Choosing an Audio Conferencing Company

An audio conferencing company is one that offers teleconferencing software, equipment, set-up, continuing service, and follow-up for companies and other groups. Audio conferencing can save people unlimited amounts of time, energy, and travel costs. Instead of driving to your next meeting, why not participate in a teleconference? All you need is a television, speakerphone, headset, Internet computer, and software. It is essential that every member of the group use the same software.

When buying software for your company, first take a look at some of the audio conferencing companies. By comparing what they offer, you will be able to know which one is right for you. You should feel that you are getting timely, pleasant, and effective service.

Here are a few companies to check out:

Citizens Conferencing

Citizens Conferencing offers a full line of video, web, and audio conferencing. Their claim to fame is their personalized service. You can sign up for a free 14-day trial on their website, www.citizensconferencing.com

Avaya/Spectel, Inc.

Avaya, Inc. is a video, web, and audio conferencing company that designs, builds, and manages communications for over a billion businesses, including 90% of the Fortune 500R. You canรขโ�ฌโ�ขt find a better endorsement than that. Total business integration is their goal, meaning that you can access a teleconference at any time during your workday or personal day. Their website is www.spectel.com

InterCall

InterCall is a division of West Corporation. They are the largest service provider in the world that specializes in conferencing solutions. With InterCall you can do just about anything having to do with communications. They provide both software and services, as per the industry standard. www.intercall.com.

LiveOffice

LiveOffice Teleconferencing provides full, 24-hour service via an 800 number, charging as little as 4 cents per seat per minute. (A "seat" is a user in a web conference.) Itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs a basic, easy-to-set-up audio conferencing service. www.imconferencing.com.

MCI Conferencing

MCI Conferencing is the worldรขโ�ฌโ�ขs largest audio conferencing company, offering a full line of services. You can visit their website to get a travel vs. teleconferencing cost comparison generator: www.e-meetings.mci.com.

Audio Conferencing Info provides detailed information about audio conferencing services, equipment, software, companies, plus online audio conferencing, and more. Audio Conferencing Info is affiliated with Original Content.

New Service Utilizes Videoconferencing for Easy Access to London Academic Expertise

An innovative service, launched in March 2005 enables educational institutions and corporate organizations worldwide to access the immense pool of academic and professional expertise concentrated in London, UK via videoconferencing.

Today, many US and European universities resort to opening and maintaining campuses in London, one of the most expensive cities in the world, to enable their students access to the wealth of experiences and teaching resources that the city offers.

In business, the advantages of professional and executive education are undermined by the significant travel and living costs combined with the prolonged absence of key employees from the work place.

According to the research conducted by the British Council, in fast developing economies like China and India the demand for highly experienced tutors and lecturers critically exceeds supply, affecting the realization of economic development to its full potential.

Teaching quality has also been a major concern. UNESCO states that "Faced with an unprecedented teacher shortage, some countries are now turning to low-paid, poorly trained teachers."

Addressing these issues, BridgesEducation (www.bridgeseducation.org) uses videoconferencing to deliver a wide range of lectures, seminars and programs designed and presented by hundreds of high-profile speakers from leading UK universities, research centers and companies.

This system not only ensures high academic standards, but also offers clear financial benefits. "It's a win-win situation," says Kemi Pearce from the Advisory Centre for Education, "We avoid costly travel, hotels and living expenses whilst we retain the energy and interactivity of live delivery."

Many in education have experienced videoconferencing in the past with different levels of success, resulting in hundreds of unused facilities on campuses around the world. But the technology has come a long way since it was introduced in the early 90s. Today it is not only much more affordable, reliable and interactive; it also offers features such as computer presentations, online broadcast and audience participation from multiple locations at one time.

Michelle Grant, development officer at BridgesEducation, is optimistic about global access to high quality tuition. "At present a few major centers offer a considerable proportion of academic and professional expertise. Now, with the help of technology, the location will become less and less relevant."

It may take time for traditional education providers to realize the power of technology to its full potential, but by using videoconferencing as its main method of delivery, BridgesEducation marks the beginning of a new era.

Stas Spector is a specialist in distance learning technology at the Advisory Centre for Education in London.

How To Choose Videoconference Carts

Are you tired of looking for good quality videoconference carts? What are they, you ask? There is really no need to explain video conferencing carts รขโ�ฌโ�� they are furniture built to hold video conferencing equipment. Video conferencing carts come in a variety of designs to suit different purposes.

Surprisingly, there is nothing special about their construction. At times, they even look like ordinary shelves or cabinets with wheels.

Video Conferencing Carts - Go By Function

Choose a video conferencing cart that's suitable for your needs. Video conferencing cabinets are a common and cheap alternative. They are similar to TV cabinets. The glass doors help keep your video conferencing equipment free from dust. The small size also makes it extremely portable, good when you have to drag it across rooms.

If you need to show video to a larger audience, only a tall video conference cart will do. These tall video conferencing carts are usually similar to video conferencing cabinets, except that the vertical support bars can be adjusted very high.

If you need a sturdier piece of equipment, choose a video conferencing cart with an all-steel construction. Video security cabinets with monitor enclosures can be a great investment, too. These large carts are often bulky and made of high-grade materials that will last for a very long time. If you need a versatile cart, you can choose a multi-purpose cart that can serve as a monitor and projector stand.

When making the purchase, be sure to inspect the item thoroughly. Check the wheels to make sure that they glide smoothly. Make sure that the frame is durable and the vinyl or paint covering is made well. Finally, ensure that the height is appropriate. A short one will not do and it is preferable to choose the tallest model available.

When the subject of conferencing is confusing so many, Jon Butt's site at http://www.conferencing-explained.com does exactly what it says on the tin. Explaining the facts and fiction about web, video, audio and teleconferencing, how this latest technology can save you money, the equipment you need or don't need, the best call plans and where to find the best prices and value online.

Internet Conferencing - Advantages

Nobody works in complete isolation. In virtually all lines of business, contact with other people will be required in some capacity. Whether it is meeting with clients or colleagues; presenting new ideas or products; or giving or receiving training, good communication is the key to running a successful business.

However, in the modern world of commerce, business takes place twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Large, international organizations have sites across the globe and thanks to the Internet, even small and medium sized companies have found themselves trading on an international scale.

International markets and twenty-four hour business undoubtedly provide great opportunities, but they are not without their difficulties. Trying to arrange a seminar for a large number of delegates based in different countries, for example, can be a logistical nightmare. Diaries need to be synchronized, flights booked, accommodation sourced and meeting facilities organized. It is a major undertaking, and one that takes a lot of time, money and effort.

No Need To Travel

In this instance, the advantages of web conferencing are easy to see - nobody needs to travel anywhere. From the comfort of their own office delegates can participate in meetings and seminars without having to travel a single extra mile.

For smaller organizations, web conferencing can open up whole new markets. Where before, perhaps there was not the man-power to spare for long periods out of the office, web conferencing reduces the need for travel to allow face to face meetings. Proposals can be pitched and new business won without the need for lengthy trips away from the office.

The reduced need for travel that web conferencing brings has other advantages; staff spend less time traveling and more time at home รขโ�ฌโ�� that should make for a happier and more productive workforce; thousands of dollars spend on air fares, car hire and accommodation are saved and less time is spent sourcing flights and making hotel reservations. All these benefits, simply by reducing the need for travel with web conferencing.

Saving Your Company Time

There is no doubt that organizing a meeting takes time. Even the smallest meetings, if they involve delegates from different geographic locations, require a degree of effort. Whether it is down to the delegates themselves or if it is left to the secretary or personal assistant, someone is spending precious company time making the necessary arrangements. Flights, hotels, catering, diary management รขโ�ฌโ�� they all take time to organize รขโ�ฌโ�� time that could be spent far more productively.

Take away the need for travel, days or weeks out of the office and the requirement for overnight accommodation and suddenly organizing the meeting or seminar is not such a major task. Diaries will become much more easy to synchronize, a quick email or telephone call is all that is needed to set up a web conference. Hours of time are freed up for staff to concentrate on making money for the organization.

Saving Your Company Money

Saving money is something that every company strives to do. Nobody wants to spend more than they have to. Think for a moment how much you spend on travel. Even if you are simply driving to the other side of town, your company will be incurring costs รขโ�ฌโ�� parking tolls, dead time spent driving to and fro the meeting รขโ�ฌโ�� they all have an impact on your companyรขโ�ฌโ�ขs bottom line.

