Rapid growth in fuel prices is forcing business to consider
alternatives to business travel.
One way is by conducting more meetings online. Technology
experts estimate that online meetings using multimedia
web-conferencing hardware and software can save more than
$2,000 per executive per annum.
High speed broadband connections have enabled web
conferencing to move to a new level. Combining instant
messaging, realtime video, audio and application sharing
allows executives anywhere in the world to see one another
and hold conversations while working together on a common
document or file. All participants simply need a headset
with mouthpiece, and possibly a webcam.
There are more sophisticated services available that allow
participants to online meetings using laptops and 3G phones.
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.
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Concerns over security provided another reason not to carry
out meetings online. Private conferences held on an open
network always risked a loss of confidentiality. Encryption
slowed the process down even more by gobbling up more
bandwidth.
Many of these issues have now been dealt with, and the
excellent news for business is that there is fierce
competition in this rapidly growing market. Consequently
prices are being reduced and fully managed web conferencing
facilities are coming within the reach of small business.
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.
Services such as live video conferencing are simply not
required by most businesses. Many organizations will get
most benefit from using a service such as VoIP ("voice over
internet protocol") or an instant messaging facility.
Either could easily be combined with application sharing to
enhance the benefits.
Another trap to be avoided if you will be including third
parties in your web meetings - do not use a service provider
who requires all participants to be using their own
proprietary software.
A final word, ensure that all media being used in the
conference are encompassed by any encryption facilities that
are being used. |
About the author:
Mark Vandorone is the founder and proprietor of
Five Marketing, a
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