subject: Web Conferencing Software: DimDim Review [print this page] Exchanging ideas is key. Exchanging ideas is key.
Demonstration and collaboration are essential.
There are plenty of times in life (and business) where saying something isn't enough: you need to be able to show someone exactly what you mean. Sometimes you have to demonstrate you point.
Regrettably, it isn't always easy for someone across the country, or halfway around the world, to look over your shoulder when you want to show them something.
Dimdim can change all of that.
**A Short DimDim Review**
With DimDim, holding free web meetings for up to 20 people couldn't be easier (paid accounts can accommodate larger groups).
**Share Web Pages**
DimDim allows you to easily show anyone with an internet connection anything you need them to see on your computer. Miscommunication is no longer a concern, because everyone is - literally - on the same page, seeing the same things at the same time and they won't even need to download any software.
This feature generally seems to work best on more basic pages, where other sites with more elaborate content can sometimes pop up an unexpected "Are you sure you want to leave this page" message from your web browser. All things considered, this isn't a huge problem, but it can lead to an attendee accidentally leaving the meeting (it's easy enough for them to jump back in though!).
**Whiteboards**
Some ideas are easier to share visually so DimDim provides easy to use virtual whiteboards. This feature makes it simple to draw a quick sketch or outline for the participants of your meeting. To make things even more effective, other attendees have access to the whiteboard too, allowing them to adjust or add to your work!
**Presentations**
Sharing a PowerPoint or PDF with a group couldn't be easier than it is with DimDim. All you have to do is click on th "Show Presentation" button while hosting a meeting, upload the file and you're on you're way!
You can now share your entire presentation with your group without anyone having to install any software. All they need is your personal DimDim URL (and the login password if you choose to use one) and they're in! DimDim's built in laser pointer and annotation tools make presenting easy for everyone to follow.
**Screen Sharing**
Full screen sharing is, for me at least, where DimDim REALLY shines. This is the only part of DimDim that requires a small download, but only the presenter needs it - any one else can simply log in to see your screen.
Since you're the only one who needs to install the plugin, anyone you send the login info to can see your screen. All they have to do is enter your DimDim URL and you can show them whatever you need to! As a presenter, the plugin allows you to share your screen with to simple clicks.
**Video And Voice Conferencing**
DimDim makes face to face meetings easy by including easy webcam support, as well as two audio options. Small groups can use the microphones in their computers. If you have a larger group, DimDim provides access to a free conference bridge.
When you schedule a meeting, an invitation email is sent to all your attendees with the dial-in information, attendees can also find these phone numbers at the top of the screen when they log in. Everyone in your group will be able to keep in touch using DimDim's audio options and built in instant messenger.
**Schedule Meetings And Post Registration Widgets**
When you schedule a meeting in advance, DimDim provides an easy to use widget that can be added to you web page or blog. This makes it extremely easy for new attendees to register for your webinar. Anyone you choose to invite to the meeting, as well as anyone who registers through your widget will receive an email with the date, time and log in information they need, all in one convenient place.
**Instant Start Meetings**
If you're starting a meeting on the spur of the moment, you don't need to worry about scheduling it. Simply log into your DimDim account and hit the "Start" button to begin.
If you choose to share your screen on DimDim, starting a meeting is even simpler. All you have to do is click on DimDim's screencasing plugin, select the "Share My Screen" option, and you're good to go!
Once you launch an instant meeting, anyone that you tell, email, IM, or tweet your DimDim URL to will be able to join so impromptu collaboration is quick and painless (oh, and the URLs are extremely easy to share: my.dimdim.com/username so there's no need to worry about anyone getting lost on the way to the meeting!).
**Webinar Recording**
With optional webinar recording, your group can easily review the material you cover after the meeting is over, plus you can reuse them for future groups.
With webinar recording, you can go through your presentation once, save it, and share the recording with others in the future, so you don't need to cover the same topics over and over again! The recordings can even be automatically sent to your attendees via email at the end of the meeting, saving you time and energy.
All in all, DimDim is easily one of the most complete, cost effective webinar solutions on the market. DimDim turns a screen sharing platform into a collaboration engine, making it easy for your attendees to do more than just watch. With DimDim, you can share what you need to, and your group can interact with you in real time in ways that make the meeting as effective and beneficial as possible.
DimDim comes with a several reasonable price points, including a free trial; so if you're looking for a realistic webinar solution, checking out DimDim should definitely be your next move!