Imagine reducing that pile of expense claim forms at the end of the month; the chances are you could be saving a significant amount of money. No organization, large or small, can afford to waste money and with web conferencing those costs are coming down.

The advantages of web conferencing to any business are clear; you can save time, you have a more productive workforce and, most importantly of all, you can save money.

Diane Parker is a freelance writer and technology enthusiast providing valuable information including: web conferencing software, choosing a web conferencing tool and internet conferencing.

Surveillance: Hidden Bathroom Cameras

It seems we are being spied on everywhere. When the world doesn't feel safe, schools and businesses revert to using electronic surveillance. Generally this consists of hidden cameras. Sometimes there are even hidden bathroom cameras.

Schools are using surveillance more and more frequently. This is supposed to help keep students safe. It also helps to solve crimes that have already occurred. Knowing cameras are there causes students to think before engaging in misbehavior.

Some parents also favor surveillance cameras in the schools. They think it keeps kids and teachers safer. Others view it as invasion of privacy. They are afraid that we will teach kids that monitoring their behavior is normal, that they should expect life to be like that. They think it adds a prison feel to the school.

Bad behavior can happen anywhere, including bathrooms. If cameras are everywhere but bathrooms, then bathrooms can become an unsafe environment as those who want to cause trouble at school do it the only place they can. School officials who use hidden bathroom cameras say that they are not used in showers or stalls. Hidden bathroom cameras aim at places like sinks and entrances. They are not placed in more private areas.

Surveillance is becoming common in other areas as well. Some businesses monitor their premises. Employees are left to wonder if the cameras are really intended to monitor them instead.

Department stores use monitoring equipment to assist with shoplifting prosecution. Shoppers know that there may be cameras in stores and don't mind this because they are made aware of it. What is more disturbing is that hidden cameras have been found in dressing rooms. In many states stores can place them wherever they want, making hidden bathroom cameras legal.

Perform an internet search for hidden bathroom cameras and you will find a number of pornography sites. These sites often claim to have hidden webcams in the bathrooms at various institutions. This means that your daughter, your wife, your mother, or even you could unknowingly appear on camera while in the bathroom stall while others online are watching. If you are inclined to patronize pornographic websites, remember that the ones offering hidden cameras could be hurting your loved ones.

Hidden bathroom cameras can serve a purpose if they are not in stalls or showers. If a business or school that is relatively safe uses them, one must question why. In the quest for safety, we are headed for a world of surveillance in our most private moments. Somehow we must balance our need for safety with our right to privacy. In America, we still have that right. Let's strive to keep it.

http://bathroomsdesignsi.com Everything you need to know about bathroom designs.

Web Conferencing Software

With the increasing popularity of Web conferences, ICT departments of companies are now taking charge Web conferencing and ensuring standardization on single platforms. However, the jury is still out whether it is better to buy Web conferencing services or host the conferencing software application internally.

Using Web conferencing software and hosting the service internally has its own set of advantages. Web conferencing service providers usually price their services in terms of number of seats and charge for each conference and this can prove to be rather expensive in the long run. Although the initial costs for Web conferencing software may be high, the payback is quick if the number of Web conferences organized is large in terms of their frequency or the number of participants. Having its own Web conferencing software also allows the company to brand it with its own marketing messages so that anyone dialing in receives the marketing communication.

The main disadvantage of hosting the service internally is that the company has to continually keep track of the latest technological developments and keep upgrading the software. It is prudent to opt for a total cost of ownership analysis before making any kind of purchase decision.

While purchasing Web conferencing software a few important factors can have a significant bearing on costs. It is important to specify exactly what users' conferencing requirements are. Cutting down on bells and whistles, which are not really being used, can help in reducing costs significantly.

An ideal approach could be to begin with a Web conferencing solution available in both externally hosted and internally hosted versions, so that customers who wish to initially use the services of an external conference service provider, and then migrate the conferencing software over time to on-site, can do so without user and IT training.

Web Conferencing provides detailed information on Web Conferencing, Web Conferencing Services, Web Conferencing Software, Web Conferencing Solutions and more. Web Conferencing is affiliated with Live Web Cam.

Web & Video Conferencing Technology: Five Great Reasons to Start Utilizing Online Meetings Now

Several years ago I was in a computer store and a salesman was trying to sell me something, in fact, he was trying to sell me anything that he could. I said that I had the latest computer and really didnรขโ�ฌโ�ขt need anything more. Then he showed me a web camera and I thought for a few seconds, but I really couldnรขโ�ฌโ�ขt figure out why I would need that gadget.

Now things have changed and that salesman could get the sale from me, because the time is right to start conducting online web and video conferences. Here are a few reasons why the age of web conferencing has truly arrived:

1. Transportation costs are rising and web conferencing is one way to conduct meetings without getting into a car or plane.

Imagine how much money you could save if you were able to hold a staff meeting with your distant branches without paying for fuel, hotels and all the other costs associated with outside meetings?

2. The cost of conducting a meeting outside a main office is much higher than you can calculate by only adding up the material costs.

When you leave your office or home, you have to put everything aside and subject yourself to delays in traffic, airports, trains and taxis. Sure, you can take your laptop with you, but are you really as productive using a laptop in a busy airport as you are while you are in your own office? Web conferencing allows you to get back to your other work as soon as the online conference ends.

3. Web conferencing allows you to meet face-to-face with your colleagues no matter where they are.

Globalization is not just a slogan. Business, educational and social organizations are now working in increasingly wider networks which are spread throughout the world. If you have clients, employees, representatives or students in another country or in a distant location, think how convenient it would be to be able to turn on your computer and hold a meeting with them. Well, this is not a distant dream, it is possible right now using existing web and video conferencing technology

4. Online conferencing allows you to give support and help to clients without sending out a technician or a representative.

If you are selling a product or service that must be supported, then think of the improvement in customer relations and reduction in costs that you could achieve if you could effectively meet online with your client. Todayรขโ�ฌโ�ขs conferencing technology even allows your staff to "take over" the computer of a client and demonstrate how an application works.

5. Video and web conferencing is now extremely affordable, easy to use and very functional.

Gone are the days of proprietary systems and cameras. Today you can use standard PCs and inexpensive web cameras to conduct your meetings. The online meetings do not require equipment or software that is not already found in most offices. In addition, several companies now offer conferencing services at a price that even individuals and small organizations can afford.

If you need to hold meetings, or meet with staff and colleagues who work in far-flung locations then you should consider online conferencing. The spread of online meetings could change the way we all work, just as the widespread adoption of email did fifteen years ago.

Dan Richmond is Co-founder of MegaMeeting.com. MegaMeeting provides web & video conferencing services for individuals & businesses. For more information, please call 818.783.4311 or Visit http://www.MegaMeeting.com.

How Web Conferencing Is Going to Revolutionize Our Future

A researcher studying future trends once said that our society is transforming from Atoms into Electrons. What he meant to say by that is we are moving from the physical substance like a real brick & mortar business (The Atoms) to the virtual stores and business on the Internet (The Electrons).

From paper books to ebooks, from paper manuals to CDs, from a human teachers to virtual presentations and video clips. From film cameras to digital cameras, from drawing by hand to designing on computer screens and it goes on and on.

So what is it exactly "Web Conference Call", web conferencing is when two or more users who are all connected to the Internet share information.

Web Conference Call is in-line with this trend of digital, virtual, electronic world we are all living in the western world.

My father came to visit us and saw my five years old son playing with my laptop, he smiled and said, well, first they minimized the computers now I see they started to minimize the users as well... :-)

This amazing technology of web conference calls is taking a huge leap towards the creation of the world as a one small village that is very efficient and saving much time, money and energy.

These technological advances have tremendous impact on our economy, environment and our lives. The Web Conference Calls technology is strengthening the tendency to allow employees to work from home, and in the future to cut on commuting, save time and money, reduce the amount of cars on the roads, to lower the death rates on the roads, to cut on pollution, gasoline consumption, amount of flights etcรขโ�ฌโ�ข.

One CEO of large corporation estimated that Web Conference Calls technology is saving his organization more than 40 million dollars per year on travel and accommodations alone.

Web Conference Calls is taking advantage of the Internetรขโ�ฌโ�ขs two most notable qualities of sharing information and connecting people from around the globe.

