It costs money! There's no doubt that video conferencing reduces carbon emissions, is good for the environment, and is good for your bottom line...but it's not free forever!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sonja_Mishek

Flip Your Expertise

2010-06-26T01:40:00.001-07:00

It seems that it is all the rage - putting video into your web pages, uploading information to YouTube and even posting video to Facebook. The posting is not the problem. The greatest fear for most people is putting up something that others will be excited to view and then SHARE it with everyone they know.

Good video is not just luck. Good video is carefully planned and well executed. This does not mean you need to be a professional to carry off the task. It means you have to put thought into your video. I could not imagine giving a presentation without knowing what I was going to speak about. I prepare slide decks and practice long before the presentation date. The same needs to be true for your videos.

So let's look at the the 6 top items for creating an excellent video that will draw in your target market.

1. Decide on the message you want to have others read or see. The message could be a benefit, a feature, or simply something that is of interest to others.

2. Prepare a presentation using a tool such as PowerPoint. For a three minute video, the recommended number of slides (so you don't run out of words) is ten. Use the first few slides to put in your title, your credentials (if you want these), and who you are plus what you are presenting. This gives a good introduction into your topic (whether it is serious or silly - this will always work).

The next slides will describe your video outline - and put it into a meaningful sequence for the audience. In other words, it should be logical.

The final slide will be the closing with action items (if you need them). Make a great conclusion or Ta-Da then ask the audience to follow up with you in some manner. I am making the assumption that fame, and potential fortune is the goal!

3. Get a video camera (built in from your computer, a stand-alone such as a FLIP, or a movable webcam).

4. Position the camera so that the background makes sense, don't have your dirty laundry in a pile at the back of the video - double check before you begin.

5. Practice what you want to convey and then practice again. There is nothing worse than stumbling around. If you make a mistake, start over. Remember you are not making a feature film, you are making a 3 minute or less clip.

6. Keep your messages short and to the point - tell stories and share what you know.

Relax and have fun - this is your chance to show your expertise. Enjoy the limelight!

Bette Daoust, Ph.D. spent some time creating videos for Wealth Classes TV. Through her experience, she has come up with tips for helping others simplify the process. Her main focus is to share information with people who want to promote their business.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bette_Daoust,_Ph.D.

Conference Calling Companies

2010-06-26T01:39:00.000-07:00

What is a conference Call?

A conference call is a telephone call where the one party initiates another call which allows a called party to either listen in on the call or to speak. Another phase which is often used in conference calling is "Three-way calling". Specific equipment which allows this call to work can sometimes be employed, although your local telephone company can simply provide this service to your telephone line.

Many small businesses which are based at home use three-way calling, which is provided at an extra charge, to speak with many of their customers and consultants. In many cases this technology allows for problem solving without wasting too much time in back and forth calling.

There are many players in this market which has brought the technology to a place which allows a person in Australia to speak with and see someone in the USA and China without traveling around the world to attend a business meeting. With recent developments, it is now a normal practice to have not only conference calls, but also have those calls recorded and played back.

Many of the new services also include live call screen, which is ideal for moderation; pre-conference/green room facility which allows persons attending the conference call to have private conversations before starting the conference and lecture mode which allows for the muting of all participants. Web conferencing can also be performed on these calls which allow participants to share PowerPoint Presentations, text chat or host a poll.

There is a very special feature of Conference Calling which I find quite interesting; International call out and blast dial which invites callers all over the world to join in a live call. This is truly a money saving feature.

Choosing a Conference Calling Provider

When choosing a Conference Calling Provider, there are a number of questions which you will need to look ask.

(1) Can your provider service any type of call?
(2) Is the line capable of handing the volume of calls based on the type of conference call you want to make. e.g. world wide?
(3) Are there any hidden fees for this service?
(4) What are the guarantees that you will have good service?
(5) Is your system voice over internet protocol (VOIP)?
(6) Does your company provide DTMF clamping?

There are obviously other questions which you will need to ask before choosing a provider since there are several providers in this arena and you will ask the questions to suit your particular requirements.

Conference calling companies can save you mega dollars in travel around the world, therefore when you choose a company, ensure that you have the facilities you require to make your online meetings beneficial to your company.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Garner_Downes

Video Conferencing - A Necessity For Every Business

2010-03-01T04:31:00.001-08:00

What is meant by video conferencing or web based conference? Conducting a conference between two or more participants at different websites by using computer networks to transmit audio and video data? For example, a point to point means two person video conferencing system works like a video telephone. To conduct video conference, each participant has a camera, microphone and speakers mounted on his or her computer. As the two participants speak to one another, their voices are carried over the network and delivered to the others speakers, and whatever images appear in front of the video camera appear in a window on the other participants monitor.

Multipoint videoconferencing allows three or more participants to sit in a virtual conference room and communicate as if they were sitting right next to each other. The hardware costs made videoconferencing prohibitively expensive for most organizations, but that situation is changing rapidly. Many analysts believe that videoconferencing will be one of the fastest growing segments of the computer industry in the latter half of the decade.

Video Conferencing is a business tool that is growing in strength and becoming increasingly accessible to even small businesses. The use of the internet to allow businesses to keep in touch with colleagues, employees, partners and clients via video is very real.

The web technology has made world as global village. Web based videoconferencing is becoming increasingly popular driven by reductions in costs and improved technology. It is now recognized as a cost effective alternative to actually arranging an in the flesh meeting. It is impossible to running video conference if your audience does not have the right equipment. They will need a computer or laptop, Internet connection and you may also want to have a microphone and web camera. Sometimes your equipment might not be compatible with some platforms, make sure everyone has compatible equipment and software.

Now a day lot of companies that provide you with video conferencing abilities will offer you the opportunity to use and pay for the service only as you need it. If you are conducting these conferences it may be more beneficial for you to look into a program that you can pay yearly or one time fee to use.

Finding the right web conference service for your company is really not that difficult. It simply takes a little bit of research to find the one that is right for you. Each company will have its own benefits to using their service. You just have to decide on which requirements you need to meet for the meetings that you are going to have for your company.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hadwin_Brown

Video Presentations

2010-03-01T04:30:00.002-08:00

Resumes are a tool used by the job seekers to provide a summary of their past experiences, achievements and the capabilities of an individual that will allow the person to qualify for a particular job vacancy, within an organization. In the recent era, when promptness and compactness is the name of the game, the managers too do not like investing most of their time in sifting and screening the many resumes they receive, from all over the country or even the world in some cases.

That is why the current trend of video presentations being used as video resumes is fast gaining popularity and acceptability in the corporate world. This method is very popular among the youth of today, who are opting to harness the digital technology to develop impressive resumes for themselves that will help them get ahead in their professional lives. Though it is a relevantly new idea, yet its potency cannot be denied and it has significantly made its mark in the corporate sector, where the managers can finally find freedom from sifting through the stack of papers called resumes.

A good personal presentation promises to leave a positive impression on the employers, who will be forced to take action accordingly. Rather than sticking to the formats of a resume and searching for the relevant keywords to add zing to them, the job seekers will have an opportunity to actually prepare and present themselves, in the comfortable environment of their homes or elsewhere. This, on the hand will allow the managers to gauge the job seeker's personality type and observe their confidence level and other related aspects easily. One can also choose to provide their video presentations in combination with the traditional resumes, to add dimension and clarity of expression, to make themselves stand apart from the crowd.

Video presentation is a powerful tool, which one can choose to demonstrate their intellect and enthusiasm. One can opt to get their shoot done from a professional agency or can even shoot it themselves with the help of the digital cameras. When developing the personal video presentations, always invest time in preparation and know your strengths and weaknesses. Market your skills and emphasize on how the organization can benefit from it.

Structure an enthusiastic opening to entail the compact summary of your education and the work history relevant to the nature of the job. Do not digress, as your audience, which is your employer may lose interest in what you have to say. Rehearse well before actually recording the shoot and make sure that your speech is clear, confident and precise. Video presentations are a great way to assess the potential candidates and respond to the recruitment process in a more timely fashion.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hamza_Ejaz

Video Conferencing Etiquette Online

2010-03-01T04:30:00.001-08:00

Using web conferencing software has many benefits for today's business user. It is fast easy to use and a reliable form of online communication now, unlike in its early pioneering days. Web conferencing cuts down on travel expenses and lets team members communicate with colleagues abroad. Allowing users to collaborate on projects live internationally.

Also talking to prospective clients face to face is a proven successful sales strategy that online conferencing is perfect for. As an effective communication tool web conferencing software is very hard to beat. I have just described two uses it has many others. Online presentations and training are two more amongst many. Here are some Online web conferencing software dos and dont's!

Always plan and prepare your presentation for maximum professionalism. Make sure you have all the materials you or your attendees may need is distributed or available.

Be on-time.

If you say the meeting starts at 4pm, then start at 4. Just as in an office meeting punctuality is expected and respected. The fact that your meeting is online even demands it as conference attendees may well be in different time zones and the effort they make to be online at the stated hour, must be rewarded by your sticking to the stated schedule.

Conference setting and location.

People will be looking at your surroundings so, let your surroundings reflect the image you want to project. Distractions such as movement and noise, are to be avoided at all costs. Any noise or activity that distracts people from listening to you or concentrating on your presentation is a serious error which will reduce the effectiveness of your presentation.

Mannerisms and speech.

Avoid excessive gestures and speak clearly as you would in an office meeting, the same general rules apply even if you are not in the same room as the people you are speaking to. Here are a few examples of actions to avoid. Do not: Eat or drink during the meeting. Look in desk drawers for items. Use your mobile phone etc. You will lose your audience.

Wi-Fi and video conferencing.

Doing a web conference on a Wi-Fi signal is not recommended use a cable connection to avoid any interruption to the signal. Wi-Fi is always the second choice and only if necessary.

Putting attendees on hold.

Putting attendees on hold and pausing the meeting to attend to something else, will interrupt the flow of your conference and irritate your audience. If you have to interrupt a meeting explain why and reschedule, and it had better be a very good reason or those people are gone! Planning an interruption free space time wise is important.

I hope the above pointers help you hold a successful online conference meeting. Keeping in mind the above factors will allow you to come across as a professional the kind of person people want to do business with. And you will maximise the benefit to you and your company using a very good online business tool. Web conferencing is a very under used business tool and effective use will give you an edge over the competition.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sean_Breslin

Webinars - The Path to Leads

2010-03-01T04:29:00.000-08:00

Webinars are similar to live workshop events, with the exception being these events are held entirely online. It's a great way to deliver your messages without the added expenses of room rentals and refreshment serving, not to mention travel expenses. Webinars are also a great way to generate leads for your business and convert leads into customers.

According to most companies that regularly hold webinars as part of their marketing strategy, each webinar results in immediate business for them. There are some expenses associated with hosting a webinar as far as technology is concerned. Then you have to factor in the time and staff necessary to promote the event, manage the event and coordinate the follow-up efforts. As you would with any marketing investment, you'll need to calculate return on investment (ROI) to determine how successful your webinars are at generating revenue for your business.

Stages of a Webinar

1. Decide on a topic/issue

2. Target your audience

3. Create a marketing campaign

4. Design and put together the content for the webinar

5. Implement the marketing campaign to promote the event

6. Register attendees

7. Hold the webinar

8. Follow-up steps for converting attendees into clients

While these cover the overall steps, there is a lot of work involved as a part of each step. Webinars can be lucrative-money wise and lead generation wise. As is the case with any marketing effort, the proper amount of planning, consistency and the delivery of relevant content are all key factors in the success of the webinar.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kristie_L._Lorette

Web Conferencing Services - Step By Step Guide

2010-03-01T04:28:00.000-08:00

Web conferencing is considered as one of the very amazing tools to almost everyone who have used it. But it is still a mystery to many, who have not yet used the online conferencing services. There are some people who have used the web conferencing services numerous time but still they come up with some or the other problem during online conferencing. This article will provide a step by step web conferencing preparation guidance to people who are a first time user and will also solve the problem of people who in spite of using the tool multiple time still experiences difficulties.

1) Proper Planning for Better Web Conferencing

When you have thought of arranging a web conference then it means you definitely have something in your mind that you would like to discuss or show others. Make a list of people or staff you want to make a part of your web conference. Create a written document and circulate the message.

2) Adjust Web Camera

Test your web camera in advance so that you don't waste time in adjusting your camera during the crucial time, this really looks very unprofessional. Adjust the camera in such a way that you are just in the center of the screen and there will still be some 10% head room. Whatever you need during the meeting should be in front of you so that you don't have to move from the table. Your movement will just display a blurry image, which can distract or irritate others.

3) Check Microphones, Speakers & Headphones

Lock doors and switch off TVs and radios to avoid the unwanted background noise. Use a slim trim headset microphones or earphones that looks sober and does not cover your face. Test your speakers to ensure that they are enough audible for your to hear. I will discourage usage of external speakers because that will create feedbacks. The microphone will also pick up the sound from the external speakers and distract the other participants including you.

4) Dressing up for Improving Web Conferencing Services

Though you are conferencing over the Internet that does not mean you can wear anything. Avoid wearing your bathrobe or other casuals. Get your professional look. Dress up the way you would for a meeting outside the house or in an office.

5) Better Web Conferencing - Lighting

You have already planned where you are going to sit. Keeping in mind about the part of the day your online conferencing program will take place, arrange the lighting set up. Or you can make your sitting arrangement according to the lighting system in the respective room. Considering the fact that lights from behind will make you appear darker in the screen to other participants and light in front of you will illuminate your face and the area around you, decide on your sitting arrangement.

6) Good Internet Connection

Before you think of arranging for a web conferencing program, find out the bandwidth and supporting factors for uninterrupted online conferencing services.

7) Test the Software Before Using Web Conferencing

Before finally using the software on the conference day, test it by making small calls. Learn more about the specific software and the various features available.

These small tips will surely make your web conferencing program a big hit

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Liza_Lewis

Video Conferencing For Businesses

2010-02-02T06:19:00.001-08:00

When you have a business and you need to involve several people who are all in different places, there is several ways to get everyone together. One way is to fly everyone out to a central location, pay for a hotel, meals and whatever else a person may need for the meeting. But, there is a more cost efficient alternative. It is called video conferencing. This way you can have everyone seeing the same presentation, but do not have to have everyone actually in the room. Since you can save so much money in this way it allows you to spend more on the actual equipment to have your conference.

Video conferencing is also a very efficient way to get information out to the people that need to be informed. With video conferencing, you can actually have signs that will let everyone know where the conference is as far as agenda, waiting times and other such information. That is an example of video conferencing. On the screen you can have the estimated wait time, who is running behind and if there are any cancellations. This also works in a video conference situation if you have a sign in page with all this information.

I have been to several conference calls and I have found them to be very accommodating and informative. They are the same as a regular conference except you don't have to sit on a crowded plane, stay in a cramped hotel, or sit next to someone who had the garlic special for lunch. I personally feel that video conferencing will eventually be the only way that meetings are held. It also eliminates several incidences of traffic related excuses or things like that. If a person is scheduled, then there is really no excuse for them not to be present.

With video conferencing, a meeting is also a more private undertaking. You can have other things going on at the office when otherwise they would have to wait until you returned. In that way it is also cost efficient, as more work is getting finished. You do not need to come back to the office and finish the work. These two things are positive for your business. You just have to get used to not seeing a person face to face.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Charles_Cheow

Video For Business

2010-02-02T06:18:00.004-08:00

In the advertising world digital signage is taking over. The use of digital ads and informational signs is skyrocketing. The great thing is that the trend shows no sign of slowing down. But instead it is increasing in popularity by leaps and bounds. The ability to implement this application in such a short time is also appealing. Instead of waiting for months for a print ad to be written, edited, and finally make its way into print. With digital there are several digital software applications that are easy to understand, and even easier to operate. In the next year or so, the use of this technology is expected to rise as much as 30 percent.

One aspect of digital signage that appeals to many businesses is the ease of installation. Anyone who has a computer and a screen can have digital signage. Just type out what you would like to tell the people who will be reading, and there you go, communication employed. This can all happen and you will never have to leave your office. The signs do the work for you, letting you focus on more important things, like family after a long day.

The advent of LCD has also taken the ad world by surprise. Although starting off with a hefty price tag, LCD had dropped rather dramatically in the past few years. This is making plasma a thing of the past. With the prices and quality of the LCD growing and growing, other venues are going to be left severely lacking. Not to mention that the price of LCD has dropped steadily since its conception. It has no plans for slowing down on this drop either, but eventually being affordable for everyone.

With the popularity of video conferencing, the digital world is guaranteed success. As more and more aspects of a business are handled through the computer, the ability to have a meeting within minutes of the thought, will definitely win out. With trains, planes, and automobiles being the competition, video is sure to win. Who would not rather have an important meeting online, instead of a wild goose chase for the same meeting? The ease and reliability of a video conferencing is well worth the expense of start up. But rest assured, you will recoup your investment within the first few meetings. The transportation costs, hotel costs, and meals add up quickly. And all that and more can be eliminated with a little computer conference.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cheow_Yu_Yuan

Three Things to Prepare For Audio Visual and Video Conferencing Installation

2010-02-02T06:18:00.003-08:00

Once you decide to install video conferencing hardware, it is very important to make sure that you get everything organized. While a professional installer can help you with some of these issues, it will still be of some help for you to get some ideas about what needs to be done beforehand. This will make it easier to eliminate problems that may cause significant delays during the installation process.

Preparing the Room

No matter how you look at it, video conferencing equipment throws off a lot of heat. Aside from checking for adequate air conditioning and ventilation, you will also need to consider how the equipment will fit into the room. For example, if you want a camera to be pointed at a specific desk, then you will need to make sure that the line of sight is clear. Depending on the size of the room, you may find that you need to enlarge it, or choose a different one. Typically, it will be of some benefit to make sure that you sort out these issues before the installation crew arrives.

Checking on Power Lines

If you value your computer, then you probably never run it without using a UPS backup system. When you make use of video conferencing equipment, it can take more electricity than you expected. Therefore, if you live in an older home, or you routinely have electrical problems, you should make sure that they are resolved. As with other types of electronic gadgets, a single power surge, or power failure at the wrong time can ruin your equipment. Considering the price of certain components, you will want to make sure that the electrical system is as reliable as possible.

Furniture and Accents

Chances are, if you are planning to send live video feed to other people, you will not want to show them a bare looking room. At the same time, organizing a desk, sofa, and other items can be complicated. The last thing you will want to do is have a video conferencing equipment installer arrive, and then find yourself with all kinds of problems with regards to the size of each component in relation to the overall room. In most cases, if you have a scaled blueprint of how you want the room to look, it will be much easier to reduce the risk of cameras and other items being out of alignment with key pieces of furniture.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hayi_Mansoor

Secrets For Successfully Captioning Your Webinar

2010-02-02T06:18:00.001-08:00

With a little prior planning, captioning your webinar adds no stress to the presentation itself. But because it makes your information searchable, it extends its value in countless ways.

