The Benefits of Online Meetings
Rapid growth in fuel prices is forcing business to consideralternatives to business travel.
The use of multi-media web conferencing applications is one
option that is becoming increasingly viable. Savings of
$2,000 per year per executive can be achieved according to
certain technology experts.
Web conferencing has been taken to a new level by the
introduction of high-speed, multi-megabyte broadband
connections. A combination of real-time video, audio,
instant messaging and application sharing can enable
colleagues to see and hear each other while working
simultaneously on the same documents anywhere in the
world. All that is required is a headset and microphone
plus optional webcam.
There are more sophisticated services available which
allow people to participate in an online meeting using
devices such as laptops, 3G mobile phones, or video
conferencing facilities.
Previously slow internet connections meant that the quality
of both audio and video was very poor during online
meetings. Numbers participating was also restricted due to
the strain imposed on what was limited bandwidth.
Online meetings were also overlooked due to the security
concerns that surrounded them. The use of an open network
to conduct a private meeting always gave rise to a possible
threat to confidentiality.
These issues have now largely been dealt with, and this
marketplace is growing rapidly with lots of competition
including online giants such as Microsoft and WebEx.
Excellent news indeed for business. This fierce competition
is having the effect of forcing down prices, thus allowing
even small businesses access to fully managed web
conferencing suites
However, tread carefully before you start booking that
first online conference. Establish which elements of these
services will really improve the efficiency of your
operation.
Live video conferencing will not be the answer for all
firms. For a lot of companies a VoIP ("voice over internet
protocol") service or instant messaging, possibly combined
with application sharing, will serve all of their needs.
Avoid the pitfall of using a service provider who requires
all participants to use the providers own proprietary
software, especially if your meetings include personnel
from outside your own organization.
Finally, if you are using any form of encryption in your
online meeting confirm that it covers all forms of media
that are being used.
Author Mark Vandorone is the founder and proprietor of Five
Marketing, a
quality provider of highly targeted traffic for your online
advertising campaigns.
For more information go to http://www.fivemarketing.com