Imagine, ten people need to meet at an office in NY at 9:30 am sharp. Each one of them is driving his own car or fighting to find a cab, they drive during rush hour surrounded by many nervous drivers around them, they arrive to the building area and there is no free parking around.

They park at the first free parking lot they can find and they pay anywhere from $25 - $75 an hour. They walk ten minutes by foot during the humid summer or rainy winter.

Then there is a delay because not every body made it on time. They drink coffee and chat and the meeting that was supposes to be 90 minutes is becoming two and a half hours. When it finally ends, each participant need to drive back to his office and waste some more time...

Now compare all that to a Web Conferencing virtual meeting!

Whether it's joining an online training session, initiating an online brainstorming session, or reviewing a meeting that was missed, conferencing and "meeting" online has never been easier.

=============This Resource Box must be included with the Article copy!=============

Amit Laufer is a writer and Internet Marketer. MBA - International Trade & Finance. Bsc. Computers and Information Systems. Owner Editor of: Web Conference Call

Conference Call Services

Businesses today are growing at an exponential rate, and business operations have become global. There is a pressing need for you to stay in constant touch at all times. Conference calling is one such revolution in the communications industry. Through conferencing, participants can share live, two-way exchange of information. Conference calling services connects people without investing in expensive equipment.

There are essentially two types of conference calling services available: reservationless service and operator-assisted service. Reservationless service is idyllic for your everyday business needs. It provides conferencing 24-7 without making a reservation or depending upon the operator. Itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs a toll-free, pay-per-use conferencing service. Itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs easy and quick; just give the invitees the date, time, toll-free call-in number and entry codes. Many pre-selected services offered by the conference call company are used by an operator-assisted conference call. Operator-assisted conferencing can come in handy when your company needs extra help to manage large or important conference calls. It provides fully assisted conference support for large-scale conference calls of up to 2,500 participants.

These services help you better manage your conferencing budget. Many advanced features such as global dial-out, record and playback, security pass-codes, conference lock, group mute/unmute, roll call and more are available. Along with these regular services, conference call providers also provide various value added services like toll-free dial-in numbers, toll-free customer support, priority scheduling, recording, telephone playback of recorded conferences, download of recorded conferences, and conference transcription.

Conferencing services are affordable, as conference calling is generally priced per minute, per person. A 6-person, 45-minute call will typically run about $125. Customers with high calling volume can benefit from the flat rate monthly pricing offered by some services. Generally reasonably priced, conference calling services are available in pre-paid and by-the-minute rates. As the rates may vary greatly, check with different service providers to select one.

Such advances in communications and transportation have facilitated this move and have enabled companies to operate all over the world. Now, company representatives can travel equipped with business proposals and make connections from remote places.

Conference Call provides detailed information on Conference Call, Conference Call Services, Audio Conference Call, Conference Call Providers and more. Conference Call is affiliated with Cheap Conference Calling.

Web Conferencing 101

First, a small disclaimer: No matter how you slice up conferencing solutions, the categories you use to group them are mutable and subject to instant revision. Combinations of various elements make some applications basically impossible to categorize. Depending on how you look at it mail lists are even a form of conferencing and so is email. Real-time versus asynchronous is even becoming blurred as text, audio and video merge in varying combinations.

That said and out of the way, lets look at some of the ways conferencing solutions are categorized.

1. Real-Time Conferencing. Real-time conferencing refers to synchronous communications such that the participants are concurrently virtually present and able to actively interact as if they were physically co-located. Some typical and common applications are instant messaging and interactive chat, participatory webinars, interactive webcasting, online interactive teleseminars.

Now these are primarily web-based, however the old-time telephone conference call is still widely used. Call-in teleseminars are also common. Today however, they are merging into web applications as VoIP services with gateways into landline telephone systems become widely available.

2. Video conferencing is generally considered separately because it is a far more bandwidth intensive activity. To achieve reasonably acceptable simultaneous live video and audio, you need serious bandwidth. And the more active participants involved the more serious the problem becomes. Internet chat services with webcams are one rather simple form of video conferencing that's quite popular for individual person-to-person links, but clearly not of sufficient quality to use for business purposes or for larger groups. Some video conferencing is one-way video with interactive audio. Others require high-speed networks or dedicated connections. High-end solutions may work well for large corporations because of the savings involved in reducing travel expenses and time lost from productive work.

3. Forums, message boards, bulletin boards and so forth. These are asynchronous forms of conferencing or discussion solutions. Even blogs and wikis may, at times fall into this category. Generally these are linear or threaded, topic centered meeting places with chronologically tagged sequential entries that make up a discussion. Some prefer the linear mode as being easier to use and follow while others insist that threaded tree-like structures often more scope and the ability to develop sub-topics integrated into the main topic. Whatever oneรขโ�ฌโ�ขs preference, these are excellent solutions given the nature of the evolving internet and the need for participation by persons in time zones spread across the world. Real-time communications can be a burden when day/night cycles are offset by large amounts. Forums, with their purpose centered focus can develop extensive and dedicated communities which can be a source of extremely valuable knowledge and experience.

4. Collaborative team- or group-based work environments. These kinds of solutions can also include on-line virtual classrooms in several forms. The most sophisticated of these solutions include both real-time and asynchronous modes with audio, video, messaging and conferencing built-in. While some of this software is in use over the internet (again, some collaborative workspaces have been developed based on blogging platforms and even forum software is sometimes used this way), the more resource intensive versions are generally used on dedicated networks and intranets with high bandwidth. Many of these applications are oriented more toward in-house corporate uses.

So, do you suppose this covers it all? Just those four areas reflect a huge growth of the available modalities for conferencing and meeting over only a few years ago. Remember the old landline conference call? Once it was a major deal to be able to add a third person to a phone call. Now you can spend months just researching available solutions.

And this really doesn't even touch systems such as desktop video conferencing, the extensions of phone conferencing and the interaction of VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services with all forms of web conferencing. Attending teleseminars in foreign countries, once prohibitively expensive for many, is now an accessible alternative with low-priced VoIP gateway services that allow fixed price calls to any landline or mobile phone.

As internet service continues to increase in speed and decline in price, the utility of these kinds of conferencing solutions will continue to expand. The growth of the cybersphere and the elaboration of purpose driven and affinity communities on the internet will continue to drive the development and integration of conferencing and communication software and services. In a very real sense conferencing software is at the heart of the new realities that the explosive growth of internet usage in every corner of the world is creating. These are social applications and they are changing how people live, interact and view each other.

There is yet another form of widely used "conferencing" software which is rarely mentioned in this connection. Multi-user, real-time, online games of all types from role=playing to live gambling (play poker with your friends, live roulette, etc.). Some of these systems are highly sophisticated and a lot of people love them. Their attraction lies not only in the ability to vicariously be someone (or something) else or to do things that may not be available locally, but in the social interactions and the communities that develop. While surfing is pretty much an unsocial activity, people are social creatures and the popularity of all types of solutions offering interactive contact and a sense of community reinforces this.

Marketing use of audio conferencing in the form of teleseminars and pre-recorded audio streams have undergone tremendous growth in the last year alone. Bandwidth still limits the quality of the video that's often used with pre-recorded audio to fairly static material. But this is changing as compression and streaming technologies improve. The major breakthrough that's still to come is the technology to effectively and affordably do, first, one-way live high quality video and beyond that live interactive multi-way video over the internet. If it seems like a difficult, perhaps impossible task, think again about whatรขโ�ฌโ�ขs happened in the last five years. And the future is arriving faster all the time.

Copyright 2005 Richard Keir

Richard writes, teaches, trains and consults on business and professional presentations and eCommerce related matters. For more information on web conferencing, VoIP, conference calling and related subjects visit http://altaglobal.com - find more on wireless and cellular subjects at http://www.altaglobal.org and check http://www.altaglobal.net for networking and security.

Getting The Right Bandwidth For Your Video Conferencing Applications

Video conferencing actually encompasses a range of technologies used in a wide range of situations, often it is not just video and audio that is transmitted, but also data, allowing collaborative working though shared applications. All of this means having sufficient bandwidth supporting your network is the critical performance factor.

Video conferencing may be......

* One-to-one meetings, also known as point to point communications, usually involving full two-way audio and video.