1. When you decide to caption a webinar, include your captioner in the scheduling process.
2. When you promote the webinar, promote that it will be captioned. Ask those who want captioning to identify themselves in theirRSVP or registration.
3. Send your captioner the names and e-mail addresses of those who request captioning.
4. Your captioner e-mails a link to those who want the webinar captioned.
5. When it's time for the webinar, those who received the captioning link log into the captioning system as well as the webinar system. They keep both windows in view on their screens. The captioning is perfectly synchronized with the webinar content.
6. When the webinar is complete, your captioner tells you how many used the captioning service, and gives you a transcript for subtitling your recording.
7. Ask for feedback from your caption-reading attendees, and enjoy the gratitude and loyalty of your new audience!

Tips for Captioning your Webinar
Recording: If while presenting your webinar you can record your whole screen, you too can log into the captioning system and show both windows on your screen at once. With this method, your webinar recording is instantly captioned.

If you prefer, you can use a transcript file to subtitle the webinar recording after it's complete. Either way, be sure to include the transcript file with your video so that the search engines can index your webinar's content in detail.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=G._Marie_Cordova

Choosing Your Web Conferencing Tools Wisely

2010-01-10T10:16:00.005-08:00

Does the thought of planning a conference make you cringe? Trying to organize multiple schedules, securing a location, making traveling arrangements, and the money involved is enough to make anyone dread setting up a conference. But there are easier ways to connect with people.

Even though it sounds too good to be true, web conferencing is becoming the preferred way to conduct a conference or meeting. It is easy to set up and can be more conducive to working with other people located all across the world.

There are a few different web conferencing tools available for use and they all have different features. The key to finding a compatible system is to really think about the types of things you want to be able to do during your meeting or conference. Are you going to need to upload any type of visual presentation with sound?

Most meetings will require some literature or agenda, so your participants need to be able to access those materials quickly and easily. Also keep in mind that not all participants will be using the same computer you are, so be sure to pick a system that will be compatible with either a Windows platform or MAC.

When selecting a web conferencing tool, there are two basic categories. The first one is freeware, which means that the software packages can easily be found on the Internet and you will not have to pay a charge for it. Once you locate the freeware, you simply download the application onto your computer.

It should come with instructions to operate all the functions, but because it was free, there will not be very many options. The freeware will have only the basic functions. So if you have meetings only a few times and only need to converse with people, this is the way to go.

If you are looking for something with more complex features, you will be better off purchasing a web conferencing package from a reputable company. Some of the fancier features will allow you to incorporate visual presentations, allow file sharing between participants, project tracking, and even have white board capabilities. Most of these packages should be able to handle anywhere from ten to fifteen participants at one time.

To save yourself and your company time and money, consider switching to a web conferencing system. You might find that it will boost your productivity and get you a better bottom line.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Laura_Bowman

Web Conferences Are Used For a Variety of Purposes

2010-01-10T10:16:00.003-08:00

These days you can never be sure of the weather. It can be sunny one day and rainy the next. The past days have been extremely rainy as typhoons have been passing the country one after another. Thus, most of the flights have been postponed if not cancelled altogether. Even most offices have declared for most of their employees to just work from home instead of putting their employees in danger especially during the travel from home to work and back to home again. Employees have to understand that business has to keep on going even under extreme circumstances. Thus, most have used web conferences for meetings and communication as most phone lines are cut. Good thing the internet is up and ready for most which has enabled people to work from home.

Actually, the internet was the only means for communication for the past couple of days. Those who were trapped on the roofs of their homes were able to communicate via the World Wide Web. Some were even interviewed via web conferences. That is why you see people being interviewed even when they were already on the roof of their homes.

This has certainly placed the importance of the internet and web conferencing in a whole new light as you can use them as tools to save your life. Although, web conferences are most often used for meetings and presentations, trainings and even classroom teachings as nobody is advised to go out of their homes now. All you got to do is to log on using your computer and connect with other participants via the web.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cheryl_Forbes

Improve the Prospects of Your Home Based Business

2010-01-10T10:16:00.001-08:00

Improve the prospects of your home business with video conferencing software.

Using video conferencing software is an excellent way to stay in touch with clients, suppliers and other business contacts -and it needn't cost the earth. This short article outlines how you can benefit from using Live Meeting (or any other video conferencing software for that matter) to maximum benefit.

Simply because you're a work from home mom, doesn't mean you must ignore audio and web conferencing. For all you know, it will give your business a lift, as well as additional prospects. Those prospects include
- improved communication with suppliers
- a more professional image
- the ability to share documents more easily with clients
- enormous savings on travel and office rentals.

Firstly, picture the scene - you've clinched a deal with someone you met at a networking event. Now it's time to get down to business. With web conferencing software, you're now able to speak to the other person - and be seen - all from your home based office! Speaking and seeing someone will definitely improve your communication.

Moreover, by using advanced software like Live Meeting, your clients know that you are serious about your work. It also shows that you are computer savvy, and like to use technology to improve your efficiency. Presenting a professional image is important, and video software is a great way to do that.

Using such a program can also let you upload files and share them. This is a great alternative if you've ever tried emailing documents back and forth which can be time consuming and gets complicated quickly. Instead, you can collaborate on a file using live meeting, and that way never have to worry about which document is the latest. You can also make real time changes. Simultaneously working on a document this way saves a lot of time.

If you saved just two trips per month to your client's office, the chances are the software will pay for itself. This makes video conferencing software very attractive. It gives you the benefits of being in the office with the other person, but without the time and money it takes to actually be there.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hadwin_Brown

Making Meetings Easy Through Web Conferencing

2010-01-10T10:14:00.000-08:00

The web has changed the way businesses are made. From advertising, to product demonstration to product analysis, everything can be done online. Web conferencing services are supporting the new age business processes in a big way. It has become a favored way of conducting meetings, training and communicating with friends and businesses networks. Global businesses find this as a novel way of conducting a variety of meetings.

Web conferences use the internet as the medium of communication. with each passing day, the quality of internet and the technology of equipment used in these conferences is getting better. At the same time, the price is reducing. Plus, most people involved in business across the globe have access to the internet and are familiar with web conferencing. This made its usage increasingly popular. The various ways in which web conferences support business meetings are:

* Meeting among employees: web conference allows you to demonstrate, present and collaborate. All these qualities become important when a company outsources its business processes and employees of a company are spread across different parts of the world. All the data can be shared, collaborated and discuss through the web. It saves travel costs and time.
* Client meetings: face to face meetings are now passé and so getting an overseas client is not a financially burdening process. Most clients are comfortable communicating on the web and doing business on the web. This is convenient to the vendors as well as potential clients.
* Meetings with trainees: webinars are a popular way of conducting seminars and training new employees. Global companies may require to train fresh employees across geographical boundaries. Webinars have features like data sharing, virtual face to face meetings and data collaboration which can satisfy all the requisites of an effective training session.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vikas_S

Facing Tight Travel Budgets? Web Conferencing Cuts Travel Cost and Lifts Productivity

2009-12-24T22:53:00.004-08:00

Are you facing tightening travel budgets but find it impossible to appreciably reduce travel due to business demands? Do you have employees that work from home and need a good alternative to commuting for face-time? Web conferencing may be the right solution for you, a great substitute for travel and commuting. Gone are the days when you had to buy expensive equipment for video conferencing and yet settle for hazy picture and unsettling time lag in voice. Conferencing technology has made great strides in the past few years. It provides greater capabilities, range and flexibility. Now every computer turns into conferencing equipment with the click of a mouse. It is a cost effective alternative to travel. It also improves your productivity by saving on the travel time.

Web conferencing, also called Web Video conferencing uses the internet as a conferencing medium. It enables meetings among multiple participants. It also allows one-way live or recorded broadcast of information, often accompanied by extensive use multimedia including charts, audio and video. Additionally, web conferencing may be between selected audiences or it could be open to public where anyone can join at will.

What are some of the uses of Web Conferencing?

Web conferencing solutions can be used to facilitate meetings among groups in multiple locations or to convey detailed information across to any part of the world. Here are some examples:

* Deliver sales presentation to single or multiple locations

* Conduct training sessions, live or recorded.

* Quarterly reporting of financial results to shareholders, analysts or directors

* Briefings or staff meetings between managers or staff members.

* Enable collaboration between team members or colleagues physically separated by a few miles or several time zones.

What are the benefits of Web Conferencing?

It provides several short-term and long-term benefits depending on the type of usage.

* It connects people who may be too busy for face-to-face meetings or separated by large distances.

* It is easier to arrange a meeting over web conference than in-person with a high level executive or professional who cannot afford travel time and would like to meet from the comfort of her office.

* Executives can reach out to multiple locations at the same time, say for an all hands meeting, an impossible task to accomplish otherwise.

* You can avoid setting up multiple meetings to present the same material over and over to decision makers that are spread out to several locations. Just do one web conference that everyone can join at the same time!

* And if someone misses the presentation, he or she can view a recorded version at leisure. Access would be as easy as visiting a website.

* These solutions can lead to drastic reductions in travel costs and make the money available for higher priority tasks.

* In addition to saving time, web conferencing also saves employee time that is otherwise spent in traveling. This time can be used for doing valuable company work, thus, increasing company output.

* Web conferencing is a perfect solution for those who work from home. Demand for at-home workers is growing. Businesses are able to save on real estate costs and other office expenses while they get qualified personnel that are unable to move close to the office.

Choosing a Provider for Web Conferencing

Here are six critical attributes that should be considered while looking for a web conferencing services provider:

1. Live support: Especially critical when you have audiences from multiple organizations.

2. Billing arrangements: inquire about various plans. If your usage is low, go in for per minute charge. If the usage is high then a flat rate per user billing makes more sense.

3. Multimedia Integration: A presentation or a training session without charts and video is going to be insipid. Make sure support for multimedia is included.

4. Recording and Playback: Very critical if you want to allow repeated playback of a presentation.

5. Tracking and reporting: Want to catch those slackers! Ask for tracking and reporting information about attendees.

6. Security: Keep the unwanted participants out. Ask for password enabled conferencing sessions.

Web conferencing opens the door to effective cost allocation, enhanced productivity, and better return-on-investment. The right provider can ensure that you make the best use of web conferencing solutions.

How much does it cost to get Web Conferencing?

Pricing depends on the level of service and your usage level. Before you hire a vendor, compare price quotes from multiple Web Conferencing vendors at a B2B Marketplace like TradeSeam.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daljeet_Sidhu

Web Conference Calls - The Boardroom of the Future

2009-12-24T22:53:00.003-08:00

A conference call is one form of telecommunications whereby two or more people conduct a meeting over the phone and talk about matters or issues of importance to their group. Another type of communication uses computers and the Internet. This is called a web conference call, and interaction with a group of people can include Powerpoint and Whiteboard presentations, as well as mass sharing of documents.

A web conference call enables people to hear and see each other via audio and chat formats with the use of webcams. Web conferencing services oftentimes include desktop sharing, video conferencing, and even remote control.

Web conferencing technology originated from basic audio conferencing calls, which are still used even today, particularly for presentations, trainings, and business conferences. These audio conference calls can be recorded as audio files, and distributed for various purposes.

With the advent of broadband, live video conferencing emerged, enabling participants to view and hear each other at once. This developed into the more advanced web conferencing, which incorporated multi-layering of information. In a web conference call, the participants could view and hear each other, as well as exchange or share various files, such as presentations, graphics, or drawings rendered on a tablet board called a Whiteboard. They could even post various comments on these shared files.

Web conferencing calls have taken business communication further by enabling board meetings to take place via this medium. In some cases, a call to vote on a motion or poll is undertaken over web conference calls. This makes web conferencing a more practical and efficient alternative to physical meetings, which may involve the expense of time and travel to set up. It is advantageous to many local and international businesses, as well as for government entities. It is an expedient way to save time, money, and inconvenience whenever a group of people need to meet and discuss important issues at the soonest possible opportunity.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Takuya_Hikichi

Using Video Conference Software

2009-12-24T22:53:00.001-08:00

Today there is a form of shared software that businesses can use known as "video conference software" or "groupware". These software programs allow people through their computers to communicate with each other from various locations around the world through use of video and audio. So it allows meetings to take place at times that are convenient to those involved without the need for them to travel to a specific location in order to hold it.

Along with cutting down the cost of travel expenses, it also allows time to be cut down when important and fast decisions need to be made. No longer do these meetings require that those required in any decision making need to be in the same room instead they can be carried out from anywhere in the world. All the participants must have is a good internet connection and the right equipment.

For those who run a small business and don't want to have to waste money obtaining licences for software there are plenty of free downloadable video conference software programs available. One such one worth considering is Microsoft's NetMeeting and offers a satisfactory video conference service.

In order to use this particular application from Microsoft requires you to visit their official website in order to download it. As you do you will be amazed at the kinds of features that come as standard with what is a completely free software program and which some others may require you to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars for.

The great thing about this program and many others on the market today is that they allow you to share and exchange files with those who happen to be participating in the conferences you hold. Not only does this mean that those involved are kept up to speed with what is happening but are able to make more informed decisions as to what is right for the business. Therefore if a decision needs to be made quickly this can be achieved in real time rather than waiting for responses for emails sent days or weeks ago.

It is important that if you do intend to use any kind of video conference software in your business these days that all those who will be participating have the same one. If not then the chances of you being able to hold these meetings will be somewhat restricted. But along with ensuring that everyone has the same software installed it is important that their internet access is good and that they have a good broadband connection.

When it comes to the installation of any type of video conference software including the kind we mention above you will need to have a very high bandwidth internet connection to run. If you don't then the quality of the video and audio playing as you talk will be badly affected. In many cases you will find that the video tends to be somewhat jumpy and the sound quality can drop in and out.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_Cruz

Video Conferencing Etiquette

2009-12-24T22:52:00.000-08:00

The use of video conferencing services in business is increasing. There has been a large upsurge especially after the trend of outsourcing business processes started. They have been used avidly to conduct long distance meetings, long distance training programs and to communicate with offshore clients. With passing time, the cost of video conferencing services has been decreasing and at the same time the technology used in video conference has been improving. As a result, the practice of conferencing using video aids is increasing. Though the usage of video conference is simple and generally casual, there is a certain level decorum that has to be maintained in video conferencing especially in a business scenario. Here are some tips for video conference call etiquette-

* Choose a suitable place to hold the conference and make sure all the participants are present at the location on time. Do not begin the conference tell all participants assemble.
* Check the devices a day prior to the conference. If the devices are not in working conditions, you can either replace them with good ones or reschedule the meeting.
* It is a good idea to appoint a person to preside over the conference so that he/she makes sure it goes on smoothly. This way, you can avoid instances where two or more people are talking at a time and the like.
* Do not dress very casually for a video conference meeting. Dress as you would for a face-to face meeting.
* When you start participating in the meeting and it is your turn to speak up, don't forget to introduce yourself.
* Use mute button on the remote control when another person is talking.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vikas_S

Video Conferencing - An Innovation to Boost Your Business

2009-12-13T00:31:00.004-08:00

In the modern era when there is advancement taking place in each and every field, a similar advancement can also be seen in the field of communication which has entirely changed the way communications are done. The technique of Video Conferencing makes use of audio as well as visual features which look like as if both the parties communicating are sitting together in a single room only.

Its maximum use is made in communications required during businesses. It is often seen that for clearing out the slightest doubt, a company official has to go overseas to meet its client and carry on the talk. But in order to save the cost incurred during the traveling of the official to the other country, the use of the video conferencing technique could save them a lot in terms of money as well as time. For the project which might take extra weeks due to extra time required for traveling, Videoconferencing technique can complete that in some days only.

In order to have an access to the Video Conferencing Facilities, one needs to assemble a simple setup which would speed up its process of communication. The setup is as follows:

1. Initial requirement is a room which can accommodate 20-30 company officials at a single time. One should take care that the room should neither be too big nor too small as in case of a big room the voice would echo as well as it might be possible that the person sitting at the last might not be able to see the screen clearly.

2. A L.C.D screen which would provide the visual features.

3. Good quality speakers. This is important so that the communication taking place is audible to each and every member sitting in the room so that each member can participate effectively.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daniel_Hirsch

Video Conference - An Effective Medium For Communication

2009-12-13T00:31:00.003-08:00

It is an effective telecommunication between two more people anywhere around the world. By the use of this service one can not only talk to each other but can even see the video of the other persons interacting with him/her. It is an effective two way communication of both audio and video transmissions. This service utilizes the medium of internet for data transmission.

There are a lot of businesses which necessitates the companies to arrange overseas meetings with their clients. Under such circumstances video conferencing is a quite effective communication medium as it is not always possible for the company head to attend all the meetings and of different locations on the same time altogether. Due to advancement in the technologies it has allowed the people to communicate and transfer funds from one place to another without any sort of difficulty between them. Basically, there are actual conference rooms in the work places which are particularly intended for the purpose of Video Conferencing. But unlike older days when telephones were used, now can also create your own Video Conference Center where the people will log in and start conferencing, it saves lot of time and money.
Different requirements for using Video Conference service:

For conferencing a person would require a computer or a LCD screen, internet broadband connection, microphone and a webcam. By the use of these tools one gets an environment as if he is sitting in a real conference hall.

As we are living in the world of search engines, the video conference service providers are not at all hard to but there are some misconceptions about it that you have to pay a large sum of money for conferencing as a Video Conference Rental, but everything is wrong, you just need a hi-speed internet connection.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daniel_Hirsch

Things to Consider When Choosing Conferencing Software

2009-12-13T00:31:00.001-08:00

When thinking of purchasing any type of conferencing software remember that the features they come with vary from one to another. So in order to determine what each software packages weaknesses and strengths are you need to make a list of the features you require yours to have. By doing this you can then determine exactly what you will get from yours.

Also by making up a list of the features that your software package needs enables you to eliminate from your research those sellers who cannot provide what you require. It makes determining which actual conferencing software package is best for you as there are far fewer to select from.

After you have considered the kinds of software for your conferencing needs there are other factors one must take into consideration. By taking what we discuss below into consideration before making any purchase will ensure that you then choose the right product for your business needs.

Consideration 1 - How Much Does It Cost?

The cost of these software packages varies greatly, some you are able to use for free whilst others could end up costing you several thousand dollars. However, never assume that the more you pay the better the conferencing software will be. Remember when it comes to purchasing such products make sure that the one you choose meets your particular needs the best.

Consideration 2 - What Operating Systems Can Support It?

This is another factor which can determine what of the many conferencing software packages you invest in. Although many are able to run easily if you already have Unix or Windows servers in place but very few can be used if you happen to be running a Mac server.

Consideration 3 - How Compatible Is It To Other Environments?

If you intend to access your conferencing system through the internet then this won't be a problem. However, if you need to allow access to participates through a text only telnet connection then this can prove difficult. In fact you will find that there are only two conferencing software packages namely Caucus and YAPP that can provide this feature to you.

Consideration 4 - What Level Of Access To Your Servers Do You Have?

