subject: WEB CONFERENCING – Take it to the Next Level [print this page] You understand the importance of web conferencing as a means to improve communication between your colleagues and partners. You are reaping the benefits of time and money that accrue from this fast, flexible means of sharing information around the office and around the world. Have you considered the possibility of using tools that go beyond screen sharing? Here are five to consider:
SHARE BROWSERS AND APPLICATIONS: Tools that allow people to share a browser and applications are evolving from Web conferencing tools. Imagine current applications that are fundamental to your personal workplace and then consider the advantage of linking with two or more users physically far removed from you. Everyone is jointly using the service with you while stock prices run in one corner of your screen and the daily news highlights are available in another. There are no delays in sharing market data across timelines. Consulting is immediate. Research projects can be running data on a constant, simultaneous update. Everyone can have input. If appropriate members can mark up and edit. This is going to have a huge impact on authoring and collaboration.
AUDIO CONFERENCING:Getting people together to talk, strategize and make decisions is part of business. But you no longer have to spend money and navigate hectic schedules to make it happen. It is possible to conduct regularly scheduled and spontaneous meetings using the phone, video, the web or all three. It's secure, reliable and available 24 hours a day seven days a week.
VIDEO CONFERENCING: Collaborate interactively with full motion video that can be broadcast anywhere from the desktop to the conference room to the classroom. With both IP and ISDN capabilities, you'll receive clear, quality video delivery for every meeting.Technical training, classroom sessions, interactive panel discussions are just a few of the uses that this application enhances. This element also returns that face-to-face experience that is so useful in understanding the nuances of business.
DIGITAL SIGNAGE: Deliver high-quality, high-definition content to a targeted audience at a targeted time through networked on-premise digital signage displays.
WEB CASTING AND STREAMING MEDIA: Broadcast important messages including product launches and shareholder announcements across the Internet with live or on-demand professional videos.
This field is expanding rapidly and that alone raises issues of buyer beware or, more correctly, buyer be prepared. Make sure you know what standards you are seeking
Quality
Ease-of-use
Reliability
Scalability
Customizability
Know what features are needed to enhance the particular events you require
Collaborative meetings
High quality webinars
Provide live interactive training for employees, partners and customers
Sales presentations and demos world-wide
Promote products and services to your prospects
Broadcast seminars and tradeshows with high quality integrated video and audio
Make sure that Support is available
24/7 access to customer support
Support for the platforms you require
Multi-lingual interface
Credit card processing
Secure environment with encrypted communication channels
Customize applications to handle as much of the administration as possible
Make sure you can upgrade to new features and that current state-of-the-art classroom features are available
THINK GROWING
While you may only need a virtual room for two at this time, think ahead to where you want to be in three to five years
THE MOST IMPORTANT COMPONENT OF ONLINE MEETING IS PEOPLE
Regardless of what system you use always remember that it is the experience of the end-user that will determine the success of your online web conferencing. Keep it simple. The easier you make participation, the more enjoyable andeffective it will be.
Consider these options, and there is no doubt you will be taking your organization to the next level.