* One-to-many involving full audio and video broadcast from the main site, where other sites may be able to send audio. For example in a lecture situation, students could ask questions.

* Many-to-many, known as multi-point communication, provides audio and video between more than two sites. With most multi-point systems only one site in a conference can be seen at time, with switching between sites either controlled manually or voice activated (i.e., the loudest site is on screen).

Physically, the most common scenarios of video conferencing are:

* desktop video conferencing - usually a small camera is located on top of the PC or workstation monitor. The actual video is usually displayed in a small window, and shared applications, such as a shared whiteboard are often used.

* studio-based systems - a studio is specially equipped for video conferencing. This will normally include one or more cameras, microphones, one or more large monitors, and possibly other equipment such as an overhead camera for document viewing. Usually used for more formal meetings

In practice a 'studio' may not be a dedicated room, but a standard seminar room with portable equipment that can be set up when required.

Bandwidth and Compression......

The bandwidth, or baud rate, is the amount of information which can be transmitted every second. The higher the bandwidth, the better quality the signal that can be transmitted. For a video conference audio and video signals must be transmitted in real time, i.e., a lot of information has to be sent every second, requiring a very high bandwidth. For example a 'true colour' image will need 24 bits (3 bytes) per pixel. A full screen image might be 640x480 pixels, over 7 million bits. For full motion video, the image is refreshed 25 times per second. This adds to over 184 million bits per second. It is not realistically possible to transmit this amount of information, and your PC certainly could not receive it at this rate. Therefore for digital video some form of compression is required. The type and degree of compression used varies from system to system. It is interesting to note that for most uses, we are more tolerant of poor video than poor audio, and so some systems concentrate on providing consistently good audio.

How To Get The Right Bandwidth To Meet Your Needs.......

Don't take a chance at guessing what bandwidth you'll need.....or in selecting the provider for that bandwidth. You may need a fractional, full, integrated, or bonded T1, DS3, or OC3 network depending on many factors. Solutions offered by providers will vary by cost, Quality of Service (QoS), and Service Level Agreement (SLA). I strongly recommend you use the services of an independant Telecommunications Consultant to help you assess your needs and find the provider who best meets your requirements. For unbiased free advice....as well as real time rate quotes from multiple providers, indepth research, and negotiations with providers on your behalf....I recommend you use FreedomFire Communications.

Michael is the owner of FreedomFire Communications....including DS3-Bandwidth.com and Business-VoIP-Solution.com. Michael also authors Broadband Nation where you're always welcome to drop in and catch up on the latest BroadBand news, tips, insights, and ramblings for the masses.

Teleclasses: A New Century -- A Unique Way of Learning

If you think continuing education, or lifelong learning, is important to the success of your business, then you need to think about how much time you, or your staff members, spend on attending a traditional class or seminar. First youรขโ�ฌโ�ขve got to get into your car and drive to wherever the meeting is, wasting precious hours in traffic. And being on time just isnรขโ�ฌโ�ขt enough! Youรขโ�ฌโ�ขd better arrive early so you can get a good parking spot, register, and get a halfway decent seat. Then you can twiddle your thumbs or reread the agenda five or six times while you sit there and wait for the course to begin. And when it's over you've got to walk back to your car, despite inclement weather, and drive back to your office. So, now youรขโ�ฌโ�ขve spent three or more hours of your busy day to attend a one-hour class.

Whether itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs making the leap from employee to entrepreneurship and starting your own business, excelling in your current career, seeking a better job, motivating your staff or managing your time and money -- there is a way to gain access to personal and professional knowledge, camaraderie, and one-to-one interaction simply by using your telephone. Teleclasses are a great way to effect positive change in your life. Telecommunication is the buzzword รขโ�ฌโ�� and virtual classrooms, teleclasses, tele-seminars, tele-learning or conference call classes are the wave of the future! Teleclasses are offered on a wide range of business and personal development topics and are an exciting, innovative way to attain valuable information, explore new ideas and gain new skills. You can examine your spirituality, inspire your life through the arts, learn a craft, dialogue on best places to travel, learn to create better relationships, learn to eat better or exercise to improve your health and fitness, or just simply have fun.

A teleclass is much like a regular class รขโ�ฌโ�� except it brings the classroom to your doorstep! The technology is as simple as punching the digits on a telephone and the returns are immense! You simply dial into the conference call at a designated time; announce yourself to the other class participants, and the program begins. The facilitator/teacher makes a presentation and there are usually questions and comments, followed by a lively and robust exchange of ideas. A major perk is that most teleclasses are offered at a variety of times and dates, allowing you to schedule them at your convenience.

Usually one-hour in length, and fully interactive, teleclasses can be accessed from your desk, your home, your car, a pay phone or even your hotel room. Best of all, the cost is significantly less than a traditional class or seminar when you consider travel and time; making tele-learning an extremely affordable knowledge tool. Teleclasses offer positive and essential education, using technology as a tool for communication with strong and consistently positive results. And when the program ends, you hang up the phone. And guess what, your one-hour class took exactly one hour!

One distinct advantage is that you can interact with other people that have different ability levels, skills and backgrounds, who can be from almost anywhere in the country or the world. You can take a class just for yourself or you can set up a teleclass that everybody in your company can take simultaneously. The groups are usually small, 20 or less, so everyone gets individual attention through instruction that is both topical and focused.

Teleclasses are a hassle-free, money saving alternative to traditional "in person" seminars and classes. NO Travel รขโ�ฌโ�� NO Parking fees and you get cutting-edge, innovative and customized learning in an informal setting with a select group of people who, like you, want to take command of their learning experience and arenรขโ�ฌโ�ขt afraid to take risks to increase their knowledge base and accelerate their development! So the next time you contemplate taking a seminar or a class to improve your business, personal or interpersonal skills -- you might want to make it a teleclass.

Rick Sherrร�ยฉll is the founder of Pro Speakers Bureau (http://www.ProSpeakersBureau.com), an Atlanta-based agency that delivers high-quality speakers, trainers and subject matter experts as well as a variety of teleclasses, seminars and special events. For list of available teleclasses visit http://www.ProSpeakersBureau.com/Teleclasses

Conference Call

A conference is an arranged meeting, consultation or discussion. A conference call is a call wherein three or more parties interact simultaneously. Modes of communication not only include telephones, but also video and web communication. Conference calls are widely used by companies to facilitate meetings or to distribute information. Itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs a cost-effective way to reduce travel expenses and stay connected to oneรขโ�ฌโ�ขs counterparts all over the globe.

There are two basic types of conferencing: MeetMe conferencing, in which each participant dials one number, and Ad Hoc conferencing, in which a moderator calls each participant. In recent times, conference calls have become very advanced and user-friendly. The conference call can be designed to allow the dialed party to talk during the call, or the call may be set up so that the called party can listen into the call but cannot speak.

Conference calls connect people through a conference bridge, which is basically a server that acts like a telephone and can answer multiple calls at the same time. Companies using Voice over IP (VoIP) telephones can also host conference calls themselves if the VoIP software supports them.

Businesses use conference calls the most. Banks and brokerages frequently use conference calls for the mass distribution of status reports. Conference calls are used by many businesses to facilitate communication between coworkers. Conference calls are also used to report quarterly results.

Conference calls can also be used for entertainment or recreational purposes, such as the party line in which people can call in to a specified telephone number to talk to others and perhaps subsequently meet new people.

Thus, conference calls not only help businesses network without any constraints, but are also cost-effective. Conference calling is now utilized regularly by millions of businesses for a variety of reasons. Itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs made life easier by enabling meetings without the constraints of distance and time.

Conference Call provides detailed information on Conference Call, Conference Call Services, Audio Conference Call, Conference Call Providers and more. Conference Call is affiliated with Cheap Conference Calling.

Plan Ahead - Determine Your Bandwidth Requirements For Video Conferencing Early

Most of today's companies are maximizing their travel budgets and communication requirements by making smart use of videoconferencing as an alternative to face-to-face meetings. With this decision to implement enterprise-level videoconferencing comes a requirement for bandwidth solutions which are reliable and cost effective.

Videoconferencing can leverage the existing public telephone network, a private IP network or the Internet. The target bandwidth for interactive video communications is in the 300K to 400K bit/sec per stream range. This includes audio and video as well as control signaling.