If your access is limited then you need to ensure that the conferencing software you select has the capabilities to provide permission no matter what level you have been granted. However, should you be running your own servers then you need to make sure that the software you select allows access only to those that you have designated it to.

Consideration 5 - Can You Customize It?

To some extent a great majority of the conferencing software products now available allow the user to customize them in some ways. On some of the cheaper programs you will find that they only allow you to plug in your company logo on a designated site on the page. Whilst others allow the user not only to customize the software display but how the system functions. Some will provide macro language that allows you to either modify or completely redesign the user interface, whilst others come with general purpose toolsets to redevelop the applications.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_Cruz

Multi-Office Setting Video Conference

2009-12-13T00:30:00.000-08:00

Introduction

Don't believe anyone that says that globalization is something that is effectively dead. It might be true that globalization is dead in the idea of creating a single world with a single currency and a single way of accepting everyone for who they are. It is not true to claim that economic globalization has not hit us with any amount of force. In fact, we'd have to question the aptitude of anyone that made such a ridiculous claim, especially if they were making it on behalf of the business world.

The fact of the matter is that globalization inasmuch as it pertains to the business world is here to stay. That means that there are going to be different settings around the world for different businesses. Communicating over the internet through e-mail, chat and phone is fine, but at some point you are going to want to have a business meeting with people if for no other reason than to visually introduce people and touch base with all of the offices around the world. That is where multi-office settings come into play through video conferencing.

The Basic Model

In the multi-office setting video conference model, the basic way in which things work is that you have a video terminal that is set up at each of the different settings in the conference. Then, monitors are set up as well so that the cameras can transmit their signals to each of the different computers and have that signal be transmitted to the monitor screens for everyone to see. In the end, if the conference has been set up properly, each of the settings in the video conference should be able to see each of the other settings when the meeting actually begins. It is a simple yet surprisingly effective way of making sure that people get in touch and stay in touch with each other when they are in different countries but in the same business.

Cost Efficiency

The truth of the matter is that when you compare video conferencing of any kind to the internet, e-mail, live chat or even something like voiceover internet protocol services, there is really no comparison to be had whatsoever. With e-mail especially, there is really going to be no way in which video conferencing can compare with e-mail when it comes to cost efficiency. There are simply too many new gadgets that need to be dealt with in different ways. These gadgets are expensive and that is where the cost comes in.

Advantages

Even though the cost efficiency is not comparable, there are still other advantages to multi-office setting video conferencing that are still worth exploring. In the interests of brevity, it is sufficient to state that the most obvious of those is seeing your business partners. Humans are highly visual creatures and there is something to be said for getting the chance to have a meeting where you can see everyone you are talking to. It doesn't have to be everyday, but it can certainly be often enough to reinforce that visual team feeling.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amy_Nutt

Video Conference - How to Get the Right Video Conference Equipment For Your Business

2009-11-24T08:20:00.003-08:00

Video conferencing is fast become a popular communication technology among many businesses and schools. Today, people are more receptive to video conferencing and understand the benefits that it can bring. Many businesses are using video conferencing to conduct meetings, product demos, employee trainings, etc.

To hold a video conference, you need to have a fast internet connection, a good webcam and the right software. In this article, let me share with you a few tips to get the right video conference equipments for your business. Below are some questions that you need to ask yourself before buying anything:

1. What do you need video conferencing for? Do you intend to make a PowerPoint presentation to your clients, partners or colleagues? If yes, you need to get the right software which allows you to host a conference and present your slides to the attendees. Attendees can logon to your conference from their desks with a set of username and password. Other than PowerPoint slides, a good software program also allow you to show other document formats.

2. Are your attendees going to use the same type of computer? This is an important thing to consider before buying any video conferencing equipment. If the type of computer is different (Mac and PC), then you need to get a system that is compatible on both Mac and Windows platforms.

3. Do you intend to conduct a brainstorming session during the conference? If yes, you should get a more advanced video conferencing system which has a group notepad capability. The group notepad allows everyone to write notes on it, contributing ideas at real time. After the conference, you can access all the ideas from a centralized system.

4. Do you intend to conduct an online survey during the conference? If yes, get a system with polling capability. This will allow you to set questions and quiz your attendees. The data collected can be access from the system for future reference.

Hope that with this article, you now have a basic understanding on choosing the right video conference equipments for your business. There are many types of equipments in the market today. So do a thorough research and shortlist a few companies that provide video conferencing solutions. To look for a list of companies, you can either do a search online or browse through your local directory listing. You can also ask for a reference from your business associates or friends.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cheow_Yu_Yuan

Video Conferencing - How a Video Conference Helps Improve Your Business

2009-11-24T08:20:00.001-08:00

Today, technology enables us to communicate with people from all around the world. You do not need to travel across countries in order to hold a meeting with your business associates or clients. Travelling takes up a considerable amount of your precious time which can be spent on other things. Now, you can meet your clients or partners by conducting a multi-person video conferencing.

You can hold a conference online as long as you have the right equipments and software ready. As time is the most important thing when it comes to business, video conferencing can really save you a lot of time, which guarantee success in your business. Other than saving time, video conferencing also save you money too. You don't need to spend on air tickets, refreshment and other business cost.

The only expense that you need to spend is on the internet connection, phones, software and a good web cam. Compared to the cost of air tickets and hotel room, it is definitely much cheaper. Another benefit of video conference is that you can do all this from the privacy of your office, without the need to travel.

Video conferencing can also improve the sales of your business and improve relationships with your existing clients. With video conference, salesperson can meet their customers in almost any part of the world. If they have distant customers, they can use video conference to catch up with them and build a stronger relationship. This will give them a better understanding on what is happening in the company and cater to any changing needs.

Moreover, when you face a difficult question that you cannot answer during a meeting with your client, you can involve your colleague who knows better about the issue. Video conference can give you instant support with this.

Another use of video conferencing is to conduct training for your employees or fellow colleagues. You can hold a video conference and present slides to them. If they have any question, they can speak through their own microphones and you can answer them right away.

Video conferencing is a very advanced business technology. I understand that most businesses are still very traditional in some sense so they may not want to try it out now. However, time is not far when these businesses start to see the benefits of using video conferencing. If you have try out this technology, it is time to do it now.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cheow_Yu_Yuan

Audio-Visual Equipment For Faultless Communication

2009-11-24T08:19:00.003-08:00

For business organizations, faultless communication is an essential. It is very important to convey the right message to the right person in order to perform various business related tasks in a professional manner. Therefore one should not compromise with the quality of Audio Visual equipment when it comes to business conferences, meetings and other such activities.

There are a few leading companies who have a successful history in providing quality rental Audio Visual equipment and services, which can change the whole concept of communication. In the business world, conferences, exhibitions and events play a vital role in communicating a message and in presenting possible business solutions. When selecting the right Audio Visual equipment a high degree of attention is required.

Audio Visual companies can offer Simultaneous Interpretation equipment and conference microphones to provide a faultless communication in presentations, conferences and events. Service providers who specialize in renting these systems and can advise you on all aspects related to Simultaneous Interpretation.

Conference microphones have two additional features, namely Software Queuing System and Video Dome System. Software Queuing System provides the chairman with a screen that shows the layout of conference room and list of the names of delegates who requested to speak first. This provides the conference control to the chairman and helps him to conduct the conference in a structured manner. Video Dome System is another unique feature. It provides an automatic video tracking of the person speaking.

Tour Guide Systems from these service providers make it easy for supervisors to communicate with their respective teams and provide guidance when they are on any business tour. The Tour guide system includes a variety of head worn microphones with transmitter for the leader and Receivers with headphones for the group.

Other Audio Visual equipment available is Audience Response and voting systems and Silent PA systems. Audience Response System is an electronic voting keypad that not only gathers audience votes but also collects text responses providing everyone in audience a chance to participate in the discussion. Silent PA system (Silent Public Address system) proves really helpful to communicate with a large number of people in different sections of a single large room thereby avoiding audio clashes from different room sections.

With a small amount of effort, you can research the contact details for appropriate service providers online and minimize your worry regarding Audio Visual related problems in various business activities. By getting the right provider of Audio Visual Services you can be sure of a faultless communication.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeremy_Ducklin

6 Ways to Look Good on Your Webcam

2009-11-24T08:19:00.001-08:00

If you're not an actor and not used to being in front of a video camera, your first webcam chats can be a little intimidating. The fact that you can see yourself while talking to others, doesn't help also and you will probably be too self-aware and maybe even a little shy. But there's really nothing to be afraid of, as the person on the other side probably feels the same way and if you'll prepare yourself for the meeting, things will go as smoothly as they do in real life.

To help you feel more confident, we've prepared the following tips to help you look good on your webcam chats:

1. Just be yourself. Yes, that's easier said than done, but it's the truth. Just relax, take a deep breath, smile to yourself and to your chat partner, be cool, and go with the flow of the conversation. Don't try to act as someone else just because you're behind a webcam, people do notice. Don't sit like your stuck in cement, but on the same note don't be moving around so much that people cant see you for the blur.

2. Light up the room. Webcams work better when there is light, so don't think about your electrical bill right now and turn on every source of light you can find. A desk lamp near your computer screen can also be a great help, but of course too much light can also hide your face. Mess around with the lighting and see how you look with different lights turned on.

3. Dress yourself. That's always a good tip, since looking good is about feeling good and feeling good can be highly effected by the way you are dressed. If you're wearing your pajamas, don't be surprised if you look like you just woke up or getting ready for bed. If you have a pretty face sit closer to the webcam and if not sit further back.

4. Position the webcam. Before you start the chat, work out which side is your best and position the webcam accordingly. It's important to be as self confident as possible while chatting. In order to make sure you're looking good, do these tests before you start video chatting with other people and maybe even talk to yourself from different angles and positions.

5. Choose the background. The background can tell a lot about yourself and if you'll pick something interesting to put behind you, it will make you look more interesting too. Hang a few cool pictures behind you, put a cup of coffee on your desk or even an open beer bottle, "forget" your underwear on a nearby chair, whatever. Just be unique and interesting.

6. Continue reading. How to improve your cheapo webcam's picture quality (here) is a great resource with more tips on how to play around with your webcam and the lighting in your room to get the best results possible.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steven_R._Miles

Live Event Video Streaming - A Hot Trend

2009-11-18T03:25:00.001-08:00

This first concert festival to really popularize the live streaming of full live sets was the Coachella Music and Arts Festival in Indio, Ca. This annual April concert event features dozens of bands and while the live streaming started with just a few smaller bands being featured the festival has recently started to webcast full sets by headliners like Morrissey, The Killers and The Cure. Because the economy has caused many people to skip the $200-plus festival, the webcasting is a great way for fans to see their favorite bands without spending any of their much needed cash.

One of the coolest festivals to recently embrace the trend of live event video streaming is the Chicago based Pitchfork Festival. This recent 2009 festival introduced full live coverage through their new Pitchfork.tv feature. Unlike in previous years, the video was clean and crisp and didn't suffer from any loading problems before or during the streaming. The Flaming Lips, The National and more were not only featured live during the performance but is archived for viewing after festival.

The Bonnaroo Festival, which takes place on a typically rainy weekend in June on a piece of Tennessee farmland, features a large list of a-list artists. Typically leaning towards "jam-bands" as well as the newest alternative talent, Bonnaroo was one of the first festivals to fully embrace live event video streaming. While big bands were at first fairly gun-shy about allowing festivals to broadcast their sets free over the web, this year's web stream featured such huge artists as Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band as well as a reunited Phish webcasting their performances. Furthermore, Bonnaroo was the first festival to sign a contract to broadcast a few select performances to music television station FUSE for a broadcast later in the month.

Lollapalooza, the grand daddy of summer touring festivals and now a yearly occurrence in Chicago, featured brand new live streaming technology during this year's festival which led to some of the clearest, fasting streaming ever for an event of its type. The festival also pulled out the big guns showcasing several of their headlining on their webcast.

It will be interesting to see where this ever improving technology will go for future live festivals. With more festivals embracing live webcasting (festivals are doing record business even with the free webcasting) fans are now getting opportunities to see their favorite bands from the comfort of their own computer anywhere in the world.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kimberly_Green

Internet Video Conferencing

2009-11-18T03:23:00.004-08:00

Video conferencing services have changed the way businesses are done. They have supported offshore outsourcing in a big way. Easy and cost effective communication through such services has facilitated distance meetings. Meetings within company employees across different geographical boundaries as well as client meetings have been made easy and convenient. Global companies have also been using this service in training fresh employees. By using this service, resourceful trainers from the other part of the world are can train trainees living miles away.

A Video conference can be done either by using desktop PC, through a dedicated video conference suite or even through mobile phones. However doing it by using the web has become increasingly popular.

The primary advantage of this service is that it is very cost effective. Also, the web is connecting the world and everyone has access to internet. It is likely that those you want to communicate to also have access to internet. This is especially advantageous in dealing with a client through web video conference.

Video conferencing using internet is different from web conferencing. In web conferencing, all the sources for communication including hearing aids, video devices are accesses from the internet. No external device is used in conducting a conference. But in internet video conferencing, the web is used as a connection mode. We can compare this to a telephone conversation. Just as we use a telephone connection but use a telephone device to converse, in video conference through internet, external aids are used for conversation and internet is only an aid to connect.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vikas_S

Web Conferencing Features That Make Enhance Offshore Business Communication

2009-11-18T03:23:00.003-08:00

Globalization has permanently changed the way business is done.Outsourcing business projects to overseas destinations and providing service for foreign clients is now a common practice among global businesses. The chief concern in conducting such business practices is maintenance of effective communication among offshore staff and overseas clients.

Web conferencing services have been instrumental in long distance business communication. Web conferencing is used to conduct meetings and presentations through the medium of internet. Here are some of the features of web conferencing services that have facilitate effective offshore business communication.

* Text chat: This is a popular form of maintaining distance communication. Text messages can be exchanged among people who are online without having to disrupt the ongoing work.
* Slide show presentations: by using the web, markup tools and remote mouse pointers, slide show presentations can be used to engage the audience. This is especially effective in pitching foreign clients and in training fresh staff in an organization.
* Live or Streaming video: by using this feature, multimedia files can be pushed to the audience. Viewers need not wait till the entire document is downloaded. It can be read as and when it is downloaded.
* Whiteboards: This feature can be effectively used in long distance training. It allows presenters or attendees of a session to highlight certain parts of a slide presentation.
* Web tours: This type of feature works well while demonstrating websites where users themselves can be participants. URLs, data from forms, scripts and session data can be exchanged by using this feature.
* Polls and surveys: This feature enables participants to vote and opine in a systematic way. It comes handy in making decisions and can even be incorporated into training sessions.
* Meeting recording: a presentation or discussion in a meeting can be recorded and saved for future viewing.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vikas_S

Desktop Video Conferencing Services

2009-11-18T03:23:00.001-08:00

Desktop video conferencing is a video enabled conference call service that is popularly used in business circuits of late. This service can be availed using a desktop computer with videoconferencing software. The computer screen of one participant can serve as the computer screen of another user. In this type of service, the computer screens of different users can be shared among participants. This is a contrast to contrast with room videoconferencing where participants assemble in front of a camera to watch the screen together.

The use of desktop visual conference is increasing in the carrying out business processes. This is especially true in case of offshore business outsourcing. Consider a typical office situation where a team fresh employee seeks help of the senior in using spreadsheet or editing a document. A face to face interaction and guidance by using the desktop is the best way to help. However this is not when the two parties are located in different parts of the world. But, video enabled desktop conferencing has made such sort of communication possible in the virtual world. The time spent and the confusion created in using audio conference call to get the explanation done is effectively resolved.

Video enabled desktop conference calls help sort out several such typical business problems when employees from offshore destinations are involved.

To enhance the user experience, technology such as VOIP can be used in along with desktop videoconferencing. This makes virtual face to face business meetings further cost effective without leaving the desk. The technology is also used for telecommuting, in which employees work from home. Desktop video conferencing has thus supported distance business operations in many ways.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vikas_S

Video Conferencing - How to Get the Right Video Conferencing Equipment

2009-11-11T05:30:00.001-08:00

Today, many businesses and schools benefit from video conferencing technology. In the past, people will think you are nuts if you say that few years down the road, people can talk to each other online and view images of each other at the same time. Video conferencing definitely make this possible. Many businesses are using this technology to conduct meeting, eliminating the need for face-to-face meetings. If you are thinking of getting a video conference equipment so that you can benefit from this technology, here are a few pointers to help you get the right equipment:

1. What do you need the equipment for? Do you need to make a PowerPoint presentation during a conference? If yes, the current video conferencing services allow you to host a conference and present your slides to the audience of the conference. With video conference, you can also show other document formats to your attendees too.

2. Do all of your attendees use the same type of computer? This is a very important question to ask yourself before you get a video conferencing equipment. If your attendees are going to use a wide variety of computers such as Mac and PC, then you need to get a video conferencing system that can work on any platform.

3. Are you going to conduct an online survey during your presentation? If yes, then you need to get a system that has the latest polling capabilities. Some higher end systems have polling and survey capabilities that allow you to quiz and test your attendees. The data that you collect from the survey will be very valuable for your future research and conferences.

4. Do you want to conduct a brainstorming session during your virtual conference? If yes, then you need to get the most advanced video conferencing system that has the group notepad capability. With the group notepad, you can conduct a brainstorming session with your attendees to bounce off ideas. After the session, all the ideas will be stored in the system and you can refer to them once the conference is over.

So before you buy a video conferencing system, consider all these benefits. Ask yourself which of these benefits you desire the most? After which, conduct a thorough research and look for a few vendors that offer conferencing solutions. Speak to them and compare their prices. Before you purchase any system, remember to check whether the vendor offers technical support and warranty.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cheow_Yu_Yuan

Citrix Go to Meeting - Online Business Meeting Center

2009-11-11T05:29:00.002-08:00

What is Go To Meeting?

Go To Meeting is one of the newest tools available for online meetings. There has been an increase in the usage of such tools for both large and small business interests. Many companies are changing the way they approach teleconferencing and the traditional business meeting. Many now prefer a web conference where they can see each other as well. Go To Meeting is a product that allows one to set up and hold meetings, conduct business training and provide presentations with various media over the internet. It presents a practical, and fairly inexpensive, medium to communicate for business purposes.

What exactly can Go To Meeting do for a business?

Go To Meeting is beneficial for a businesses because it is an impressive new technology and saves on business travel expenses for individuals as well as for group travel. The program can help out a business as far as task completion time for vendors or customers and it can also shorten the actual sales cycle. This also eliminates the need for a customer or salesperson to travel a far distance and still get a more personal feel to the meeting. People can meet with multiple business partners at different locations all at once at the same meeting center.

What are some benefits of Go To Meeting over competing products?

The Citrix Go To Meeting system is lower in price compared to its top competitors. Go To Meeting costs $49 per month, whereas systems from competitors such as Microsoft, Macromedia and Webex cost $375 per month. Any of these systems can save a great deal of money and time for a business because they will cut back on travel time and expenses.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christopher_Castillo

Interactive Web Conferencing

2009-11-11T05:29:00.001-08:00

If you are looking for interactive web conferencing, you have a lot of choices to choose from! The more money you are willing to pay, the more features you are going to get. For example, you can have a web conference with up to 5 people on the free Skype.

