Web Conferencing Software.
Web Conferencing Software
Web conferencing software is an example of SaaS that allows users to host audio visual meetings via the Internet. Through the use of webinars and web conferencing software, companies can disseminate information to their employees, customers, shareholders or other persons of interest in a timely fashion at low cost.
Uses of Web Conferencing Software
Web conferencing software can be used for conducting online meetings, disseminating shareholder data, e‑learning, instructional videos, sharing slide presentations, online training, file sharing, and other forms of web collaboration. Web conferencing is necessary for sharing the visual component of an online presentation that cannot be communicated through voice alone.
Advantages of Web Conferencing Software
Web conferencing software allows companies to save time and travel expenses by meeting virtually. Web conferencing differs from teleconferencing by incorporating the interactive human or visual element. The information is communicated in real-time, as if the participants of the meeting were in the same room. The moderator can use a whiteboard to underline, draw or communicate ideas and can execute most actions that individuals would perform in a board room, aside from shaking hands. Almost an unlimited number of users can connect using the software. To save costs even further free web conferencing solutions are also available for professional use.
How Web Conferencing Works
Web conferencing software works similarly to teleconferencing. Typically a web conference allows for 10 of fewer participants to collaborate at one time. Webinar software allow for hundreds to listen to a few moderators speak in turn. Both, web conferences and web seminars are implemented by the same software with different settings. The audio aspect of web conferencing is implemented through conferencing tools or Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP).
Individuals are typically invited to web conferences via email, phone, or text message. During this communication, the attendee is given the information necessary to connect to the Webinar. This information usually consists of a login and a password. Once the invitation is accepted, the participant can log onto the system up to an hour before the conference occurs.
When a majority of the attendees are connected to the online conference, the moderator will begin the conference. During the conference, participants will exchange information through file sharing tools, whiteboards, via voice, via instant messaging or desktop sharing.
Web seminars are often recorded and used later as instructional videos for those individuals unable to attend the live seminar.