The H.323 protocol does not require that two or more endpoints in a session send the same data rate they receive. A low-powered endpoint may only be able to encode at a rate of 100K bit/sec, but, because decoding is less processor-intensive, it could decode a 300K bit/sec videostream.

Nevertheless, in videoconferencing, bandwidth is assumed to be symmetrical. In full-duplex networks such as ISDN, Ethernet, ATM and time division multiplexed networks, capacity is expressed as bandwidth in one direction, though equal bandwidth is available for traffic in the opposite direction.

You need to estimate the number of simultaneous sessions your network needs to support, and figure out if your network has bandwidth end-to-end.

A T-1 bandwidth circuit offers 1.5M bit/sec in each direction and would be ample bandwidth for two 512K bit/sec or three 384K bit/sec videoconferences, depending on the amount of simultaneous traffic on the network. Also, make sure that you have 10/100 switched Ethernet throughout the LAN segments where videoconferencing traffic is expected.

Multipoint conference bandwidth (with which three or more locations can see and hear one another) is calculated separately from point-to-point sessions. Multipoint can be conducted in either IP or ISDN environments, and some conferencing units will support both network types.

Multipoint conferencing products may be software-based or accelerated with special hardware, and their configuration can produce different bandwidth consumption patterns as well as different user experiences. For example, when an endpoint is used to host a multipoint conference, the maximum bandwidth for any single participant is the bandwidth allocated to that host divided by the number of locations participating. When you need to have more than four locations on a call at the same time, network-based products are recommended.

If you decide that your IP network can't handle the additional traffic associated with live video sessions in a merged or converged network deployment, your options are to rely on circuit switched networks or to deploy additional IP bandwidth capacity. To assist in determining and acquiring the exact bandwidth to meet your requirements...it's strongly recommended to make use of a free technical consultation service such as via DS3-Bandwidth.com. Also, an excellent guideline resource for video conferencing set-up and management is available from "Video Conferencing Solutions".

Michael is the owner of FreedomFire Communications....including DS3-Bandwidth.com. Michael also authors Broadband Nation where you're always welcome to drop in and catch up on the latest BroadBand news, tips, insights, resources, and ramblings for the masses.

Creative Uses of Web Conferencing, Part 1

Web conferencing has so far been used mostly in business-based applications. However when people start to realize that they can overcome all geographical barriers with online conferencing, then some really creative uses of this technology will begin to sprout in all areas of life.

In fact this is already happening and here are a few examples of how conferencing is making what was impossible yesterday, possible today.

When Nebraska resident Cindy Holsing found out that her two daughters would be graduating from two different colleges on the same day last spring she became depressed.

"My heart just sank," Holsing said. "I thought: It is what it is. We can't do anything about it." At first she thought that the best way she could "attend" both commencements would be to get video tapes of the ceremonies which she would watch together.

However, when she put in a request for a video tape to the Midland Lutheran College, one of the collegeรขโ�ฌโ�ขs staff tried to find a better solution. He helped the Holsing family set up video web cameras at the two commencements and watch them through an online conferencing set-up that cost less than $100.

On graduation day, Mr. and Mrs. Hosing each went to one of the ceremonies and watched the other one on laptops which were logged onto a video conferencing link. Both parents and both girls were satisfied.

Attending a Wedding From Afar

A similar dilemma was faced by an ailing mother in Pittsburgh whose daughter was getting married in Florida. Monica Fournier, a cousin of the bride said, "When I realized that my cousinรขโ�ฌโ�ขs mom in Pittsburgh, who is awaiting a lung transplant, could not attend her daughterรขโ�ฌโ�ขs wedding in Florida I began to search for solutions."

"I had heard about video conferencing on the Internet, but had never tried it and had no idea if it could work for this occasion. It was a real stab in the dark!" Monica added.

On the wedding day, both the wedding ceremony and the video conference were successful and "my cousin was thrilled her mom could participate in her special day from hundreds of miles away," concluded Monica.

These are just two examples of how video conferencing can allow people to be in two places at the same time and to take part in important family events regardless of any obstacles.

As web and video conferencing become more popular, there will be lots more stories of this type. In the next article I will look at more ways how online conferencing is about to transform communications both at home and in the business place.

Dan Richmond is Co-founder of MegaMeeting.com. MegaMeeting provides web & video conferencing services for individuals & businesses. For more information, please call 818.783.4311 or Visit http://www.MegaMeeting.com.

Video Conferencing - A Checklist

What do you wish to achieve?

• Point to Point รขโ�ฌโ�� two locations only at any one time
• Broadcast Live รขโ�ฌโ�� from one site to many รขโ�ฌโ�� watch and listen
• Broadcast pre-recorded รขโ�ฌโ�� from one site to many รขโ�ฌโ�� watch & listen
• Multipoint รขโ�ฌโ�� three or more sites with Q&A between any, relayed to all
• Multipoint - three or more รขโ�ฌโ�� plus broadcast from any to satellite sub-groups as a watch and listen.
• Live with session taped for future edit and distribution
• Person to person/s with video & audio & data manipulation across participants รขโ�ฌโ�� e.g. sharing documents, drawings with or without live edit and audit of changes made.

  With whom do you wish to communicate by videoconferencing?

• Only inside your company
• From your company to sister/ contractor/ supplier companies
• With your customers
• With your prospects

  Frequency of system use

• Ad hoc
• Estimated use per annum (min/max)
• Weekly
• Monthly
• Quarterly

  Installation type

• Custom built static installation รขโ�ฌโ�� i.e. a designated room
• Desktop location/s รขโ�ฌโ�� i.e. from the office desktop PC
• Mobile "roll-about" system -
• Off-site facilities required รขโ�ฌโ�� going to a dedicated videoconference facility

  Options required

• Record, Edit & Distribute by hardcopy (CD/DVD)
• Record, Edit & Distribute by softcopy (Web cast)
• Broadcast live via direct links to named recipients/ groups
• Broadcast pre-recorded across one or more time zones
• Log who watched and listened and when
• Multiple persons at One or Two (group to group videoconferencing รขโ�ฌโ�� e.g. design teams, board to local management)
• Multiple participants at Three or more sites

  What are your current IT capabilities?

• ISDN 1
• ISDN 2
• ISDN 30
• LAN รขโ�ฌโ�� Cat5/ Cat5e/ Cat6
• LAN รขโ�ฌโ�� Fibre
• LAN รขโ�ฌโ�� wireless รขโ�ฌโ�� type?
• WAN รขโ�ฌโ�� bandwidth?
• VPN รขโ�ฌโ�� bandwidth?
• Internet access, dial-up 56k
• Internet access , Dial-up 128K
• Internet access , Broadband 1Mb
• Internet access , Broadband 2Mb
• Internet access , Broadband 4 Mb
• Internet access , Satellite link
• Internet access , permanent fibre/ cable link
• T1 / T2 / T3 / T4 (aka DS-1/ DS-2/ DS-3/ DS-4)
• OC-1 / OC-3 / OC-12 / OC-38

  Impact on your system รขโ�ฌโ�� to be considered

• Bandwidth load
• Current capacity used & unused & reserved (max/ min for each)
• Planned bandwidth use รขโ�ฌโ�� excluding video conferencing
• Contention ratio
• Speed
• Video quality รขโ�ฌโ�� predominantly static (talking head รขโ�ฌโ�� Yes/No)
• Hardware at point of display
• Hardware at point of transmission
• Hardware at point of distribution

  Points to consider

• Budget
• What do you spend currently on flights/ travel/ accommodation per annum?
• Write-off period for cap ex
• Leasing options
• IT infrastructure
• Cost and timescale of increased capacity and hardware -if required

James Hunter works for Status AV, a premier provider of video conferencing solutions in the UK.

Webcams: Science-Fiction Becomes Reality

One of the most incredible inventions Iรขโ�ฌโ�ขve ever come across is the web cam and its process of video conferencing. This is just so futuristic I canรขโ�ฌโ�ขt believe they really exist and are readily available to anyone with the Internet, speakers, and the right software. Iรขโ�ฌโ�ขm not absolutely sure but doesnรขโ�ฌโ�ขt this spell the end of telephones? Now we can have conversations with people on the other side of the world, and see their face moving as we hear them speaking live.