If, however, you want the ability to easily show presentations, by making your desktop visible to others, you're going to have to pay around $50 per month, which will pay for an unlimited number of meetings for up to 15-20 people. Gotomeeting and Webex are some of the most popular examples of this type of service. If you are looking for something even more advanced, you can opt for a program such as Microsoft Office Live Meeting, in which you pay $5 for each member participant per month.

When looking for an interactive web conference you want to decide what features you need. Sometimes all you want is the ability to see and speak to each other with a small amount of people. Skype is perfect for this purpose. If, however, you want it to be more interactive, with a common white board and sharing of documents, you're going to have to drop some money.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nickolay_Lamm

Educate Yourself With Webinar Conferencing

2009-11-05T03:16:00.003-08:00

With the advent of web communications, Webinar has become the best choice in distant business dealings. Most popularly in global business ventures, this online conferencing service work efficiently to bring the business associates together for a joint discussion or meeting. So, now you don't have to travel overseas for a business conference, you just need to seat in front of your computer and smoothly can conduct the meeting instead.

Tips to conduct a smooth Webinar

• The most essential object for webinar conferencing is a computer with internet connection. As this process involves huge data transferring, you must avoid slow internet connection to stay away from communication peril of any sort. Also in terms of hardware assistance you need to have a good quality webcam and other supporting equipments as these will directly affect your conference procedure.

• Before getting started with the online conferencing process it is important to make a schedule and plan out the entire agenda that you want to share with your business associates or want to discuss about.

• To a live webinar you will be privileged to communicate in real time. During this type of web conferencing it is good to be on the same page of the whiteboard and discuss on the same topic to make the entire conference well managed and ideal for official correspondence.

• It is wise to get familiarized with the video conferencing procedure before coming to a formal web conference. You need to learn about some specific webinar etiquette to make the web conferencing process perfect in all aspect. In fact as much webinar you will conduct, the much you will get familiarized with the procedure.

• It is most unprofessional to get jumbled upon the web conferencing process when you are conducting the conference. So it is wise to invite all of your business associates early, preferably before a week or keeping at least 3 days in hand. You can personally invite the participants or can promote an advertisement to attract more people.

• Most essentially you need to make your webinar interesting so that your audience feels like listening to your speech. If your web conference is aimed at selling your business product or service, it should be your prime preference to make the entire webinar appealing enough to engage your audience and generate potential client in turn. This proficiency comes with your own dexterity that can only be learnt with profound practice.

• Being the conference host it is important to schedule a convenient timing for your global audience. If you consider only your local time schedules, things will be futile as others from different time zones will hardly pay any attention to your inconvenient scheduling.

So, a webinar conferencing is considered to be the most efficient way of interacting with global audience but it essentially involves a considerable period of time to arrange the entire above mentioned procedure. There are a number of webinar hosting companies that take complete care of your online conferencing system. By selecting the most competent service provider you can be rest assured about getting a well organized online conferencing that will enable you to save time and money in turn.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Liza_Lewis

Conference Call Recommendations

2009-11-05T03:16:00.001-08:00

Conference call service recommendations depend on the type of quality and service you need. If you are casual user who likes to talk to friends, a free conference service would be fine. However, businesses and associations would need a more professional service that is more reliable and geared toward providing customer service.

If you are a business, organization or association and are looking for conference service options there are many recommendations, including these top 6:

1) It's always best to provide an 800 call in number for customers and prospects, so they don't have to pay long distance charges to listen to you trying to sell them something. Conference calls that take place among internal company colleagues and associates usually wouldn't need a toll free number to call, since the long distance charges they pay would be less than paying for toll free service. So, the recommendation here is to have a toll free conference service for customers and prospects, and a non-toll free service for internal company calls.

2) Don't buy conference bridge hardware for your company if your conferencing costs are less than $2500 per month. Instead of getting hardware, just rent the service. You'll send up way ahead. Not to mention you'll be saving a small fortune on maintenance and line charges.

3) If you are an occasional conference user and only conference once or twice a month, you are better off on a pay-as-you-go basis. You only get billed for what you use. On the other hand, if you are heavy user you should get the fixed or flat rate conferencing service that gives you unlimited usage for a set rate each other. There are no per minutes charges with the fixed rate service and you can talk as much as you want, anytime you want.

4) If you get the unlimited fixed rate service, and want to add the convenience of a toll free number, you should consider a "hybrid" approach. Get a toll free number and have it "ring to" the flat rate conference bridge. So, very simply, you can save a ton of money by having your associates call the regular toll number to get into the conference, and at the same time, have your customers or prospects use the toll free number to end up at the same place. That way, you aren't paying for toll free expenses for everyone -- you are only giving the toll free number out to the people who need it. Everyone else is using the conference service for next to nothing.

5) Calling into a conference bridge on a regular landline phone will improve the quality of the call, versus using a cell phone or VoIP connection. If you are having quality issues, have everyone call from a regular analog landline phone. Otherwise, if the call quality is bad, you can have the caller mute himself, or the moderator can mute all the callers, or you can get an operator to isolate the issue and just mute that one caller with a bad connection.

6) If a conference call is very important, and there is a lot riding on the call (i.e. big contract or deal) you are well advised to get operator assistance. The operators can call out to each party and introduce participants into the conference. This professional touch will impress your most skeptical prospects and demonstrate you are taking the discussion very seriously. Having a professional operator handle and organize your conference with the highest level of service usually pays for itself many times over.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lee_Simonson

History of Video Conferencing

2009-11-05T03:15:00.001-08:00

Video conferences have become a day to day affairs not only among businesses, but even among households. The practice has evolved rapidly, liked by many and extensively adopted into different business models. The concept of seeing the caller while talking is so popular that the greatness of its invention is often taken for granted. It would be interesting to see how it all started.

The history of video conferencing can be traced back to 1964 when visitors to the World's Fair in New York got the first glimpse of the incipient version of today's video conferencing service, a concept that was called Picturephone. It was conceptualized by AT&T, the telephone company founded by Alexander Graham Bell himself.

By 1970, the concept had become popular and much liked by all and AT&T predicted that a million Picturephone sets would be in use by 1980. But back then, the prices started at $160 per month, plus the instrument cost that was very heavy. But by mid 1080s, companies other than AT&T started releasing better versions of the instruments and a few years later, Picuretel hit the market in 1986 with heavily slashed prices. Later in the 1994, with release of CU-SeeME for Windows, video conferences started becoming available on a large scale and a decade later, its use had increased by at least a hundred fold.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vikas_S

How Video Conferencing Improves Businesses

2009-11-05T03:14:00.000-08:00

Gone are the days when you had to travel the whole daylong or spend a considerable amount of your precious time in conference centres to meet your business partners, clients, and employees. Now multi-person video conferences can be held online with the help of some special types of software, telephones, and webcams. Time is considered the most important thing in today's business scene, and the better management of time often serves as a guarantee to success in many different businesses. Videoconferencing has emerged as an effective tool not only to save time, but it can also save good amount of money that you used to spend on paying for meeting rooms, refreshment, documentation and many other such business costs.

You just have to spend on a fast internet connection, software, phones, and you are in a face-to-face meeting with any of your employees, business partners and clients. You can do all this from your home or from the privacy of your office. It is indeed, proving quite effective for small businesses and has changed the way they carried their business.

You can also make the most of the video conference to improve the sales of your business. Though you need to have different kinds of tactics in selling different kinds of goods and services, but despite this variation, some things seem to work effectively across the board, and video conference is a resource that you can use in most of the situations. How can it improve your business sales? Let us find out.

All we know that video conferences, web conferences, and conference calls can save good amount of time and money for the sales department, as they provide an alternative for car rentals, flights and daily payments for conference centres. With the help of these resources, a salesperson can meet their customers in almost any part of the world.

Regular video conferencing can also improve your relationship with distant customers whom you visit them after years. You can also get a better understanding of what is going on in the company and know about their changing needs.

If you are not able to answer a particular question of the customer, you can involve some other person who knows better about the issue, and thus you get instant support in videoconferencing. Contrarily, when you meet some customer in their office, you are alone and can't better handle such questions, videoconferencing can help you out.

It has also been found very effective for online trainings of your employees, and it gives them an opportunity to improve their skills and prove even more effective for your business, especially for those employees who have some family obligations and can't attend such a training.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeremy_Sandcastle

Which Vendor is Best For Video Conferencing Equipment

2009-10-21T22:22:00.003-07:00

With a plethora of video conferencing equipment available on the market, how do you make the right choice?

Video conferencing has been around for more than a decade and back then there was a limited amount of players in the marketplace and the systems were very expensive to install as well as call costs over Telstra's ISDN network as IP networking was not an option.

The key thing to remember with videoconferencing equipment is that it should be complying with a global standard. This ensures that you get trouble free conferencing between different manufacturer's codecs but in the real world this is not always the case.

How to avoid potential compatibility issues can be done as simply as using a manufacturer who has extensive experience and market share in the video conferencing arena.

In Australia, the major players are Polycom, Tandberg & Aethra. Polycom would have the majority share of the market but it does come at a premium price and may not fit into your budget.

Aethra which is an Italian company have been gaining serious traction in the market and do offer a very economical solution to the SME marketplace without compromising performance.

Many audio visual companies offer both Polycom and Aethra products to its clients and can provide solutions such as fully integrated boardrooms and training facilities utilising automated control systems such as AMX or Crestron to provide simplicity of operation.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Byron_Rabone

Make Meetings Cost Effective With Video Conferencing Services

2009-10-21T22:22:00.001-07:00

Gone are the days when meetings meant a room full of men and women seating on a conference table to discuss a business agenda for hours. With globalization and new technological advancements, meetings too have become tech savvy. In an era of multinational companies and offshore business outsourcing, meetings involve people from various nations and traveling for the cause of a meeting is simply impractical. Corporate meetings extensively use of audio and video conferencing services, video conferencing being the most effective.

A video conference meeting barely has any disadvantages, but sure has a lot of advantages. It is simply a virtual meet among employees and employers who work across different geographical boundaries. By making use of video and audio aids, members involved in the video conference can see and talk to each other just as they would in a formal conference setting.

This method is definitely a save on cost. Travel costs, cost of arranging an event and hosting costs are all cut out. All it takes is a webcam, a computer, an internet broadband connection, microphone and a projector. Video conference meetings are suited for elaborate as well as short spanned ones. Since it hardly bears any additional cost, it is highly cost effective.

Of late, video conference rooms are designed and equipped to accommodate formal meetings. They can either be a part of your office infrastructure or can be rented too. Businesses across the world are now using these rooms for a variety of purposes. They use the facility to hold training programs for employees conduct product demonstrations for clients and even conduct interviews across different countries. Sure it saves a lot of bucks.

Be it a small business or a multinational corporation, video conferencing is the order of the day. It saves cost, time and also keeps you on par with businesses who are using a service like this.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vikas_S

Difference Between Webinars and Web Casts

2009-10-21T22:21:00.002-07:00

Webinars and Webcasts are terms that come under the umbrella term "Web Conferencing". At most times any terms like "web event," "webcast," "webinar," and "web conference" are used interchangeably. But they do have clear distinctions which become especially important in dealing with vendors who sell different types of web conferencing services. Making distinctions will help you choose a service that best suits your requirements.

As such, both terms can be encompassed under web conferencing. But the contexts with which they are used and the technology involved differ distinctly.

A webcast is a web based broadcast of something. It can be a video, an audio stream or even a power point presentation which is dispersed to a large audience through internet. That way, even the videos in YouTube can be called web casts. Other examples could be the tutorials used for online training, an important fashion show being broadcasted on the web and the like. It is a valuable and interesting tool for marketing or promoting something. Instead of making a drab written piece your promotion material, you can incorporate the same thing into a web cast and make it interesting for the audience. However it is a one-way flow of information and does not allow the audience to participate. They are merely spectators here. Their opinions and doubts cannot be expressed and does not reach the propagator.

With a webinars, things get interactive. It is a seminar aided by the web. It attempts to produce effects similar to a live seminar. In its simplest form, a seminar is streamed in the through internet. Audience participates, ask questions and give opinions. To draw more audience into participation, polls, surveys and ratings can be incorporated. Some platforms also allow live chat which is effectively contributes to the success of a webinars. Although they are mainly used for propaganda, it is very educative and connects the audience with the business in an effective way.

In understanding the difference between the two, we should be able to judge the kind of technology and equipment that may be needed for both conferencing services, which clearly is different from each other. So in dealing with a vendor who may sell a composite web conferencing package without making a distinction, knowing the difference between the two comes handy. Also, you can put them into best use for the purpose you are using it.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vikas_S

Saving Money With Conference Calls

2009-10-21T22:21:00.001-07:00

With all the talk of a green economy and reducing emissions, audio conferencing makes a good solution for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint. Business travel often represents half of a business's CO2 emissions. Another source of high emissions, employee travel to and from work will represent about 25% of most companies' carbon emissions.

By using conference calls for the majority of client meetings, companies make a large impact on the global air quality and help reduce global warming. Allowing employees to telecommute and take place in company meetings through conference calls, employers reduce the carbon footprint and make happier and more productive employees.

Still, there are few businesses willing to make such changes only for the sake of the environment. Businesses want a different kind of green. They are seeking to save money in their operations. Think of all the traveling salesmen and executives make in their business. How much of that could be saved simply by switching most meetings to conference calls? Audio conferencing calls are become the preferred method for meetings for good reason.

Traveling expenses include the cost of airline tickets, vehicle rentals, hotel stays and meals. All of these costs can be reduced or eliminated through the use of conference calls. Whether used for sales and marketing meetings, worker training or client consultations, conference calls can get the job done without the traveling expense.

Thus, con calls offer an easily measured way to reduce company expenses, showing a real value to executives considering a switch in policy. Not only will the company save dollars, it will save emissions, giving the PR department another tool for promoting the business.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joy_A._Harrison

Benefits of Using Web and Video Conference For Business

2009-10-03T06:34:00.001-07:00

With video conferencing you can see and hear all participants in the online meeting. This facility requires only a web cam and some kind of stereo system with microphone.

Here are some of the ways businesses are benefiting from Video conferencing:

Marketing products and services

Businesses are marketing their products and services easily via video conferencing. This virtual contact with consumers help the companies to market their products at peace of their office. Companies are also able to respond to clients inquiries quickly. Consumers ask questions regarding the product at their comfort of their homes or offices, and this increases the likelihood that they will be in position to ask more questions or even recommend some improvements. Such suggestions from clients can help the companies improve their products and service delivery.

Cutting on Travel costs

Businesses holding online meeting, eliminate travel costs. The need to meet face to face is not necessary as the communication via video conferencing is as effective as convection meeting. Sharing of information, asking of questions, seeking clarification, voting and any other function that may arise is well implemented.

Online Training for Employees

Firms are holding online training for employees living far away, as well as for customers who want to understand products and services more. Companies are also using web conferencing to recruit new employees. They do so by conducting interviews online, and this not only make hiring convenient to them but also to the interviewee.

Saving on Time

By using web conferencing, businesses are keeping their employees productive, by avoiding time lost in traffic or on a plane. The time that would have otherwise used in preparation of convectional meetings such arranging seats, maintaining security, making decorations is instead used to boost productivity of the businesses.

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Web Conferencing

2009-10-03T06:33:00.002-07:00

Web conference is an innovative technology that allows a person to establish communication over the Internet. It is also known as online conferencing system. The web conferencing system is regarded as a technological novelty. It is getting popularity at a fast pace among business organizations of all sizes. For these organizations, web conferencing is the most convenient option to communicate with their prospective business clients and employees. In the present age where transportation cost is on the rise, the facility of conferencing is nothing short of a boon for the business organizations.

Requirements of web conferencing
Internet is the most important component of conferencing. The entire system of conferencing is based on service components, software and hardware. Internet, which is used in the web conferencing, is responsible for bringing video, audio and other related solutions to the users. Computer plays pivotal role in this conferencing technology. The technology also uses telephone - cell phone or traditional phone. The terms "webinar" and "webcasting" are being popularly used in business circuits and corporate sectors today. These are the two principal solutions of web conferencing.

Webinar
Webinar refers to Internet-based seminar or conference. This type of conference requires a slide show presentation as well as a traditional telephone connection. During this type of conference, users get connected to the presentation after they log in to an online conference and download the files of the slide show presentation. While viewing the slide show presentation, the users can also communicate with the moderator over telephone or through an internal chat system.

Webcasting
The process of webcasting is much like the process of webinar. However, there is one basic difference between both of them. Webcasting uses streaming video and audio via Internet. Streaming is a process through which data is transferred on regular basis. Webcasting enables the users to display data through browser. Streaming process functions only when data is received by the browser. After receiving the data, the browser sends it to an application, which converts it into video and audio.

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Video Conferencing

2009-10-03T06:33:00.001-07:00

Video conferencing is perhaps the best technology for making effective communication. This technology uses video and voice optimization through the World Wide Web (WWW). It enables the users to communicate with remote participants. During a video conferencing presentation, all the participants can watch and hear other participants and the presenters. Due to its high communicative utility, video conferencing system has become a part and parcel of modern business. This communication system is also widely used by distance learning and e-learning providers.

Requirements for video conferencing

During conferencing, the participants require computer, microphone, webcam and broadband Internet connection. Enabled by these supporting tools, the participants of conferencing interact with each other as if they are sitting in a real life conference hall.

Types of video conferences

This tool is used these days as an important mode of communication. This tool is mostly utilized by corporate sectors as it not only saves time and travelling cost but also helps to establish interactive communication with people from any part of the world. Video conferences are of two types. One is called 'point-to-point video conference.' It is generally conducted between two persons. The other one is called 'multiple point video conference' which involves more than one person.

Common uses of conferencing

The technology of video conferencing is so effective and far-reaching that it is used in a host of fields. Most Popularly its uses in the fields of telecommunication, telemedicine, corporate sectors, education, emergency report, security and surveillance.

Advantages of video conferencing

There are numerous advantages of conferencing, which have made this communication tool highly popular. One important benefit associated with conferencing is that it serves as stimulator for knowledge sharing and brainstorming.

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Five Ways to Benefit Your Business Using Web and Video Conferencing

2009-09-23T22:46:00.004-07:00

Are you taking advantage of the modern technology to increase your business profitability? Maybe you are, however did you incorporate web and video conferencing as part of you strategy to better reach your employees and customers spread around the globe? This article will show you five ways how to use web and video conferencing to help your business more efficient and profitable.

To begin you must learn what web and video conferencing consist of. Web conferencing is the way to communicate remotely through the Internet. Web conferencing softwares such as gotomeeting and fuze meeting provide the users everything they need to have a perfect communication whee they can share desktop, applications, document, files in a safe and fast way.

