How web conferencing works
You can set up a web conference for two people or 2,000! You just need to set up the arrangements in advance, and you can get as much room as you need.
Here’s all you need to start a web conference:
- A computer with a broadband Internet connection
- Software from a web conferencing provider
- A phone line
Once you have the computer, Internet, and phone line in place, the web conferencing provider will help you with the rest. You will either install software using a CD-Rom or download the client from the provider’s servers. Once installed, you can reserve a “conference room” for the date and time of your online meeting and then send out invitations via email.
The invitations will have a direct link that participants can click on to download the software to their PCs. Once installed, they can test it out to make sure they understand how all of the applications work. When the conference comes around, the invitees dials into the provided phone number to hear the audio portion and claim their spot in the conference.
Variations of web conferencing
Web conferencing can take on other forms as you add features:
- Webinars feature audio that’s streamed via the Internet rather than over phone lines. They allow you to share documents and data and are most effective for online training sessions, interactive discussions, and product launches.
- Webcasts use video to show the conference leader on-screen as he presents the meeting in real time. To conduct a webcast, you need a sound card, microphone, and a video card or camera. In addition, special encoding software will allow you to stream your presentation over a high-speed connection. You also have the ability to archive the webcast for future viewings on a subscription or per-use basis.
- Web video conferencing focuses on high-end technology for virtual, full-featured meetings that allows the highest level of interaction among participants.
Interested in one of these web conferencing services for your business? Submit a free request for quote to be instantly matched to as many as six different suppliers.