Picture this: Youรขโ�ฌโ�ขre an Antarctic explorer on a solo journey in the middle of the ice and snow on your way to the South Pole. The only living creatures around are the slippery penguins sliding around having fun. Youรขโ�ฌโ�ขre in your special tent keeping safe from the intense wind from the blizzard outside. As you boil up water on your portable stove you flip open your laptop (with battery recharger, broadband Internet, and in-built speakers) and connect with your family back in Russia. You can see their smiles as you hear them speak. What a magical connection!

Another great aspect of video conferencing is the fact that you can communicate with whole groups of people at once either through networking a group of computers or by form of broadcast. This is a huge step forward for both companies and for schools. Iรขโ�ฌโ�ขve heard corporations have saved a lot of money and time, and students are enjoying learning this way much more than from a textbook. Informed people can talk to classes and help them learn, where otherwise they wouldnรขโ�ฌโ�ขt be able to because of time and distance restrictions. This is also a bonus for children who have different learning styles. E.G. The more visual types who understand better when they can see what theyรขโ�ฌโ�ขre working with.

Feasibly, a surgeon in Japan could watch an operation in Australia and even ask the doctor in progress questions about procedures. Itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs obvious that video conferencing will both help humans evolve further through the sharing of knowledge as well as keep loved ones more connected when they are far from home.

A lot of people who are either fascinated or obsessed with sex will also tell you about the benefits of this technology for their voyeuristic purposes, but Iรขโ�ฌโ�ขm not going to go there. Science Fiction has once again turned to reality, and I hope we can truly make the most of this invention created by humans who wish to make society a better place.

About The Author

Jesse Somer is a simple human being sharing his newfound knowledge about the changing world we live, which is being achieved through the power of the Internet; http://www.m6.net

A Brief Guide to Audio Conferencing Services

Audio conferencing provides a way for businesses and other groups to interact, without having to travel to each otherรขโ�ฌโ�ขs offices. The savings in time and travel expenses quickly make up for the cost of audio conferencing services and equipment. Audio conferencing usually involves other types of teleconferencing technology, such as video and collaborative software. Collaborative software is software that one user may send to other users for simultaneous viewing and modification. For example, if the group wants to work on a diagram, it can be seen and drawn upon by anybody in the conference via a special electronic whiteboard.

An audio conferencing system can be rented, bought from a vendor or reseller, or hired as part of a full audio conferencing solution. Such full-service packages include human support services like management, marketing, and tech support.

When audio conferencing services are rented, the communication is routed through the vendorรขโ�ฌโ�ขs server software. The client is charged according to the number of users or "seats" who will be participating, the length of time each seat will be participating, and any initial equipment rental or purchase costs. The vendor can charge a per-seat and per-minute fee (for example, $0.15/seat/minute). Alternatively, a client can rent the service by the week, month, or year, with a maximum allowed number of seats per conference or session. For example, a one-week service for five seats could cost $100 a week, while a one-year service for 100 people could cost a few thousand dollars. Rental audio conferencing services are best for small to medium sized businesses where the initial equipment purchase costs would far outweigh the savings on travel.

When audio conferencing services are bought, the communication is routed through the clientรขโ�ฌโ�ขs server software, which is bought and licensed from the vendor. The client chooses how small or large a package he or she wants. For example, the client can buy software that allows for 100 seats, 1000 seats, or much more. The client can decide whether to include any of a number of high-tech add-ons such as whiteboard capabilities, and whether expandability is important. The client buys all the necessary equipment and software to run the system. The initial cost can be tens of thousands of dollars, so these are best suited to larger numbers of seats over the long term. However, tech support will always be a necessity, so the client should subscribe to the vendorรขโ�ฌโ�ขs expertise.

Audio Conferencing Info provides detailed information about audio conferencing services, equipment, software, companies, plus online audio conferencing, and more. Audio Conferencing Info is affiliated with Original Content.

The History of Video Conferencing - Moving Ahead at the Speed of Video

No new technology develops smoothly, and video conferencing had more than its share of bumps along the way before becoming the widely used communications staple it is today. The history of video conferencing in its earliest form goes back to the 1960รขโ�ฌโ�ขs, when AT&T introduced the Picturephone at the Worldรขโ�ฌโ�ขs Fair in New York. While viewed as a fascinating curiosity, it never became popular and was too expensive to be practical for most consumers when it was offered for $160 a month in 1970.

Commercial use of real video conferencing was first realized with Ericssonรขโ�ฌโ�ขs demonstration of the first trans-Atlantic LME video telephone call. Soon other companies began refining video conferencing technologies, including such advancements as network video protocol (NVP) in 1976 and packet video protocol (PVP) in 1981. None of these were put into commercial use, however, and stayed in the laboratory or private company use.

In 1976, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone established video conferencing (VC) between Tokyo and Osaka for company use. IBM Japan followed suit in 1982 by establishing VC running at 48000bps to link up with already established internal IBM video conferencing links in the United States so that they could have weekly meetings.

The 1980รขโ�ฌโ�ขs introduce commercial video conferencing

In 1982, Compression Labs introduces their VC system to the world for $250,000 with lines for $1,000 an hour. The system was huge and used enormous resources capable of tripping 15 amp circuit breakers. It was, however, the only working VC system available until PictureTelรขโ�ฌโ�ขs VC hit the market in 1986 with their substantially cheaper $80,000 system with $100 per hour lines.

In the time in between these two commercially offered systems, there were other video conferencing systems developed that were never offered commercially. The history of video conferencing isnรขโ�ฌโ�ขt complete without mentioning these systems that were either prototypes or systems developed specifically for in-house use by a variety of corporations or organizations, including the military. Around 1984, Datapoint was using the Datapoint MINX system on their Texas campus, and had provided the system to the military.

In the late 1980รขโ�ฌโ�ขs, Mitsubishi began selling a still-picture phone that was basically a flop in the market place. They dropped the line two years after introducing it. In 1991, the first PC based video conferencing system was introduced by IBM รขโ�ฌโ�� PicTel. It was a black and white system using what was at the time an incredibly inexpensive $30 per hour for the lines, while the system itself was $20,000. In June of the same year, DARTnet had successfully connected a transcontinental IP network of over a dozen research sites in the United States and Great Britain using T1 trunks. Today, DARTnet has evolved into the CAIRN system, which connects dozens of institutions.

CU-SeeMe revolutionizes video conferencing

One of the most famous systems in the history of video conferencing was the CU-SeeMe developed for the MacIntosh system in 1992. Although the first version didnรขโ�ฌโ�ขt have audio, it was the best video system developed to that point. By 1993, the MAC program had multipoint capability, and in 1994, CU-SeeMe MAC was true video conferencing with audio. Recognizing the limitations of MAC compatibility in a Windows world, developers worked diligently to roll out the April 1994 CU-SeeME for Windows (no audio), followed closely by the audio version, CU-SeeMe v0.66b1 for Windows in August of 1995.

In 1992, AT&T rolled out their own $1,500 video phone for the home market. It was a borderline success. That same year, the worldรขโ�ฌโ�ขs first MBone audio/video broadcast took place and in July INRIAรขโ�ฌโ�ขs video conferencing system was introduced. This is the year that saw the first real explosion in video conferencing for businesses around the globe and eventually led to the standards developed by the ITU.

International Telecommunications Union develops coding standards

The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) began developing standards for video conferencing coding in 1996, when they established Standard H.263 to reduce bandwidth for transmission for low bit rate communication. Other standards were developed, including H.323 for packet-based multi-media communications. These are a variety of other telecommunications standards were revised and updated in 1998. In 1999, Standard MPEG-4 was developed by the Moving Picture Experts Group as an ISO standard for multimedia content.

In 1993, VocalChat Novell IPX networks introduced their video conferencing system, but it was doomed from the start and didnรขโ�ฌโ�ขt last. Microsoft finally came on board the video conferencing bandwagon with NetMeeting, a descendent of PictureTelรขโ�ฌโ�ขs Liveshare Plus, in August of 1996 (although it didnรขโ�ฌโ�ขt have video in this release). By December of the same year, Microsoft NetMeeting v2.0b2 with video had been released. That same month, VocalTecรขโ�ฌโ�ขs Internet Phone v4.0 for Windows was introduced.