One cool feature of some web conferencing tools is the ability to allow attendees to present information to their computer as well share any type of media or file. They even allow the host to give permission to a participant to take control of the presentation.

Besides all those features you can use the power of video conferencing to see and hear all participants in the online meeting. The only extra equipment you will need is a web cam and some kind of stereo system with microphone.

See how some business owners are already benefiting from this cutting-edge technology:

1. Companies are frequently hosting online meetings with employees, prospects, customers without the necessity to travel around all the country. The "face-to-face" meetings are performed easily with a click of button and way more cheaper than physical meetings.

2. Companies are giving demonstration and supporting their products and services easily using video conferencing. This amazing technology enables their staff to help the customers and do all the troubleshooting in the peace of their office.

3. Companies are hosting online training for employees that are located far away as well to customers who want to learn more about their product or service. In general, Universities and schools are the ones that most benefit from video conferencing. They can create virtual classrooms to students who live in another state and sometimes in another country.

4. Companies are reducing the costs by cutting down on travel and saving tons of money on employee's time spent out of the office. "As a result of this technology, our need to travel between offices has been greatly reduced, which has already saved us thousands of dollars," says Saul Rothschild, Information Systems Manager at Steel Encounters, Inc."

5. Companies who are using web conferencing are thinking outside the box finding new ways to communicate better. Communication is one of the most important parts of a company, if you can master how to use the full power of web and video conferencing you will be able to take your company to another level. you will have a better marketing of your products and services, a better training and support center and so much more.

During the world's crisis and the repeatedly rise of fuel price, web and video conferencing can make the whole difference in a company budget over all. Companies that are using web conferencing not only benefits from saving money on travel but they can keep their employees busy and avoid losing precious hours sitting in traffic or on a plane.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lucas_Mattioneli

Video Conferencing Solutions

2009-09-23T22:46:00.003-07:00

Large and small businesses utilize the benefits of conferencing solutions. Nowadays, three types of conferencing solutions are utilized: Audio Conferencing, Video Conferencing and Web Conferencing.

Here is an overview of each type of conferencing solution that is used presently in businesses and companies domestically and globally.

1. Audio Conferencing

Audio Conferencing is the oldest conferencing solution. Some features are included on PBX (private branch exchange) systems. These services use 3 telephone lines. Another feature is a cost efficient two party conference call system. Participants use speakerphones that are around the conference table inside the conference room.

You were probably involved in this type of conference call in your lifetime. These two party conference calls are effective but they have a few limitations. These calls are nothing special. Just two people calling each other. Difficulty hearing a person if they are out of range from the microphone or if the person speaks softly. You can be charged for long distance calls unless you use a toll-free number.

More convenience is being added to audio conferencing with hosted conferencing solutions. Multiple parties can be connected through the use of multiple phone lines. A reservationless is an operated assisted call where a party will schedule the conference call. This type of calling has some benefits such as translation and transcription services.

2. Video Conferencing

Video conferencing is a conferencing solution that is so realistic, it feels like you are in the room with the participants. Many problems occur when using video conferencing. Setting up the equipment and software. Traveling costs can be cut short and many businesses are using this as an alternative more than ever.

This is a fact when you actually think about the locations of some of the participants. Some of the participants are domestic but in a different state. Some participants are overseas. Video conferencing makes it very convenient when it comes to communicating with several people in real time. Video conferencing has excellent technology that will enhance any conference meeting experience.

3. Web Conferencing

This type of conferencing solution is ideal when you need to share important documents and software with clients. Demonstrating an array of products to participants makes web conferencing very reliable.

Web conferences typically use an integrated audio conferencing device within the web conferencing system. VoIP is also used as an alternative for communication.

Web conferencing solutions are easier to use and setup, unlike video conferencing. Web conferencing provide business tools such as sharing documents and white boarding.

These three conferencing solutions are used in many businesses. Many of these solutions are combined together for business purposes. These technologies are still in their infancy but in the next few years, this technology will be extraordinary.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_Cruz

The Impact of Webinars on the General Public

2009-09-23T22:46:00.001-07:00

When telephone was presented to the general public in 1976 by Alexander Graham Bell it was amazing and something no one would ever think about, now imagine how great it will be when people could communicate with someone visually in real time in the other side of the globe?

You don't have to imagine because this technology already exist and many business are using it every day around the world. Webinar is used to conduct a live meeting to a group of people remotely through internet.

As we all know the modern technology is helping million of people everyday making our lives easier. And not only that, the communication between individuals has become more powerful and clear.The impact of the technology on the communication has given people the ability to communicate with one another in different parts of the globe using only a computer and internet.

Webinars gives a whole set of alternative when:

* Information has to be shared during the conversation remotely
* The attendees can't physically come to the meetings
* Time of travel and expenses are a consideration

Individuals that has hearing problems are very interested in being able to have access to the technology that can make their communication with each other using sign language easier. Webinar is a great way to have a better approach of that, especially if they use a webcam to achieve the results.

Citrix and Cisco are two big companies that made webinar popular among small business and even people who need to communicate visually with customers, co-workers or even family. GoToMeeting and WebEx MeetMeNow are their respective products and personally they are really good and very easy to use. Both of them need to be installed in the computer and you can use it right away, without the necessity of activation. Also, they offer a 30 days risk free trial to new customers who wants to test them before buy their plans.

If you don't like or cannot install software in your computer another great alternative is FUZE Meeting from Callwave. FUZE Meeting is another great tool to host/attend webinars and it is very intuitive to use, even if you are a newbie. They are the only one that offers High-Definition content sharing and their prices are as good as GoToMeeting and WebEx.

Increasing your productivity with webinars will speed up the process by which you reach your goal. A better communication is a life saver. And being available all the time is perfect to assure good reputation and personal touch. Put these principles to use in your life today, and enjoy a more fulfilling tomorrow.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lucas_Mattioneli

An Overview of Videoconferencing Services

2009-09-17T04:05:00.003-07:00

Videoconferencing services became mainstream in 2007 when private videoconferencing was made public by Cisco. The history of videoconferencing may not be very long, but it is important to understand how this very useful business tool came to be the popular medium for business conferences around the world.

Today videoconferencing is easy to use and widely available. It is hard to believe that it began as a tool for select businesses. It is helping to save money and create an easier way to communicate within a business and even to outsiders, like investors, partners and customers.

The push towards videoconferencing is not just led by businesses. Carriers see that people love the convenience of technology in all areas of their life, such as with Skype and HDTV. The potential of this new medium is very appealing to carriers as a new market for expansion and potential for a large profit.

There are now three basic types of videoconferencing services. You could consider them levels of videoconferencing. They are desktop, room-based and immersive. Each has different features and, of course, the cost increases as you go up a level due to the increased benefits and features at the higher levels.

Desktop videoconferencing service work by allowing participants to see and hear the conference live on their personal computer. The video is not of the highest quality and the sound can often be intermittent, but it is very affordable. For a small business or for internal meetings this may be the way to go for affordability.

Room-based videoconferencing services involve an online conference room or chat room. All participants have videoconferencing gear that allows them to connect to the IP data network of the conference. These rooms must be reserved, but the quality is much better and more reliable than with desktop services. This is the mid-level of videoconferencing services and the most popular business choice.

Immersive videoconferencing is the top of the line experience. It provides the best in video and audio quality. This type of conferencing makes it feel like everyone is in the same room. Of course, to accomplish this can be pricey since there is a need for high quality equipment and technology. However, for important meetings and events this is the best choice for the best experience.

With three levels from which to choose you can easily find the right services to meet your needs. You should always consider the quality because that is the big thing that sets these service levels apart. However, if money is a concern then you may need to choose based upon that. The good news, though, is that things are improving rapidly so quality is getting better while costs are going down.

Videoconferencing services are pretty new and as such they are still being developed and altered to meet the needs of the business sector. Over time they are evolving so that higher quality and lower cost are starting to come together and making it more affordable for businesses to have the best possible experience with videoconferencing.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_Cruz

Learn to Host an Internet Seminar

2009-09-17T04:05:00.001-07:00

Hosting an internet seminar should be like running any meeting or conference. It is important to understand that just because everyone is not in the same room, physically, that they are still all present and attentive. Your goal should be to get across the information and present it in a clear and concise manner.

Hosting an internet seminar may actually be easier than giving a live presentation in front of a room of people. For many people who fear public speaking, the internet seminar is a welcomed alternative because you can not see the participants and there is little to distract you from the presentation.

When you speak in front of a group of people it can be easy to be distracted by fidgeting or someone leaving the room. Also, there is little to distract the participants. Unlike a presentation in person, an internet seminar allows everyone to see the presentation and hear the speaker clearly. There are not issues with people being too far away to hear to see. Additionally, each individual can be alone when participating in the seminar so their focus is completely on the task at hand and they are not distracted by others.

When you host an internet seminar you only have to focus on the seminar. Your goal should be to present the information in a clear and easy to understand manner. Most of your job is done when you finish the preparation of the seminar. Once you begin to present the seminar you are simply going over what you have already prepared.

Internet seminars do have a downside. Without the formal setting of a traditional meeting it can be easy to not take an internet seminar as seriously. However, you should always treat an internet seminar as you would any other seminar.

You have to understand that you still have people listening to you and that you still have a job to accomplish through the seminar. You also have the burden of creating a seminar that is interesting. When in person, people are stuck in the room because if they leave everyone will know. In an internet seminar, though, someone can easily walk away from their computer and you would never know. So you have to keep the seminar interesting and involve the participants.

One of the best ways to help keep the attention of participants is to create an agenda and provide other supporting documents and materials for the seminar. Video, spreadsheets and even a website can be great tools to accompany the seminar and get the participants more involved. These tools also give you more freedom in your presentation. Instead of simply telling about something you can show it. Also, follow up is a breeze since you can easily put together a follow up package as part of the seminar.

An internet seminar is a great business tool. You can do almost any type of meeting or even projects through an internet seminar. The tools and the general design of an internet seminar lets you have more freedom and more ability to get across your message than you would have in a traditional setting.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_Cruz

Origins of Video Conferencing

2009-09-17T04:04:00.000-07:00

Has anyone thought on how Video conferencing came about to be what it is in the present time? Video conference started on the idea based upon the Television transmission. This is usually a one way output for the observer and no input from the viewers.

Then came the Video Teleconferencing technique which is based upon input and output from the users. The input and output is the sending and receiving of audio and video signals. The equipments used at the start of this method were: video cameras and screens; microphones with input and output facilities; speakers; and special transmission equipment for receiving and sending out signals at the location for the conference to take place.

When a conference would hold, all the members taking part would have to be present as a group in a room at the same time at each location. The signals sent and received were slow with low video conferencing definition.

This soon led to the introduction of wireless communication. The technology used for a Video Conferencing has now expanded gradually over time to make this a cost effective mode of communication.

With the introduction of the Internet, some companies are now offering ISDN and IP to make transmission fast and with high video conferencing definition. Without special equipments needed for conferencing, communication can not be carried out. So it is also necessary to find those companies that offer these special equipments. Video conferencing can now be carried out at one's desktop with the introduction of the latest technology.

One has to wonder, how much further technology can go; it seems endless.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vikas_S

What is Web Conferencing?

2009-09-10T03:44:00.002-07:00

Many businesses today use conferencing as a means of conducting meetings, presentations or rolling out new training plans new ideas to the company. Whilst conferences are highly beneficial to all involved they can also present a number of logistical problems. For example a suitable conference room needs to be found, the best possible date needs to be arranged so that the maximum number of participants are free, invitations need to be sent, food needs to be arranged, travel needs to be arranged and sometimes even overnight accommodation and flights have to be arranged. In other words planning a conference or a series of conferences can be a full-time job.

Today however thanks to massive development in various web-based technologies, web conferencing is now a very valid and a real option anyone looking to host a conference without the usual hassles. Web conferencing can be used to streamline meetings and presentations using the Internet. Each of the people involved in web conferencing will be sent an invitation to the conference with the time and date of the Web conference on this. When the conference is ready to begin all participants must be sat at their computers and they'll be connected one by one of the Internet.
Web conferencing can be hosted on a web-based application, in this scenario all attendees will be given a website URL to enter at the start of the Web conference. Web conferencing can also be conducted directly via download application which has to be downloaded onto each of the conference attendees PCs. This means that attendees of a web conference now only have to make themselves available 5 or 10 minutes prior to the start of the web conferencing session and the duration of the session. Rather than having to spend a day travelling to the conference and attending the conference.

Web conferencing not only cut down on travelling time, it can help conference organisers to save a great deal of money. Businesses that are also looking to provide a greener and more environmentally friendly service are also turning to Web conferencing as a means of hosting and participating in conferences without having so much of an impact on the environment. Many web conferencing options even allow video presentations which further enhance the conference experience. Many web conferencing services also include the option for the audience to participate in a conference, with such things as a question-and-answer session at the end of the conference or allowing them to interject with comments/questions during the body of the conference.

Web conferencing is much cheaper, greener and more people friendly way of hosting and attending conferences. As a result many of the business partnerships that utilise Web conferencing find that conference participation vastly increases when Web conferencing is used. So if you are a business that regularly hosts of participate in group conferences which are held outside of your business premises with attendees from outside the business why not consider using Web conferencing and boosting the numbers of your attendees?

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Video Conferencing - Do You Need Video Conferencing?

2009-09-10T03:44:00.001-07:00

Nowadays, you can see that many businesses are using video conferencing to conduct meeting. The reason why so many businesses are using this now is because it helps them save time and money. Therefore, it is common that you will also want to try out video conferencing. But do you really need it?

Before we touch on the whys, let me briefly explain what video conferencing is. This technology allows a group of people from remote locations to attend a meeting together. With it, they can see one another and work on a project at the same time. When they can communicate effectively across different locations, it increases productivity and efficiency. It also saves time as it eliminates any travelling time.

If you conduct business internationally or have employees stationed at remote locations, you should consider video conferencing as it is the cheapest and most convenient way to get everyone in sync with one another. The cost of this technology can run from few hundreds dollars to as much as a few hundred thousands dollars for very good system. It is definitely cheaper in the long run as you will save cost on petrol and air tickets.

With these benefits, you can understand why more companies are setting up video conferencing devices in their offices. Setting up your conferencing devices is not hard. If you buy a simple system, you an easily set it up yourself with the help of the instruction manual. If you wish to install a complex system, you can hire an audio visual company. They will send their technicians to set it up for you.

There are different types of video conferencing solutions for your business. You should conduct a thorough research to find out which one is the most cost effective for your business. If you are a small business and does not need a complex system, you should not get it. If you want a high speed video conferencing solution, you should consider getting an ISDN supported system. When you do a conferencing through ISDN, you can form a circle around the frame relay service with high speed data.

Before you buy any video conferencing system, do conduct a thorough research on it. There are many information on the internet that you can easily gather online. When you decide to get one, shortlist a few brands of system. Look for reviews on the Internet and get the best one for your business.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cheow_Yu_Yuan

Conference Call Software 101

2009-09-10T03:43:00.000-07:00

One of the most productive ways of cutting back on staff time away from the office and providing better communication in the workplace is through conference calls. A conference call is that technology that utilizes the phone service and invitees to the conference call simply call a toll free number and are ushered into the conference with other callers

In addition, another strong benefit that is realized through a conference call is a cost savings. This is because there is often travel time associated with attending conferences. This savings on airfare, gasoline, etc. can drastically affect the bottom line of the travel expense line item.

Also, conference calls were generally facilitated through a third party. This provider would charge a set rate each month depending upon the number of potential or actual users that would call the conference.

However, there is now available conference call software. If interested in this technology, it is important to know how it works and what the benefits are.

How Conference Call Software Works

Conference call software is an application that can be easily downloaded onto any laptop or desktop computer. Once this conference call software has been installed each of the units that contain this software application can then be joined together whenever they need to conference.

Additionally, it is important to note that the service that makes this conference calling happen is not a traditional phone service. This communication through the internet is called Voice Over Internet Protocol. This VOIP is one of the latest technological advances that allow the computer user, through Internet access, to use a special phone in making calls as well as conferencing with others.

In addition, it is important to note that there are many conference call software packages that are available. Some of these software applications can be utilized by an individual or can be utilized to link a number of individuals together to perform the conferencing.

Also, there are more sophisticated conference call software packages that have added features and are intended to be used by small or large businesses. In utilizing these packages there is still software that needs to be installed. In addition there is a set up fee and there are costs associated with using the virtual conference room.

Finally, one other feature is required in order to fully utilize this conference call software. That other piece of equipment is a VOIP phone.

The Benefits Of Conference Call Software

There are many benefits associated with using conference call software. One of the major benefits is that it is less expensive than the standard type of conference call. In addition, because the users are at their computer stations, any documents that need to be referred to are easily accessible. Some of those documents could be spreadsheets, graphs, correspondence, e-mail, etc.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_Glasser

Video Conferencing - Do You Need Video Conferencing?

2009-08-26T09:09:00.003-07:00

Conference Call Software 101

2009-08-26T09:09:00.001-07:00

Meetings Without Faces - Conference Call Meeting

2009-08-26T09:08:00.000-07:00

One of the most productive methods to save time and money is for a company to utilize conference calls. A conference call is that process in which individuals within the company call a set number at a set time utilizing various pass codes. Once the connection has been established it equals the productivity of a staff meeting without being in each other's presence.

If considering the use of conference call meetings it is important to keep in mind protocol. Also, to make the argument about utilizing these type of meetings it may be helpful to consider the advantages.

Conference Call Meeting Protocol

When involved in a conference call meeting, like anything else, there are certain rules that should be followed. Often, this protocol for involvement in a is just a matter of common sense. However there are some other items that should be followed so that the meeting can be productive.

One of the key rules that should be followed when involved in a is to make sure that you call in at the appointed time. There's probably nothing more frustrating than for an individual to arrive late at a physical meeting or conference and disrupt the meeting as well as to be brought up to speed on all that has been discussed up to that point.

In addition, another protocol item to follow is that when accessing the conference call meeting it is important to introduce yourself. This lets everybody on the conference call know who is in attendance. In addition, when wishing to make a comment or present an idea, it is also important to reintroduce your self and then share your thought.

Another major item of protocol when involved in a conference call is to make sure that you know where the mute button is on your phone and that you use it. Specifically, there is nothing more annoying than to be involved in a conference call meeting and hear all sorts of background noises or conversations from other people. Generally, this background noise or conversation is not pertinent to what is going on in the meeting.

Advantages Of Conference Call Meetings

There are many advantages associated with the utilization of conference calls. Specifically, through conference calls, the travel budget line item can be reduced financially. In addition precious time is conserved when staff no longer needs to travel from meeting to meeting. All of this interaction can be accomplished at a substantially lowered cost.

In addition, not only can conference calls be performed by using a traditional phone, but can be accomplished through the use of conference call software. The advantage of conference call software is that it is a downloadable software application and can accommodate a certain number of individuals. This system uses Voice Over Internet Protocol to talk to one another. The only need is that each user needs to download the software in order to conference with each other. This type of program not only incorporates the advantages of an audio conference call, but may prove to be less expensive as well.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_Glasser

Making the Conference Call Productive: Conference Call Tips

2009-08-23T03:35:00.001-07:00

One of the most effective ways of cutting costs in the business world is through the use of conference calls. This cost saving measure reduces the expense of local and long distance travel and the countless hours of saved staff time when they simply dial into the conference.

