SolveYourProblem
eLearning Series
Web Conferencing
What
Exactly is Web Conferencing?
Internet technology has rapidly made its way
to everyone’s home and at present, right into the boardroom
as well. There is no denying the fact that meetings play a
significant role in the hasty world of business. A company
meeting does not only needs a lot of tedious preparations but
can incur high expenses as well. Air cost, taxi fares, hotel
fees and the stress of traveling can all be eliminated. How?
Web conference is the answer to one’s woes with traditional
face- to- face meetings.
Web
conferencing has its origin way back in the 1960’s. Even
before the World Wide Web has been in existence, PLATO was
created. PLATO is a Computer-based Education Research Laboratory
(CERL) which was first used by students of University of Illinois.
The main concept of the system is to support hundreds upon
hundreds of users at a time through one terminal connecting
to a mainframe computer. Structured around this basic idea,
PLATO gone great improvements through the years with added
features like instant messaging and file sharing. As technology
prospers, it subsequently created descendants that were commercially
sold integrating the present features of a web conference.
In recent years, more companies make us of web conferencing
as means of communication for off-site employees and for home
based freelancers. And since offices can be located in all
parts of the globe, a virtual meeting is one quick solution
for restrictions regarding location and time. An increasing
number of companies use web conferencing. In 2004, audio conferencing
alone boomed into a multi-billion industry almost overnight.
Aside from a corporate meeting, web
conference can also be an efficient tool for sales meeting,
trainings, seminars, product
launches and demonstrations. It is evident that nothing can
persuade consumers better than see- to- believe demos and receiving
instant answers to on the spot queries.
Web conferencing uses the power
of the internet to connect
to other participants, wherever they may be. It enables unlimited
users to be logged on simultaneously and communicate with each
other in real-time. Web conferencing is also known as computer
conferencing. One of the first software of this technology
initializes conferences through postings or text messaging
on virtual message boards. At present, web conferencing uses
synchronized and live discussions in addition to forum and
bulletin boards.
Most
people referred video conferencing as web conferencing.
In reality, they are two completely different concepts. Web
conferencing offers more features other than seeing and talking
to the other person on the other end on a screen. In a web
conference, participants can exchange word documents, spreadsheets
or presentation. Message boards and co- browsing also makes
it even more interactive and effective.
Web conferencing provides dynamic and user- friendly interface.
With the integration of JavaScript, intensive HTML/ XML/ ASP,
Flash animation and other software, it is still set to improve.
Faster bandwidths and developed HyperText Transfer Protocol
enhance the virtual conferencing experience with speedy connection
and ample virtual space. All these technologies contribute
to the efficiency and interactivity of web conferencing.
One can initiate web conference by purchasing web conferencing
software or commissioning a hosting service provider. Hosting
services already bundled the use of licensed software together
with server space. They can charge on per minute, per user
or per meeting fee.
Private companies need not worry about sensitive information
that might disseminate through web conferencing. Programs do
include encryption and security options that can keep highly
classified data safe. A personal login name and a unique password
are required for all participants for them to gain access to
the conference. TLS and SSL encryption is commonly used to
protect delicate company information. A firewall can also effectively
safeguard a meeting against obtrusive and uninvited users.
The simplicity of this technology is just appealing. Web conferencing
can surely be used even by start up companies. For one, it
doesn’t need ultra high- tech gadgets. A basic computer (with
a video capture card), a microphone and a web camera are three
of primary things one should. Of course, every user should
have an internet access to connect with the rest of the participants.
A telephone can be a back- up tool when audio conferencing
is not provided online.
Web conference is a breakthrough technology that every company
should at least give a try. Most software and web conference
hosting providers can provide free trials that one can take
advantage of. Try one and explore what web conference has to
offer to increase the productivity of your company. # # # # #
SolveYourProblem.com : 2007
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