VRVS links global research centers

The Virtual Room Videoconferencing System (VRVS) project at Caltech-CERN kicked off in July of 1997. They developed the VRVS specifically to provide video conferencing to researchers on the Large Hadron Collider Project and scientists in the High Energy and Nuclear Physics Community in the U.S. and Europe. It has been so successful that seed money has been allotted for phase two, CalREN-2, to improve and expand on the already in-place VRVS system in order to expand it to encompass geneticists, doctors, and a host of other scientists in the video conferencing network around the world.

Cornell Universityรขโ�ฌโ�ขs development team released CU-SeeMe v1.0 in 1998. This color video version was compatible with both Windows and MacIntosh, and huge step forward in pc video conferencing. By May of that year, the team has moved on to other projects.

In February of 1999, Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) was launched by MMUSIC. The platform showed some advantages over H.323 that user appreciated and soon made it almost as popular. 1999 was a very busy year, with NetMeeting v3.0b coming out, followed quickly by version three of the ITU standard H.323. Then came the release of iVisit v2.3b5 for both Windows and Mac, followed by Media Gateway Control Protocol (MGCP), version 1. In December, Microsoft released a service pack for NetMeeting v3.01 (4.4.3388) and an ISO standard MPEG-4 version two was released. Finally, PSInet was the first company to launch H.323 automated multipoint services. Like we said, 1999 was a very busy year.

SIP entered version 1.30 in November of 2000, the same year that standard H.323 hit version 4, and Samsung released their MPEG-4 streaming 3G video cell phone, the first of its kind. It was a hit, particularly in Japan. Rather predictably, Microsoft NetMeeting had to release another service pack for version 3.01.

In 2001, Windows XP messenger announced that it would now support Session Initiation Protocol. This was the same year the worldรขโ�ฌโ�ขs first transatlantic tele-surgery took place utilizing video conferencing. In this instance, video conferencing was instrumental in allowing a surgeon in the U.S. to use a robot overseas to perform gall bladder surgery on a patient. It was one of the most compelling non-business uses in the history of video conferencing, and brought the technology to the attention of the medical profession and the general public.

In October of 2001, television reporters began using a portable satellite and a videophone to broadcast live from Afghanistan during the war. It was the first use of video conferencing technology to converse live with video with someone in a war zone, again bringing video conferencing to the forefront of peopleรขโ�ฌโ�ขs imaginations.

Founded in December of 2001, the Joint Video Team completed basic research leading to ITU-T H.264 by December of 2002. This protocol standardized video compression technology for both MPEG-4 and ITU-T over a broad range of application areas, making it more versatile than its predecessors. In March of 2003, the new technology was ready for launch to the industry.

New uses for video conferencing technologies

2003 also saw the rise in use of video conferencing for off-campus classrooms. Interactive classrooms became more popular as the quality of streaming video increased and the delay decreased. Companies such as VBrick provided various MPEG-4 systems to colleges across the country. Desktop video conferencing is also on the rise and gaining popularity.

Companies newer to the market are now refining the details of performance in addition to the nuts and bolts of transmission. In April of 2004, Applied Global Technologies developed a voice-activated camera for use in video conferencing that tracks the voice of various speakers in order to focus on whoever is speaking during a conference call. In March 2004, Linux announced the release of GnomeMeeting, an H.323 compliant, free video conferencing platform that is NetMeeting compatible.

With the constant advances in video conferencing systems, it seems obvious that the technology will continue to evolve and become an integral part of business and personal life. As new advances are made and systems become more reasonably priced, keep in mind that choices are still determined by network type, system requirements and what your particular conferencing needs are.

This article on the "The History of Video Conferencing" reprinted with permission.
Copyright ร�ยฉ 2004 Evaluseek Publishing.

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About the Author
Lori Wilkerson is a full-time freelance writer who loves her job because it gives her the opportunity to learn more about the world every day. Right now, she knows a little bit about almost everything, and a lot about video conferencing, renting a video conference facility, and which videoconferencing conferencing solution is best for small groups. She has two dogs who are spoiled and one teenager who is not. She does her video conferencing in pink bunny slippers.

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Advantages and Uses of Video Conferencing

Uses of Video conferencing

Video conferencing can be used in a host of different environments, which is one of the reasons the technology is so popular. General uses for video conferencing include business meetings, educational training or instruction and collaboration among health officials or other representatives. Thus far video conferencing has been used in the following fields:

- Telemedicine
- Telecommunicatio
- Education
- Surveillance
- Security
- Emergency Response

Advantages and Benefits of Video conferencing

Perhaps the biggest advantage or benefit video conferencing has to offer is the ability to meet with people in remote locations without incurring travel expenses or other expenses associated with face to face communication. Business meetings, educational meetings, healthcare conferences and more can all be easily conducted thanks to video conferencing technology. Individuals living in remote areas can also use video conferencing to keep in touch if you will, with the world at large.

More people are easily accessed and contacted using video conferencing. Because of this technology information and knowledge are often disseminated at more rapid rates, and collaboration between people occurs more willingly and freely. Students can take advantage of video conferencing to take classes at distant locations that would normally be unavailable. They can also take classes that will accommodate busy schedules.

Video conferencing can stimulate better brainstorming, knowledge sharing and information gathering. Businesses can use video conferencing to provide presentations to key members of an organization or to solicit new clients in a professional manner, regardless of their location. The possibilities for communication are virtually endless thanks to video conferencing technologies.

Article by Frank Owen, visit his web site on video conferencing for more information on video conferencing http://www.videoconferencinginsider.com

Audio Conference Call

Audio conferencing allows people in different locations to connect simultaneously through conventional telephone services. Any number of participants can communicate without being in the same place. It is used to hold group meetings or live presentations through audio channels. Audio conferencing can be conducted over telephones, but usually an audio conferencing system or service is used. Often, along with audio exchange, audio conferencing involves video conferencing, so that people can see each other and communicate better.

Accessing audio conferencing is as simple as dialing a phone number and entering an access code. It is widely used in fields such as education, commerce and business to allow participants to connect when they are physically unable to be present. Audio conference calling helps in maximizing business communication efficiency and reducing wasted resources. Itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs the answer to reducing wasted travel, expenses and time away the business. It can be used to arrange meetings, training, interviews, professional development, consultation, and specialized or expert advice.

A new breakthrough in audio conferencing is Need Reservationless Conferencing. It is an entirely automated audio conferencing service which enables you to quickly and easily communicate with up to 125 participants at a time. Simply dial your toll-free number and enter your unique conference ID and PIN to instantly start a conference without a reservation or operator assistance. It comes with many value-added features like pre-call notification, audioconference recording, transcription services, translation services, and participant lists.

Audio conferencing is a very safe in terms of privacy and confidentiality. Utilizing conference IDs, tracking capabilities, entry tones, PIN entry, conference call lock features and encrypted software for web conference applications, conferencing hosts can be assured of call privacy. Also, by giving employees their own unique conference ID and PIN, a good amount of time can be saved, which was previously spent on scheduling the conferences. This streamlines internal and client communications.

Conference Call provides detailed information on Conference Call, Conference Call Services, Audio Conference Call, Conference Call Providers and more. Conference Call is affiliated with Cheap Conference Calling.

The Amazing Applications of Web Conference Calls

Conferencing in its very basic form might be two people talking over the phone while browsing through a web site and making comments about the content.

Web conferencing started initially as an audio conferencing calls and it is still largely Used today mainly for presentation calls where the host is guiding a group of listeners, illustrating to them some concepts and from time to time answers questions or asking for comments.

This call can be recorded and later on either distributed to a larger group of potential customers or be put on a web site where other customers can download the audio file to their computer and listen to the whole thing at their convenient time.

With the introduction of the broadband, conferencing emerged into live Video conferencing where participants can actually see each other in addition to be able to hearing each other.

Then it developed into multi layering of information where conferencing participants can talk, see and even share and exchange presentations as well as drawing and sketch a concept on a tablet board (itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs called Whiteboard) while making comments on it.

In Addition web conferencing can conduct poles and votes among the participants same as they would during a board meetings.

This technology is a real alternative to face-to-face meetings. This level of conferencing is not without problems, it must be meticulously planed ahead of time, positioning the web cams at appropriate well lighted spots, same for the microphones, the participants must exhibit high self discipline and concentration.

It can be implemented locally as well as internationally by medium to large companies. A well planed and coordinated web conference call can save a bundle of time, money and hassle.

One field where this conferencing application really revolutionized the whole process is the engineering and architectural planning. This has became part of e-construction methodology.