In addition, a conference call can effectively replace some of the staff meetings. This will still allow for the free exchange of ideas and allow the staff to freely interact with one another. A conference call can be especially effective if time sensitive information needs to be disseminated quickly.

However, there is protocol involved in the use of conference calls. Therefore, it is important to share conference call tips. Some of those tips include etiquette, having an agenda and the use of a moderator.

Etiquette

The value of conference calls is that those who are calling or logging into the conference system can do so from anywhere. Examples from where an individual can log in from could include the actual business office, calling from home, while in the car, in an airport, etc.

On the other hand the disadvantage of conference calls could be the same as the advantage argument. This disadvantage is that individuals can be easily distracted from what is going on around them.

Therefore, it would be helpful to discuss a few conference call tips. One of those important tips is to stay focused. A simple way of doing this is to remove distractions. For example, if in an airport consider sitting in one of the phone booth areas or if calling from home, the caller should seclude themselves in an office or den.

In addition, a good conference call tip is to listen intently. This is because the callers do not have the advantage of watching body language and therefore should listen for voice inflections.

Also, it is important that when not talking during the course of the conference call that all phones should be muted. This will allow for background noise to be minimized and diminish opportunities of hearing other voices and noises that are not appropriate to the conference call.

One other conference call tip is to utilize a service that provides conference call help. This help is usually through the assistance of an operator who is available through the conference call company. This conference call help is especially helpful if the system has become unresponsive or if someone is inadvertently dropped from the call.

Agenda

Another important conference call tip is to provide an agenda. This list of topics to be discussed can be disseminated prior to the meeting.

Having an agenda is an important tool for conference calls. It helps to keep the meeting focused, provides a task list of things that need to be discussed and it helps to reduce the length and therefore the potential cost of the conference call.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_Glasser

Buying a Conference Call Speaker Phone

2009-08-23T03:33:00.002-07:00

If you are going to be making a lot of conference calls, the best idea is going to be for you to purchase a conference call speaker phone. This will allow you to make or join in on conference calls quickly and easily. You can even find a video telephone conference call selection out there, and out of all the available options, here are a few of the top picks.

Polycom SoundStation 2W 2.4GHz Wireless Conference Phone

This is by far one of the very best conference call speaker phone models. The perfect conference call speaker phone for all your conference calling needs, and is available for under $700.

This conference call speaker phone is cordless so you never have to worry about wires or cables coming loose or tripping over them. With this phone you have the freedom to conference anywhere team collaboration is important, even in rooms where there are no phone lines. An affordable, superior quality conference calling phone, you can purchase this phone through retailers such as Tiger Direct.

With voice quality to the award winning SoundStation, proven 2.4 GHz wireless technology, added security of voice encryption, and up to 24 hours talk time, just to name a few of the many features of this phone, it should definitely be one of the top contenders on your list.

It is actually known as being the first phone that combines cell phone convenience and Polycom voice quality, and the standard headset cable provided will allow you to instantly connect your cell phone to the conference phone when you need to. Because the call is dialed through the cellular network, there is no need for an analog phone line.

Polycom VoiceStation 500 Bluetooth Conference Phone

Another conference call speaker phone by Polycom, this is another great choice. For half the price of the previously mentioned model, with this conference phone, you will be able to communicate in an extremely quiet environment.

With this phone you will be able to communicate freely everywhere in the room as the phone features a powerful, digitally tuned custom speaker and three sensitive microphones that provide uniform coverage from up to 7 feet away.

Both of these would make ideal choices as a conference calling phone, but keep in mind that there are various other options out there as well. Take a bit of time, browse through the different conference phones and find the one that is going to work best for you.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_Glasser

Tips to Creating a Conference Call Phone System

2009-08-23T03:33:00.001-07:00

Whether for personal or professional reasons, if you need to know how to create a conference call phone system, there are a few things that you are going to need to be aware of, including subjects such as conference call speaker phone and how to make a cell phone conference call.

Don't know how to set up a conference call phone system? Don't worry, the process is quite simple and will be discussed here in detail for you.

Set a Time

If you need to set up a conference call phone system the first thing that you are going to need to do is decide on a time and date for the phone call. Try to give the participants enough time that they will be able to fit the phone call into their schedule. Of course there may always be that last minute warning, but then again you simply can't expect everyone to be able to make it.

The great thing about a conference call is that even if some of the participants are halfway around the world, they can still join in on it simply by picking up their telephone and joining in on the conference call.

You can even be talking to the others in the conference call from the comfort of your own living room, you don't even have to leave your bed if you don't want.

Send the Invitations

The next step in setting up a conference call phone system is to send out the invitations. You are going to have to let all the people you are inviting to the call that you are requesting their presence, and it is of course crucial that you advise them on what date and time the conference call is scheduled for.

Have the Phone Call

Finally is the easiest part in setting up the conference call phone system is actually making the call. Everyone should be aware and will join in one at a time, and once all the participants are on the line, you can proceed with the call.

There are some tremendous benefits offered by conference calling, and as long as you go about it the right way, you can take full advantage of all these wonderful benefits. Use conference calling to maximize the potential of your business, and take care of matters no matter where the people are in the world that you need to talk to

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_Glasser

The Purpose of a Conference Call Phone

2009-08-23T03:32:00.000-07:00

Anyone who has a business or has ever taken part in a business has heard of conference calling before. It is one of the main aspects of any business and helps an organization to run at its maximum potential. The process of making a conference call is easy enough as long as you know what you are doing.

It is basically just the same as making a regular phone call, only you have to send out invitations to the people you want to participate and then have them all join in on the call.

There are actually several different purposes for a conference call phone. Whether you are using it for business or personal reasons, a conference call phone can be incredibly useful because it allows a number of people to be on the same telephone call at the same time.

Maybe you need to hold a meeting but can't manage to get everyone necessary together at the same time or early enough, and in this case a conference call phone would be ideal.

You simply send out the invitations to let everyone invited know that they are requested to take part in the conference call phone, and then at the specified time and date the participants will dial the given number, enter a code, and start talking. It is really as simple as that.

You can even have a cell phone conference call if this is more convenient for you. This means that you do not even need to have a landline if you want to hold a conference call, which makes it very easy for most people.

Tips

There are a few tips that will help you out for the next time you hold a conference call phone. One is to give the participants as much notice as possible. The earlier you let people know that you are holding a conference call and they are invited, the better chances they are going to be able to find time for the call. You give the invitations out too late and you should only expect some of them to not make it.

Conference calling has made daily operations easier not only in the larger scale but even the companies that are managed locally have gained a huge benefit from implementing conference calls in the office.

Conference calling helps in reducing operational cost and increasing efficiency, for example. Conference calling is definitely one of the most important parts of any company, and helps a business to run smoothly.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_Glasser

Audio Visual and Video Conferencing

2009-08-14T22:58:00.003-07:00

Communication today is much easier and faster because of the technological advancement in the field of telecommunication and mass communication. Gone are the days when a dove was sent to deliver letters and the snail mail and trunk calling services are a passé today as it is replaced by emails, teleconferencing and video conferencing.

With the invention of telephone the direct voice communication was enabled and with more and more features added to this media has enabled teleconferencing through which two or more people liking miles and even nations apart can communicate live with one another instantly. Business organizations which deal with long distance and overseas customers and clients find it very easy to keep in touch for instant clarification and problem solving.

Today even much advanced communication facilities are available like the video conferencing wherein the internet technology is used to conduct real time board meetings and discussions among people living in different nations and time zones. The possibility of seeing each other and having a real conversation is much more personal than teleconferencing where you talk to an unknown face. Moreover lots of money and time is saved as the executives need not travel to extreme location for these meet ups.

The cost of traveling and accommodation is spared and the business is also looked after very keenly because of the anytime anywhere communication mode. All you need is to have a large screen and software compatible to offer error free and clarity driven video conferencing. The sound and other related equipment is just a one time investment. Video and audio streams are digitally compressed using the codec. The input and out put devices for these teleconferencing and video conferencing might vary according to the need and preference of the organization.

The best part is that more than two people from different parts of the world can view, listen and share views and discuss to take crucial decisions very easily. Teleconference and video conferencing is not only useful for business establishments it is also used in various other fields. Particularly in education this comes in as a great aid to help students to learn faster and better. Teachers across the globe can now teach through this media. Handicapped people benefit a lot from video conferencing and they are able to visually see things which might not be possible otherwise. Thus communication through these two medias have become a very effective mode that can be used in all fields of work or leisure.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hayi_Mansoor

Using Web Conference Services

2009-08-14T22:58:00.001-07:00

Speaking through land lines and even cell phones are old news. Slowly, web conferencing is creeping up to us. Through web conferencing services, we can now conduct meetings and presentations, as well as training for up to 1200 participants in different parts of the world. You can save a huge amount of money by conducting these meetings over the internet, rather than making people attend them onsite. The possibilities are limitless!

You can do consultations and presentations real-time even when you’re thousands of miles away from each other. It’s almost like you’re there with them. You can do dynamic multimedia presentations using actual slides and an actual mouse pointer, with a live video of you while you present your case. Large-scale meetings, presentations and webinars can also be organized without the hassle and cost of flying in people from different areas of the world. Web tours that include fact sheets. URLs and other data can be fed to each participant for better understanding.

Collaborative web browsing and screen sharing can even be done. Recording the presentation or meeting will also prove useful as a form of documentation of the event, as well as having a copy for future viewing.

Web conferencing also allows you to significantly widen your audience by not limiting you in terms of space and proximity. You can offer online training and e-learning without leaving the comforts of your own home. Using web conference services is also an excellent way to sell products and services by giving a live demonstration while inviting questions from the viewers or participants by text chat since everything is done live.

You can also generate polls or surveys with it. Because everything is conducted in real time, you can control the pace of the meeting or presentation depending on the attendees’ acceptance and understanding. For meetings conducted via web conferencing, control of the session can be transferred from one party to another to facilitate presentations from different regional offices.

Finally, using a reliable web conferencing service provider, you can guarantee that everything will be secure.

Web conferencing is definitely the cutting-edge technology that you need to advance your business by saving time, money and increase your productivity.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kenny_M_Doucette

Conducting a Webinar - A Basic Guide

2009-08-14T22:57:00.000-07:00

Conducting a webinar is no different than conducting a face-to-face seminar when it comes to presenting the material. The method of interaction will be different and there will be differences in the fact that you are not face to face with your audience so you may not be able to judge as well the various aspects of their personalities or understanding. This makes it difficult to alter the presentation in the middle to accommodate the atmosphere of the audience.

There are a few things that you will need in order to conduct a webinar. These are host, content, features and price. When looking at a host you want to make sure that you are going with a host that is going to be able to grow with your business but that is not so far advanced that individuals without the latest technology will be unable to get on.

You want to make sure that your webinar is open to anyone who may be in your target group. For example, if you are doing a webinar on the latest technological features of a network application you are going to have clients with a different level of technology than if you are delivering a webinar on how to effectively cook a five-course meal and still maintain a casual entertainment atmosphere. In one instance you are dealing with technical savvy people who may have access to the latest in computers. In the other you are dealing with individuals who may be ordinary home users and may be working with older equipment.

Features are also need to be considered. You may want to look into these options when looking into your host. However, there are individuals who conduct webinars while using outside resources such as instant message or separate phone conferencing features. Considering if you want to include these in your host or use separate services is something to look into when deciding how to conduct your webinar.

The content is the most important aspect of your webinar. You want your content to be informative, to flow from topic to topic in a smooth and related manner. The presentation should be designed for your target audience and be done in a way that engages your audience. Webinars are interactive so you may want to include spaces for questions if you get into areas where questions are possible to accommodate your viewers.

Price is one of the most important things to look into. Hosts all have different ways of pricing and you should consider which option is going to provide you with the most benefit and the least expense. Overall webinars are exceptionally cost effective when compared to similar situations in face-to-face seminars

Conducting a webinar can be a great way to get the information you want present out to your audience. It is important that you look into the various factors and research prior to launching your webinar. This will help to ensure that the webinar you are conducting provides the most benefit to not only you but those you are presenting too.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_Cruz

Video Conferencing Equipment - To Professionally Initiate Business Collaborations

2009-08-08T07:34:00.003-07:00

Business organizations of almost all the sizes aims to provide high-quality, reliable and effective productivity to all global customers. The effective business communication helps the companies to achieve the committed service. Thus, conferencing equipment have been widely adopted by many companies to enhance their business, across the world.

Conference call systems has become a routine part of day-to-day business life. The conferencing usage has resulted in lower travel costs, improved business efficiency and higher employee's productivity. Therefore, due to its rich and economic features, various corporations have been outsourcing this service for their office network and other business activities.

There are many latest technologies in the market which helps in the fast means of conferencing. In this series, video conferencing emerged as lowering the extra expenditure as well as saving time of the business enterprises. It facilitated the business delegates to conduct their internal and overseas business meets while sitting in any part of the world. Thus, it has vastly helped the companies to excel over the business activities.

Through video conferencing equipment, emerging businessmen can share their business presentations easily with the existing big enterprises. It does not even require their physical presence. Thus, in a way, it helps in promoting the young business mind to enhance and learn new market strategies.

Video conferencing equipments not only helps the corporate world but also helps state and local governments, universities and health care centers to excel in the smooth flow of their operational activities. Today, many applications including training, telemarketing, product development, customer service, board meetings, managing mergers and acquisitions, interviewing, etc largely depends upon the usage of video conferencing for their better output.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Zaibatt_Zaki

How to Host a Webinar

2009-08-08T07:34:00.001-07:00

Hosting a successful webinar takes a few steps and a bit of research but once you have the basics you can easily host any number of webinars and have them be a success for both you and your business. Each year the use of webinars grows by close to 30% as technology makes this form of information presentation more appealing and easier to use. When looking into webinars consider the following things, not all hosts are the same, a consultant may be a wise investment, consider your webinar's schedule, create superior quality content, and etiquette -often forgotten but often essential.

The host you choose is vital to the success of your webinar. No matter how great your content if you do not have the features you need or your content cannot be viewed it is not going to provide you with benefits and the results that you need. This is why it is important to research your host carefully. Things to look for are scalability, reliability, and the ability to work with a wide variety of technologies. Having the latest and greatest is great but if you cannot get your video to the people who need to see because the technology is too different your webinar may not be as successful as you may like.

Consider the benefits of a consultant. Consultants can help you to put together your webinar in a way that helps to maximize the potential of success and viability. They can help you tailor your content and presentation to make it easier to present on the web and make it more web and user friendly. They help to make the transition into using webinars easy from start to finish.

The dates and times you offer your webinar are just as important as the content provided. If you are offering your webinar to UK viewers and you set your schedule to Eastern Standard Time and set it for 4pm you may find a decided lack of viewers since this is around 9pm in the UK. The same goes for setting up a schedule with Pacific Time at 3pm this makes it 6pm in Eastern Standard Time. This is why the times and dates of your webinar are essential if you are looking to market it to individuals who would be taking it during normal business hours. If you were looking to make it available for home use you would need to consider hours outside the normal business schedule.

Content is everything in a webinar so it is important that you present information that is well researched, well organized and above all relevant to the topic being presented. You want to supply information at a speed that is going to allow retention but still allow you to get everything you want to present into the presentation.

Etiquette is something many people forget on the web. This is because the web is the world of short hand and abbreviations. However, such abbreviations should be avoided. Arrive on time to your webinar, make sure to maintain politeness such as welcome, please and thank you and as a courtesy consider supplying materials that show how to use each of the function to make it easier for people to benefit from your presentation.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_Cruz

Secure Web Conferencing - Advantages of Using Secure Internet Conference Software

2009-08-08T07:33:00.000-07:00

Using secure web conferencing can bring a lot of benefits to small or large businesses. Some of the benefits include the increase in productivity, no travel costs, and the ability to do business with people from all over the world.

As web conferencing becomes more and more used by people from all over the world, businesses begin to understand that if they want to be competitive they need to use it.

With the speed that decisions are taken now, secure web conferencing makes sure that the business data is secured.

Here are some of the benefits of using secure web conferencing:

It takes out the costs of traveling from the equation. Since the price of traveling and paying for gas increases all the time, meeting online is an alternative that plenty of people choose and prefer these days. Software for online meetings insures that it's cheap enough for everyone to use, even if they're on a tight budget.

The productivity is increased. Since people don't need to waste a lot of time traveling and coordinating schedules, they have more time to actually work.

Whether they're from the other side of the planet or in the same office, they can meet in virtual meetings, to talk and exchange ideas. If they want, these meetings can be scheduled, or they can be decided on the spot.

What people talk between them is secure, and that's something all the people involved want. The security is improved when you use secure web conferencing.

The best secure web conferencing software is quite versatile, as it can be used on any operating system, including Windows, Mac or Linux. You can also use it together with a number of applications, such as whiteboards that are interactive or PowerPoint presentations.

You can even let people enter the conference if they don't have an invitation, by publishing the meeting on the home page of your site.

The business world, with its fast movement, needs web conferencing. If there is a problem that needs to be fixed quick, people can get together fast and find a solution to their problem. It doesn't matter where they are, they can communicate easily with the others.

A business that uses web conferencing makes sure that they get the most out of their possibilities. A web conference can be made between computers that are different, even if they have different bandwidth available to them.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ricky_Lim

How Much Does a Webinar Cost - Basic Considerations

2009-08-03T06:47:00.002-07:00

Many people who may be looking into webinars are also going to be looking into what it costs to make a webinar part of the offerings of the company or part of the resources for the company. Many companies have considered webinars as a way of presenting materials for training purposes. It also works well for individuals who are working through telecommuting methods and who may not be able to reach a training location. They can still have the information presented to them in an interactive and engaging manner.

It goes without saying that interactive methods such as webinars are going to be more expensive than simply putting a video on a video sharing site or posting it to a locked site to only allow people to view it with a password. There are a number of considerations that are taken into consideration with webinars, which are not necessary with standard video presentations.

The first consideration is live feed or on demand. Depending on the hosting site and the features you want you may find that live feed or on demand have considerable price differences. You may find in some instances that on demand is actually cheaper than live feed. Features may be presented as packages or may be presented as individual additions, which need to be added to the base fee for hosting. Live feed videos also require the staff to produce those live videos each time the video is viewed.

On demand videos can simply be recorded once and stored. In many cases on demand videos are going to be more cost effective since they only require a single recording session. The cost of a webinar is also going to include interactive features.

Normally a video on a video sharing site for example, will only have a comment section. They are not designed to be interactive but merely to be viewed. Even on demand videos are going to have some form of interactive aspect. They will have a chat room, a phone conference, voice over IP capabilities and in the cases of webinars there is usually someone available to answer questions during the presentation even if there is not a live presenter.

Pricing plans are also different from webinars from traditional hosting. In many cases webinars are priced based on seating and bandwidth. This means there is either a monthly flat rate for so much bandwidth and so many seats or the cost is split between the number of seats, which is usually limited to a certain number per viewing. Viewings may also be limited to a certain number a month.

There is also a pricing plan that deals with per person per minute. This means it charges a certain rate per minute per person of viewing. In these instances the number of available slots can be high per viewing and features may or may not be included. The price per minute varies.

When looking at the overall price it may seem like an expensive prospect from development to implementation. However, if you consider the benefits over the long term you may be surprised how quickly you cannot only make back your investment but how it can actually save you a considerable amount of money over the long run.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_Cruz

How Does a Webinar Work?

2009-08-03T06:47:00.001-07:00

A webinar is a fairly simple application. In fact, not only does it make a great deal of sense but also is a convenient way to present a great deal of information to a large number of people. There are a number of different ways that a webinar can work.

Normally, a webinar consists of an on demand or life feed. Webinars that are on demand are usually pre recorded. Individuals register then log on to video the video. As the business, you pay so much to host the webinar and as a viewer, they pay so much to view it.

If a phone conference is involved this also usually requires a separate log on though voice over IP options are available. Many people prefer phone conferences because of the option of speakerphone and projection technology. This means they can have several people view and participate under the same account.

Live feeds work slightly differently than on demand. While the presentation may be the same, the difference is in timing. With on demand everyone can be prepared and even ready to go prior to logging on to view the video. With live feed options, it works a little differently. There is usually a request made at the beginning to ensure everyone has logged on and is ready. Live feed usually allows for a small delay to get everything started. This delay is usually not necessary for on demand since it can be requested and viewed whenever the viewers are ready.

There are some other differences to consider between live feed and on demand. With on demand if necessary the video, which has been pre-recorded, can be paused if necessary to accommodate discussion. Live feed may or may not be willing to make such a pause. There may be a request that discussion wait until the end of the presentation for questions.

Webinars have a number of different ways that they can work. The method depends on what exactly is being presented and what is necessary in order to make a successful presentation. If you have a number of people from a number of different locations that need to view the presentation at the same time, on demand may be a better way to handle your webinars.

If however, you are making presentations to select groups that are going to be gathering at a single location then you may want to consider using a live feed. Webinars are designed to provide a way to present information in an interactive manner to a group of individuals. It allows people from any location provided they have access to the video and the necessary conferencing software or equipment, such as a phone. Webinars provide a great way to bridge the gap of distance, still allow interactions and provide you with a way to present information in a methods that is more likely to be retained by those viewing the presentations. This makes webinars an important new learning and business tool.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_Cruz

28 Web Conference Training Tips

2009-08-03T06:46:00.000-07:00

Companies and organizations today use web conferencing in many aspects of their organizations-to conduct meetings, collaborate on projects, demonstrate products and services, and more. Learning to use web conferencing technology is pretty easy, but there is a lot more to training via web conference than just putting on a headset, dialing up an audio-conferencing bridge, and logging onto the application.

This article offers some helpful tips specifically targeted to web conference training.

1. Even though you are using web conferencing to deliver training, the training content itself must still be planned and crafted just as carefully as if it were for a traditional classroom session or e-Learning course.

2. When developing PowerPoint slides to use in web conference training follow these guidelines:
- Simplify content.
- Use a large, bold, simple font like Arial.
- Have no more than 6 to 8 lines of text per page (fewer are better).
- Make no more than 4 to 5 training points per page (fewer are better).
- Use plain backgrounds that contrast well with the text without clashing.
- If possible, avoid complex animations (i.e. no spinning text, etc.).

3. Establish one person as the point of contact, (POC) for communicating with their group of attendees. Provide all information to this one person and let them communicate it to their own people.

4. Provide an outline of objectives for attendees prior to the conference.

5. Test all aspects of your presentation ahead of time. (Enlist the help of an online facilitator or a student for these tests.):
- Check your phone lines and headset, and replace weak batteries with full new sets.
- Though most web conference technologies automatically run a short program to install and test your machine, open your own test conference and run your presentation. Confirm that your machine won't freeze up because of low PC memory or connection speed.
- Check any online exercises, tests, or polling questions you have planned for the session.
- Run through the presentation twice, to both check its timing and leave ample time for questions and answers.

6. If student answers are being stored in a database or a learning management system (LMS), determine how they will be scored, saved, and accessed later.

7. Are you using an electronic whiteboard? Check to see how its images will be stored. Will your students need them later? How can they access this material? Is it something you can post in a reference area on your training LMS?

8. If you are going to demonstrate with examples, try to keep them relevant to the audience. It's easier for people to learn when material is presented through examples that make sense to them.

9. Check how much background noise your system produces. Stage the actual conference in a quiet place, where you can control any heating or air conditioning noise. Be careful about rustling papers. And never eat anything or chew gum during the conference.

10. Will a host introduce you or will you have a guest presenter during the web conference? If so, you'll need to run through all of things discussed in item 5 with the other participant.

11. Do you or your guest tend to run long? If so, you may want to use cue cards. Or use a second computer (or laptop) as a time clock, to signal when someone is running long.

12. Limit each session to 60 - 90 minutes. Longer sessions are not productive.

13. Limit your audience. When possible, keep the number of people attending small. (No more than six people are best.)

14. You might want to ask your technical people to set up a dual monitor configuration on your PC (or laptops) for you, so that your presentation appears on one display (as others are seeing it), while your delivery screens and notes appear on the other.

15. If appropriate, check time zones before scheduling the web conference. You'd be amazed how often even experienced trainers forget to do this...and end up opening a conference at the wrong time.

16. Related to item 15, check in advance to make sure that dates and times appear correctly in all meeting listings and notification messages. Confirm that the dates and times you define are communicated consistently to all participants.

17. Check ahead of time that all online links through which students can join the web conference will work... whether they are delivered to learners in an LMS message, via email, or on a web page.

18. If any learners are located in other organizations, try a test connect into their facilities well before the actual conference. Though rare, their IT departments may need to change some firewall settings before you'll be able to communicate in.

19. Have more than one Web Conference option ready to use. Then, if some participants can't connect, you can create a new conference on the spot, with different conference tools.

20. Generally, you do not want people to join a web conference until it is actually open for business. Depending on the system you use, you may be able to enforce this with a student display that says: "Cannot join until..."

21. Before starting, ask your POC if everyone is present and if it's OK to begin.

22. During the actual conference, check in periodically by asking questions of the attendees. For example: "Does that make sense? Are there any questions so far? Can you think if an example where you might use this __________." This helps to ensure the attendees are attentive, and to see if they have any questions. Silence is a sign that the information is not being understood.

23. Try to stay "on course" but allow for flexibility. Often questions asked will take you to another topic area and may require more explanation than allowed in the allotted time. Try to answer all questions and offer to follow up with more information offline, or in another conference, when time is limited.

24. When you get close to the end, if you feel like you might run over or need a few extra minutes to finish up, stop and check with all participants. Be considerate of others' schedules.

25. Provide training exercises on the topics discussed.

26. Plan ahead for how you will close the session. Thank everyone for their time and attention, leave time for any closing comments or information, discuss next steps (if any), and review how you can be contacted (if needed).

27. Follow up with your learners after their web-conference training. This could be by email or perhaps even through a test to gauge their understanding of the material.

28. Keep a log of all training and notes. It can help improve your future training.

Mary Polley-Berte is Director of Customer Support & Training at SyberWorks, Inc., in Waltham, Massachusetts. Mary is a graduate of Boston University and resides with her family in New Hampshire.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mary_Polley-Berte

Video Conference Calling - Conversation Made Easy

2009-07-26T03:08:00.003-07:00

Effective communication is the key to the success of any global venture and that too at any business. In the era of globalization, various companies are reaching out and this is why more emphasis is being laid on communication. Even then, first hand communication seems to be a major hurdle, as it is not always possible to have constant face to face meetings on a regular basis. But without any sustainable communication, it is the business that will suffer the most. So, to have an effective and strong relationship, it is a must to be in constant touch. Now, with the advancement in the field of communication, one can now have an effective conversation with the other and that too from a different location. Video conferencing that is why seems to be in great demand these days, as it allows you to interact with your counterpart from virtually any location.

Video conference calling is a great leap in the field of first hand communication, as it enables the user to connect with other individuals through audio transmissions and video imagery. The conference in between two individuals using this system is referred to as point to point conference, while that involving multiple users from various locations is known as multiple conferences. The greatest advantage of video conferencing is that one gets too personally see and hear the person live without moving out from the office.

A great deal of time and money is saved in the process, which seems to be a profitable position for the parties. Video conferencing calling is not only limited to business conversations. It is quite flexible and versatile and can be used for a large number of tasks. It can be used to educate and train the employees, interviewing candidates, marketing new products. Thus it can be assumed that video conference calling can be used for a multitude of purposes to serve various needs.

There are numerous companies who are now present in the market and are providing video conference calling solutions. This is why it is economically feasible and is in greater demand these days.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Bautcher

Shopping For a Video Telephone Conference Call Phone

2009-07-26T03:08:00.001-07:00

When you need to set up a video conference call system, of course the first thing you are going to need to do is purchase a video telephone conference call phone. This is easy enough because there are more than enough options out there however to the newcomer it can definitely be quite frustrating and confusing.

If you need to find a video telephone conference call phone, here are a few of the top picks, phones which you should definitely be considering as top contenders.

Polycom VoiceStation 500 Bluetooth Conference Phone

This would be an ideal choice for anyone shopping for a video telephone conference call phone. Affordable and yet still very high quality, this video telephone conference call phone is a great buy.

Thanks to Polycom's Acoustic Clarity Technology, all your conversations on this phone will flow naturally and get everyone involved. You will never have to worry about getting cut off or having static and not being able to hear others on the line, which is especially important when you are using it for business purposes and dealing with clients, for instance.

The VoiceStation 500's Dynamic Noise Reduction (DNR) technology helps by automatically reducing room background noise, which means that even if faxes, computers, fans, or air conditioners are running in the background, this will not come up on the phone call which saves from distraction and ensures that all your calls go as smoothly as possible.

Panasonic Conference Speaker Phone

Another video telephone conference call phone that you will want to consider here is the Panasonic Conference Speaker Phone. With this phone you also receive an AC adapter, telephone line cord, interface cable, interface box, and user's manual.

The ultrasensitive 4 microphone system captures distant and omnidirectional voice, and full digital duplex communication technology helps to reduce the echo that is commonly found in many speakerphones.

The phone features a 100-station phonebook and dialer, and stores up to 100 telephone numbers which means more convenience for you. The phone also has 120-minute conference recording capability, which allows you to concentrate on the conversation rather than on writing endless pages of notes.

Conference calling definitely makes businesses run smoother and easier, but you need to make sure that you get the right phone to get the job done right. Keep in mind that these are just two of the various different conference phones out there so check around and find the right one for you.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_Glasser

Web Conferencing - A Strategic Requirement For Business

2009-07-26T03:07:00.000-07:00

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.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rangoo_Srinivas

Web Conferencing - Taking the Business World by Storm

2009-07-14T22:45:00.003-07:00

Web Conferencing is a way in which two or more people from anywhere in the world can meet over the Internet to communicate and share information. It enables the participants to work together sharing documents and applications by providing the necessary tools and is possible to control remotely other peoples' computers to aid in training and for help desk support. It is possible to demonstrate any application to clients without coming face to face with them. Organizations use these services to hold virtual seminars web based meetings and to interact with members or students in different corners of the world. Taking advantage of the power of the Internet, webcasts make it possible to conduct meetings or giving presentations to clients and interacting with teams.

Wainhouse Research, Inc. conducted a survey and found that small and mid-size enterprises (SMEs) were more likely to conduct a Web conference than meet with customers, partners and co-workers in person, over a six-month period (41% vs. 36%)

Another research firm, Gartner, predicts Web conferencing will be a standard method for
companies to conduct business in two years. As a result, market research firm Frost & Sullivan predicts Web conferencing will grow at a double-digit rate through 2011.

online meetings allow online training sessions, interactive meetings between people from many different places and multimedia presentations for businesses and many other purposes. It is easy to connect and communicate with a client or a company representative or executive through web conferencing irrespective of their locations. This saves a lot of time and effort as the whole team or organization gets to work together at the same time. The interactive nature of this system enables the parties concerned to share ideas and discuss issues and also for getting clients' feedback instantly.

Some of the many advantages of web conferencing services are given below:

Virtual video conferencing offers major advantages to businesses in terms of reduced costs, increased employee productivity, enhanced customer support capabilities, and reduced time to develop products and communications.

1. The main advantage of web conferencing is the cost savings in terms of organization of seminars for partners, clients, customers and staff spread world over.
2. Regular webinars and web conferencing meetings have been found to increase employee productivity.
3. Customer support capabilities of companies have got a boost from the opportunities interactive web conferencing services provide.
4. Another significant saving is in terms of time spent in traveling to get to the seminar venue and time spent in developing products. The facility of meeting online wherever and whenever one needs it has speeded up the processes of product development and communication systems.
5. A variety of options are available with conferencing services that integrate desktop sharing, multimedia delivery, chat and VOIP options.

Web conferencing is increasingly becoming the most important tool for businesses to increase productivity and profitability.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rangoo_Srinivas

Is it Viable For You, Video Conferencing?

2009-07-14T22:45:00.001-07:00

With all the stuff going on daily around the world, the one thing that can help companies with considerable savings is none other other than video Conferencing. Just in the last 3 or 4 days, at least 35 to 40 percent of larger companies have announced major layoffs that will total hundreds of thousands of employees going home.

What is the answer for these companies as for working with the development of new products, and with work that is going on due to different locations around the global . One of the best options for most of these companies most certainly would be Video Conferencing.

Why video conferencing? With this method of communicating several persons in remote locations can be working on the same project and at the same time they are able to chat back and forth, as well as keep each other abreast as far as each ones progress being made in areas of the product development.

Whether it is electronics, computer related, software or other. The cheapest and most efficient way to keep everyone singing on the same page is through the use of video conferencing, no doubt about it this has to be the cheapest and best way to go.

As you start to get into this type thing you must keep in mind that costs can run from $250.00 to as much as $40,000.00 for a very elaborate system. which would be cheaper a 40,000.00 unit that would save $100,000.00 in travel costs?

Now you can start to understand why this method of communicating is so important to many businesses. As the economy keeps getting worse, Video Conferencing becomes more and more important to the companies that are aware of the benefits to be gained.

Of the three different groups available for use. We must examine each one and determine which one is best for our needs. The three types, Desktop, small group and learn group. Of these you need to determine as to which one will be cost effective for your business and products. Yes the prices vary a good bit but the controlling method or basis is as to whether they can be used over IDSN or IP.

IDPN stands for integrated services digital network, and IP for Internet Protocol. Video conferencing through ISDN comes about when you integrate both analog and the voice data together with digital data over the same network. what we learn from this is that you can encompass the frame relay service by using large bursts of high speed data

You may ask, how do I set up my video conferencing? The easiest way I know is by buying the system already setup and having an operator trained to take care of it. However it is not that simple. There are things you must be aware of in order to be sure you are getting the right system for your needs.

In summary If you have done proper investigation, you have already determined that Video Conferencing is going to be cost effective. If this is true then go for it. Do not put it off.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jimmy_Woodall

Benefits of Video Conferencing and Technology Videos

2009-07-14T22:44:00.000-07:00

Video conferencing is a technology that helps many a Multinational Company to thrive in spite of operating from different functional bases at different poles of the world. For these companies, the technology of video conferencing ensures better reach across the globe and benefits from multi-point client interactions. Add to it the advent of Internet. In addition, another cost-efficient and effective means of updating men around the globe about a new development is one that comes by the shape of technology videos. Forget about how a distant and inconvenient place a company is operating from, technology videos and technology news and video conferencing means that right information is passed on the stakeholders at the right time.

Video Conferencing nowadays are also been used as a strong means of partnering when used in cooperation with right hardware and information sharing platform. All the employees of a multinational company taking part in video interaction have the dual benefit of seeing their counterparts as well as the technology news all at one place. And yes they can participate in real time communication as well.

All types of official information relating to various fields of induction, training, research, which otherwise would have been too much dependent on paper, can be presented using these upgraded medium of technology videos.

Technology videos - be it via video conferencing or Internet, can be helpful in a variety of domains. Educational training, business meetings, instructional training and collaborative communication with health officials are some of the areas where benefits of technology videos can be felt.

Video conferencing helps people staying in remote locations to communicate with outer world without much traveling or expenses. People today are getting to access and use technology videos more easily. Evidently, because web and its far-flung reach, information about latest in technology is getting disseminated at a faster pace, the same is also welcoming people to collaborate more freely and willingly. Students can take advantage of video conferencing and technology news to attend classes at distant locations that in normal conditions would have been impossible Students can also attend distant classes via video conferencing and continue an alternate career alongside.

Video conferencing, technology video and technology news can stimulate enhanced knowledge sharing, brainstorming and information gathering. Businesses can use video conferencing to provide official presentations to the clients and members of an organization or to solicit new clients in a professional manner, regardless of their location.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jacob_Brown

Webinar Vendors Help People Harness True Power

2009-05-22T07:49:00.002-07:00

Imagine having the ability to host a meeting with participants from all over the world without anyone having to travel. Now, picture that meeting actually having the desired impacts. When e-mails and telephone calls just won't do and travel is prohibitive, webinar vendors enable their clients to tap into and harness the full power of the Internet.

The advantages of webinars when they are hosted by full-service vendors are extensive. Some of the benefits of going this route for internal and external business and even personal communications include:

The expediency factor - The Internet never closes. This means webinars can be established to take place at any time of the day or night. When a meeting absolutely has to take place right away or at a certain time, the webinar format is an excellent choice for facilitating it.

The communications tools - When a webinar vendor does offer a full line of services, the available communications tools will be extensive. These will include not only the ability to enjoy voice communication, but also visual. In many cases, webinars are set up to enable full visual contact between participants. Presentations can, for example, be shown on one desktop and seen on computer screens all over the world. Some vendors even offer blast faxing ability for easier accommodation of information sharing, document review and collaboration.

The security - Webinar vendors tend to take security very seriously. To this end, they offer features that help their clients ensure that private meetings stay that way. Password protected meeting rooms, entry chimes and more can all go along with webinars.
Webinar vendors that provide a large package of tools essentially enable their clients to harness the full power of the Internet. Meetings that take place in this type of virtual setting are as good - and often better - than face to face encounters.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_Cruz

How to Create a Webinar That Dazzles

2009-05-22T07:49:00.001-07:00

Signing up to play host to a webinar is not enough to make this online technology work in your favor. To pull off a presentation that's effective and doesn't fail to dazzle does require some planning. Fortunately, learning how to create a webinar is not as difficult as many believe. This format is very easy to use and personalize to one's advantage.

So, how can you create a webinar that meets your needs? Follow these basic steps to put yourself on the right path:

•Select the right facilitator - There are a variety of webinar vendors offering services on the Internet. Look for a company with a reputation that speaks for itself and you will be on the right track. Pay attention to the potential features of a webinar package, too. The best companies will offer such things as visual and audio communications, transcription services, faxing ability, security and even voting options.

•Plan your meeting - Making certain that a webinar is an effective means of communication goes beyond selecting a good facilitator. To pull off your purpose, you will need to plan out your meeting, seminar or exchange of information. For example, you might want to create a presentation using a program like PowerPoint, set an agenda and even enable group discussion functions. When you select the right facilitator, the infrastructure will be in place for you to use your imagination to its fullest extent.

•Invite participants - Learning how to create a webinar is not enough to pull off an event that's a success. You will need to also make sure your desired participants have the information they need to find the right site and get into the "meeting room."

It is possible for just about anyone to create a webinar that dazzles participants. When planning goes into the proposition, meetings, seminars and even inter-company collaborative efforts can all be pulled off with ease.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_Cruz

What Exactly Is Web Conferencing?

2009-05-22T07:48:00.000-07:00

A few years ago, people having conversations and meetings while they are in different locations means having the conversation over the phone. But today, people can communicate, even conduct live meetings and presentation even if they are half a world away. All you need is a computer, internet access and a downloaded web-based application to communicate effectively over the internet. This technology is called web conferencing.

So, what exactly is web conferencing?

With web conferencing, participants can share audio, video, content or combination of these in real time. This enables people to attend meetings or presentations when they can't attend them physically. Attendees or participants of web conferencing can have a downloaded application on their computer or they can just access a website or URL to join the group having the meeting or presentation.

Web conferencing enables us to share presentations, documents, videos and multimedia applications. Is also enables us to save money on the costs associated with high bandwidth. You can meet whenever from wherever, as long as you have a personal computer/ laptop and internet access.

Since web conferencing allows users to have business meetings, trainings and conduct presentations and demonstration, it is a requirement that attendees have high-speed internet connection in all user and web sites. Presiding over a session can be passed among the users or the attendees, so that another user can act as the presenter or demonstrator.

Some web conferencing systems or providers include several features in their systems like texting, VoIP (voice over internet protocol) and full- motion video. Audio streaming was also added as an additional feature since web conferencing started in the early 1990s. With audio streaming, attendees can listen to the audio as they view the presentations.

Messaging or sending messages also became more efficient. The leaders can entertain live questions or conduct answer sessions. Attendees can send private messages to the leader, who can answer trough private messages or may publish the message so the entire team or attendees can view the message.

There are attendance rosters which allow the leader and the attendees to view who is currently involved in the conference. There is also a tool for recording. Recording allows for the synching voice and visuals into a permanent record which can be shared with others on a later date.

Whiteboard also allows the leader or the attendees to highlight items in the presentation or can be used to make notes. There are also tools for polls and surveys, allowing the leader to ask questions with multiple choices addressed to the attendees.

Screen sharing is also another feature of web conferencing. With screen sharing or desktop sharing participants can view the screen or whatever is on the screen of the leader. Some screen sharing applications also allow remote desktop control which means participants can take control or manipulate the leader's desktop or screen. This feature is seldom used.

Of course, there are web conferencing vendors or providers that provide these services of different basis. Some web conferencing providers charge a nominal monthly fee while others may charge for every time the software was used.

Readying up your computer or your personal stuff to be used with web conferencing is really not that complicated. New computers normally would have installed software in them that is necessary for web conferencing, if none, the installation process is relatively easy to accomplish.

Web conferencing provides a great way and venue for short and straightforward business related exchanges like meetings, demonstrations, orientation or even product roll-outs. Web conferencing made it possible for us to have non- physical communication for business meetings and affairs. Technology certainly makes life easier.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_E_White

Video Conferencing For Small Businesses

2009-05-09T08:19:00.003-07:00

Who hasn't seen the ad on TV that shows a man at a parking lot burning his luggage, then a woman pushing her car into a ditch and a voice that says something like "tired of traveling for meetings?"; " are you sick of paying through the nose for gas and airfare?" . Looking at this commercial is like acting out my fantasies.

Frankly, traveling by air has gotten so expensive and complicated that I think it has become a big chore to go to the airport. The days of the airlines good service and "friendly skies" are long gone. Luckily other technologies are popping up that might make business travel obsolete. Where do you find these technologies? Do you need to hire a specialized techie to set them up or spend oodles of money for the software? The answer is easier than you think: the Internet.

For a minimal monthly rate, and a few clicks of the mouse, you can meet with clients, employees, prospective clients or co-workers any time you want without leaving your office. No need to install expensive software, since everything is done online. The services are so intuitive that you basically don't need any training. In fact, all you need is a computer and an Internet connection and if desired a web cam (many laptops come equipped with a built in web cam but if your computer doesn't have one, you can get it for a few dollars).

For instance several online meeting services cost less than $50 per month Their service allows you to talk into your web cam, share whatever is on your desktop which could be an online presentation, chat online and you can even give control of your desktop to another attendee.

In addition, there are several services out there that offer video conferencing and collaboration over the Internet. Most of these services are geared for small companies, since the number of attendees has a maximum of 15. If meetings need to be larger these same companies offer package upgrades. I have used the free trials myself and found that web conferencing has saved me lots of money as well as headaches at the airport.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alice_Flowers

Communications and the Carbon Footprint

2009-05-09T08:19:00.001-07:00

A big title. Communications and the Carbon footprint. The obvious thing is that a phone call will reduce you car/flight journey. Yes it is obvious, but why do so many business meeting happen face to face.
We all have had problems with email. They cannot express tone, sarcasm or irony. We have sent a joke and it has been deemed as an insult. Placing :) at the end of it may not quite swing it. So we make a phone call. The modern age lets us work from home whilst billing the company for the phone calls, broadband and even the gas to power the central heating.

You can now do business phone calls in your dressing gown. The face to face meetings still happen because people are aware of just that fact. You want to be able to see peoples eyes, to see there reaction. Are they actually paying attention or are they reading emails, drinking coffee or ordering their groceries whilst you are talking to them.

Video conferencing at home is still in the realms of science fiction. Well no it isn't, as with most things in technology we bring into business what we have at home. Wireless networking is a domestic product which found its way to work. Mobiles with cameras on, they magically appeared in the work place and in some instances are useful.

MSN and Skype put video messaging down the web. All you needed was a webcam, a microphone and a speaker, then the teenagers of the world were talking and seeing each other whilst the grown ups were watching strictly come dancing. The same thing is available in the office, which means it is available at home.

Now you can see your colleague(s). The are now cleanly shaven and wearing a shirt, not a dressing gown, and are now working from home. The weekly meeting does not have to take all afternoon, cost a fortune in fuel, wasted time and parking costs. You can now have 16 people on the same laptop screen from all over the region/country/world. If you want to see a presentation then this is shown on a webmeeting.

Would this reduce your companies carbon footprint- yes, will this save the world, no, not on its own, but it will make a start.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Glaister

Do's and Don'ts in Audio Conference Call

2009-05-09T08:17:00.000-07:00

Before discussing what to do and what not to do during audio multi-lines call, first here is a simple description of what an audio conference call is. An audio conference call is conducted by the calling party and the participants listen to the discussion. Audio conference call is usually used for trainings, seminars or executive meetings. But not all audio conference call is conducted perfectly some are being cut-off, line is not clear and there are unpleasant sounds in the background.

Here are some tips on what to do and not what to do during an audio multi-lines call:

1. Call from a quiet location.

If you are conducting the audio conference call from home and your pets and children are playing, it is best to stay in the most quite place in the house. This way the participants will not have a hard time listening to you speaking. If for some reason you cannot find a quiet place you can use the mute function of the phone when you are not talking.

2. As much as possible do not call using a mobile phone

Using a mobile phone to conduct an audio conferencing is a bad idea. Mobile phone adds so much background noise and not to mention static. But if this is only what you have, still use the mute function if you are not speaking this will lessen the distraction on the side of the participants. And do not call when you are driving.

3. Always be on time for the scheduled call

Like normal meetings being on time is important. It is not nice when others wait while you catch up on the lost time especially when you are the one who will conduct the audio multi-lines call. Every one's time is important.

4. Avoid putting the call on hold

Putting the call on hold distracts the participants especially when the phone has hold beeps or music. The concentration of the participants will be disrupted and it is hard to catch up when you are not focused. If in case you need to leave and you are not sure at what time you can join the audio conference call, it is better to hang up and call again if you are ready.

5. Avoid using Cordless phones

Cordless phones are prone to static noise; this happens when you get out of range or there is a device that interferes with the phone. This is not the best device to conduct an audio conferencing.

6. Avoid doing other things when you are in an audio conference call

When you are speaking avoid doing other things like browsing papers, typing and the like because the other participants can hear it. Especially when the sound quality of the phone is good, the sound will be very loud.

7. Be cautious if your phone is on mute or not

There are several instances where other participants forgot to put the phone on mute then gives negative remark on the other participant. This is the worst experience you will have in an audio conference call. When you are done talking put the phone on mute the put it back on again when you are ready to talk. What you can do is it is your first time to join an audio multi-lines call, you can practice this so you will not be experiencing such embarrassing moments.

These are simple tips that anyone can follow to conduct a smooth sailing audio conferencing.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brooke_Coin

This Ain't Your Father's Video Conferencing

2009-04-04T00:54:00.003-07:00

I am a huge fan of video conferencing and have used it ever since it became available in the late 1980s. I used to marvel at the technology, how useful it was, and how much time and money it saved my company. These days I just use it and rarely even think twice about it. Video conferencing is just there whenever I need it. Be that a corporate meeting or some lighthearted chat with a friend halfway across the world. It occurred to me that it might make sense to list all the cool and timesaving features you can expect from a modern video conferencing system.

First of all, state-of-the-art video conferencing, unlike older systems where you just got a video and audio link, offer excellent management and control features. Most support a hierarchy of hosts, presenters and participants. The host has a full control menu and is in overall charge, presenters have a share menu, and participants simply sit back and watch.

Second, in a world where, for better or for worse, ideas are generally conveyed with a PowerPoint presentation, most full-featured video conferencing systems let you run PowerPoint files directly from the conferencing software. All you have to do is share the PowerPoint file. It is then compressed, sent to the server, and all the participants. Since the individual slides are cached, going from slide to slide is very quick.

Third, the same holds true for document sharing. Most systems let you share Microsoft Office documents such as Word and Excel files. That includes multimedia files that contain rich text and images. And like PowerPoint presentations, once a file is shared it gets cached over the network and presenters can flip through pages as fast as they want to.

Fourth, and here it gets interesting, is the ability to share applications as well. This comes in handy when a concept is best explained while using a particular application. It's also invaluable for training sessions. Some video conferencing systems that support application sharing even provide keyboard and mouse input to conference participants. You can even grant remote control to an application or desktop.

Fifth, it's possible to share live web browser windows. This means everyone is looking at the same web page instead of trying to type a URL into their own browser and trying to follow the presenter's instructions as to where to go or what to click.

Sixth, video conferencing can support shared white boards. These work like regular meeting white boards, only the host can give participants the privilege to join and add their own ideas or comments. Whatever is on the white board can later be shared as handout files.

Seventh, and most stunning to video conferencing newcomers, is the ability to run multiparty video. The host can set things up so that several meeting participants are visible live in video windows, or there can be multiple video originations. The possibilities are endless.

What all of this means is that video conferencing has grown to be much more than simply a conference call with video. Video conferences can now incorporate all the productivity and presentation tools we use in our work, and this makes them ever more valuable. At this point, any business that is not using video conferencing services is not being run as efficiently and productively as it could be run.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Robertson

Bring Everyone Together With Conference Calling

2009-04-04T00:54:00.001-07:00

Even though people may live far apart, sometimes it becomes necessary to bring them together. In order to compare notes, to have meetings, or to unveil new programs, companies often have to bring satellite offices together. Friends and family may also want to get together even though they may live states or continents apart. Traveling across the country or the world just for a meeting or a chat is very expensive.

Conference calling is much less expensive and it allows people to discuss what they need to, even if it's just for a few minutes. There are programs out there that will allow you to have free conference calling and then there those companies that charge. Even if you have to pay a little extra, however, conference calling is what you should use to bring your employees, friends or family together.

Company Meetings

Let's say for instance, that you are the CEO of a company based in Seattle, Washington. You have satellite offices in Houston, Phoenix, St. Louis and Los Angeles. You want to discuss the progress of each office, get some sales figures and you want to tell them about some new policies that just came into play. Sure, you could email the information to everyone but email can be unreliable. You'd much rather tell them in person, or at least let them hear it from your own mouth. Conference calling allows you to do just this. You can all call into the same number and everyone can listen and participate as if you were all in the same board room. It's extremely convenient and it allows you to connect with your employees, even if it's just briefly, and it's cheaper than flying all over the country.

Friends And Family

If you have family spread all over the country or the world, conference calling is also great for bringing everyone together. Sure, you won't be able to see them or touch them, as you could at a family reunion, but at least you can hear their voices. You can also conference call through your computer with the use of a web cam so that you can see your friends and family, or you can just talk to them on the phone. Just hearing the voice of a loved one is sometimes the best thing for you if you're feeling down, and it's great to be able to talk to many of your friends and family at once through conference calling.

Contact your cell phone provider or your phone company to see if they have conference calling capabilities. There are also conference calling services that you can call. You'll all be given a pass number which you can use to be transferred to your own virtual 'conference room' where you can all talk at your leisure and catch up, whether it's for business or pleasure.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_Glasser

Save Time and Money With Teleconferencing Services

2009-04-04T00:53:00.000-07:00

In present times, organizations are opting for teleconferencing services in order to cut down the expenses incurred on business communications. Cheap teleconferencing services have emerged as the best communication medium, especially, for the businesses which are spread over various regions.
With the use of teleconferencing technology, an important meeting can be organized within a few minutes, even if the persons required to attend the meeting are located at different places.

Therefore, it also saves time, which is otherwise wasted while traveling from one place to other.
Through teleconferencing, three or more individuals can be connected to each other through telephone systems. A teleconference can also be accompanied by video conferencing, if required.
There are various ways through which a teleconference can be conducted. During teleconferencing, an individual can act as a moderator and lead the meeting. He will have control over the meeting and can even mute other's telephones whenever needed.

VoIP and the regular telephone systems are used as the communication tools in a teleconference. If an organization needs to organize teleconferences often, then it is better for them to opt for VoIP. It will help the organizations to cut down their expenses on telephone bills.

There are many venders available in the markets who offer cheap teleconferencing services. Because of the cut throat competition between these venders, there are a number of great deals available in the market. It will be wise on every organization's part to first shop around and collect information about the offers, before buying the services from a vender.

If an organization buys teleconferencing services from a right vender, it will enjoy many benefits. The right teleconferencing services will help the organization to improve productivity, yet, save both time and money.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pooja_Rai

Efficient Use of Video Conferencing

2009-03-17T02:35:00.001-07:00

Video conferencing is becoming an ever more important means of corporate communications. And with many companies restricting business travel due to rapidly rising travel and lodging costs, the adoption of video conferencing is increasing at record rates. Not everyone, however, is comfortable with this still fairly new means of communication, and some training may be required to take full advantage of the technology.

There are two major roadblocks to efficient use of video conferencing The first is people not being comfortable with it, and the second people not taking video conferencing seriously because, after all, they are not "there." The first problem requires training and practice, the second a set of rules and guidelines. So let's see how we can best negotiate those roadblocks.

Video Conferencing Angst

Video conferencing angst describes the feeling many people get when they are confronted with people on a screen looking back at them and talking to them. This is an interesting phenomenon. While people have no problem having a conversation with a disembodied voice in a headset, they may clam up or feel uncomfortable when they do something much more natural - talking with people they can actually see. People stricken with this sort of anxiety may stare at the screen, avoid eye contact, or avoid video conferences altogether. Fortunately, for most video conferencing phobes, getting over the uneasiness and awkwardness is simply a matter of practice. Set up some training sessions in a relaxed setting without pressure and with people they already know, and most will quickly become comfortable with the technology.

Video Conferencing Etiquette

Most people know phone etiquette and meeting etiquette, but not everyone seems to know (or observe) video conference etiquette. While being on time, being prepared, and paying attention are the norm for phone calls and person-to-person meetings, some people do not follow those common sense, common courtesy rules when video conferencing Just like using a Blackberry or walking off to use a cell phone during a meeting reduces productivity and disrupts the flow of the meeting, those same transgressions are equally unacceptable in video conferencing If this is a problem, managers and supervisors need to bring it to the attention of individuals who do not follow etiquette. What works even better is setting up periodic meetings to review video conferencing issues, including rules, use, issues and etiquette.

Why is it important to tackle these issues? In the case of video conferencing "angst" because employees who shy away from video conferencing not only hurt their own career path, they also hurt overall efforts to use the technology to its best advantage. In the case of poor videoconferencing etiquette, transgressors can hurt their company by leaving poor impressions with other conference participants and by making the conferences less efficient than they could be. Either syndrome results in under utilizing a potentially terrific productivity tool.

Video conferencing can cut costs and improve communication but, like any other technology, it must be used properly. That means effectively dealing with holdouts and setting reasonable rules.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Robertson

Try Video Conferencing Services - Stay Ahead of Time

2009-03-17T02:34:00.000-07:00

The world is changing and so are methods of communication available to businesses. To stay afloat in this ever-changing market, you need to keep your business up to date. By replacing your years-old communication process with video conferencing, you can benefit from these changes to technology whilst saving money.

What is Video Conferencing?
Video conferencing is an interface that lets users organise a conference using telecommunication technologies. Users located at different offices or companies can participate in a videoconference to get a real time conferencing experience without the travel.

By streaming video and audio files in real time, video conferencing equipment helps people in two or more locations to interact with each other; creating the right virtual environment for group communication and discussion.

Video conferencing consists of suitable hardware and software to transmit video and audio signal simultaneously.

Videoconference technology is distinguishably different from videophones though both are capable of audio and video transmission simultaneously. Videophone uses duplex transmission process where only two nodes can communicate with each other; whereas, video conferencing is designed for group or one on one communications.

Hence, individuals and groups in two or more places can easily interact with each other with a video conference solution, allowing world wide real time meetings to take place.

Advantages of Video Conference technology:
Video Conference solutions provide real financial benefits in the long run. Without video conferencing in your company when you need to hold conferences or meetings with staff in remote locations, customers or suppliers you need to arrange either a basic telephone conference or visit these locations physically. Both the processes are expensive and limiting. Using video conferencing services, you can meet remotely located people and have a group communication without incurring any additional cost.

Saving travelling time and costs will also reduce the carbon footprint of your company whilst saving lengthy delays caused by most travel methods - weather you are flying or travelling by car.

Finally, the interface is simple to use. Video conferencing equipment does not need highly skilled operators; users can control the hardware and software with just basic training.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephen_Smith