The planner is transferring his drawings CAD files to the next level or levels like the electrical engineer or the air-conditioner planner, they can all design and add their drawings over the original raster background (that is because it works in layers).

Then they can coordinate a web conference call and discuss potential conflicts and problems in their separate planning to the general construction plan, this can boost and speed up the whole planning and design processes and help meet deadlines on time.

Another application can be Coach hiring managers on corporate process, screen candidates and avoid the significant costs associated with flying unsuitable candidates out for interviews.

Training sessions with selected employees around the globe is another time and money big saver. This e-Teacher technology is going to have a tremendous impact in the future on the education system as a whole from high school to the universities.

========This Resource Box must be included with the Article copy! ========

Amit Laufer is a writer and Internet Marketer. MBA - International Trade & Finance. Bsc. Computers and Information Systems.

Owner Editor of: Web Conference Call

(c) Copyrights 2006 http://www.web-conference-call.com

Video Phone Conferencing

Video Phone Conferencing generally refers to a two-way communication system in which two or more persons at different locations engage in face-to-face communication. Itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs a kind of video as well as audio conferencing, in which both the people can view as well as hear each other. Earlier Video Phone Conferencing was supposed to be a costly affair, and only the big corporate houses were able to afford it. But now prices are on the way down, because with the Internet anyone can afford Video Phone Conferencing. This makes it possible for the two businesses to discuss any deal or product.

Video Phone Conferencing generally acts as a bridge between two persons who are geographically separated. This technology is not only used for business meetings but also used for conducting interviews or giving lectures. Video Phone Conferencing is also used within the organization with the help of LAN for an immediate telepresence. If we go into broader terms, then Video Phone Conferencing can be divided into two types: point-to-point conferencing and multipoint conferencing. Point-to-point Video Phone Conferencing is the communication link within one location, whereas multipoint conferencing is a link between any two locations.

Video Phone Conferencing connects people and ensures successful communication between them. While planning a Video Phone Conference there are several points to be kept in mind. These points can range from technology to clothes to the way of talking. Try to avoid all the unnecessary and distracting actions, as it can act as an obstacle between the ongoing conversations. If possible, make sure that the mike, speakers, camera and all necessary equipment are in proper shape and without any flaws. As it is a very straight and formal communication, try to set the questions in advance so that there is no wasting time. Another important point is to wear clothes that are not too dark or too light. Avoid wearing intense colors, as they can give a very jarred image.

Video Phone Conferencing is the technology that helps you talk to a client sitting on the other side of the globe. It has proved to be a boon for the corporate houses who want to take a slice of the world business pie, and take their business to next level.

Phone Conferencing provides detailed information about phone conferencing, audio conferencing, free phone conferencing, phone conference services and more. Phone Conferencing is the sister site of Telephone Headsets.

The Conference Call Monster: How to Tame It

Whether working from office or home, leading and participating in conference calls are essential for doing business in the twenty-first century. Some key points to keep in mind when participating in conference calls are noted below.

- Be on time whether the organizer or participant.

- Make sure you introduce yourself including name, organization or company and why you are relevant to the call.

- If you are the lead on the call, be clear as to the purpose of the call, the agenda and the time limit.

- An agenda sent out in advance of the call is always helpful.

- Additionally, any background material should be distributed to and reviewed by all participants at least one business day in advance of the call.

- Listen to others.

- Do not multi-task. If you are too busy to be on the call or if it is not important to you, assign someone else to participate and represent your function or role.

- Mute the call when you are listening. Others do no want to hear your dog, child, sneezes, lips smacking, etc.

- When you do break in to speak, state you name first and be clear and concise.

- Do not speak over other people or "step on them".

- It a debate breaks out on the call, the lead on the call should moderate and put the item on a parking lot for follow-up if appropriate.

- Someone should document the purpose of the call, participants, agenda and key decisions made. It is not a court transcript word for word.

- Five minutes prior to the end of the call, the lead on the call should wrap-up. This should include a summary of any decisions made, any to doรขโ�ฌโ�ขs including who owns what and by when, any open issues and how they will be handled and when the next call will be scheduled.

Following these steps makes calls more productive for everyone and better spends the money related to the business or organizationรขโ�ฌโ�ขs people costs.

George F. Franks III is the founder and CEO of Franks Consulting Group - a Bethesda, Maryland based management consulting and leadership coaching practice. George is a member of the Institute of Management Consultants and the International Coaching Federation. His web site can be found at: http://www.franksconsultinggroup.com His blog is: http://consultingandcoaching.blogspot.com

Be Confused No More - A Definition Of Video Conferencing

You forever hear the term but do you really understand it? The definition of video conferencing can be stated as the integration of audio, video and peripherals for the simultaneous communication of two or more persons who are connected by a particular telecommunication line.

In video conferencing, synchronized images and verbal communication are transmitted between two or more locations. Now that we have videoconferencing defined, how does videoconferencing work?

Why Video Conferencing Works For Many

For video conferencing to work, you would need microphones, video cameras, the necessary computer software, hardware and peripherals, along with the transmission lines for sending video conferencing information amongst video conferencing participants.

When holding a video conferencing event, a codec translates the analog information received by the microphones and video cameras into digital information, which is then transmitted to another codec that translates the digital information back to the original sounds and images, which the video conferencing participants can understand.

Video conferencing used to be more expensive than it is today, because T1, ATM and ISDN lines were used for video conferencing, and all of these were very costly. However, the emergence of the Internet has provided a cheaper solution for video conferencing, using web video conferencing. As a result, video conferencing has become more present in small businesses.

The problem with video conferencing is that the conversion of information from analog to digital format can result in the decreased video quality. The compression ratio is the most important factor in video conferencing. The higher the compression ratio, the faster the video conferencing information is transmitted, but the lower the video quality.

Video conferencing can be used for communication among groups of people. Video conferencing is also very useful in education. Video conferencing can make learning more fun, and video conferencing can work for different learning styles. Video conferencing also allows experts from remote places to talk in classes.

Video conferencing is the wave of the future. Make video conferencing work for you, know more about video conferencing, and make a step forward on improving your conferencing services.

When the subject of conferencing is confusing so many, Jon Butt's site at http://www.conferencing-explained.com does exactly what it says on the tin. Explaining the facts and fiction about web, video, audio and teleconferencing, how this latest technology can save you money, the equipment you need or don't need, the best call plans and where to find the best prices and value online

Video Conferencing - Examining The Virtual Field Trip

Video Conferencing Connects People From Around The World

Those familiar with video conferencing might describe it as a virtual field trip around the world. Video conferencing has the ability to connect consumers, employees and employers and students from around the word. Corporate representatives can use video conferencing to meet with world class experts or business executives in multiple fields, locations and within many different industries to expand their knowledge base, network and improve their strategy and procedures.

Students can use video conferencing to meet with experts and instructors in various fields to enhance their understanding of a particular subject or area of interest. Consumers can use video conferencing to explore exotic locations, vacation spots or perhaps investigate a new area to live in.

Benefits Video Conferencing

More and more individuals and organizations alike are starting to realize the benefits video conferencing has to offer. Video conferencing can increase a non profit organizations ability to extend knowledge of their programs and engage in outreach efforts. Healthcare providers can use video conferencing to communicate with experts in their field from around the world, to solve a new case or come up with new treatment ideas or research areas.

Perhaps the biggest advantage video conferencing has to offer the world today is its ability to connect people from around the world so face to face communication results. This will dramatically increase man's networking ability and our ability to explore, conquer, understand, learn and succeed for years to come. Video conferencing truly is the wave of the future, a method for engaging in virtual field trips to any location in the world.

Article by Frank Owen, visit his web site on video conferencing for more information on video conferencing http://www.videoconferencinginsider.com

Audio Visual Presentations

Even the best messages can be ruined by a bad presentation. To get your information across effectively and to generate the right response from your audience, you need to know how to use audiovisual technology to your advantage.

Interested in how to improve your presentation? Read on for some audiovisual presentation dos and donรขโ�ฌโ�ขts.

Organization is the key. Forget about fancy graphics and sounds; instead, focus on making the flow of your presentation seamless and clear. Itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs a good idea to first outline the points you intend to make before you even begin working on the presentation. Identify major themes and ideas so you know what to visually highlight.

Avoid clutter. Fancy animation and sounds are usually unnecessary; oftentimes, these elements only distract from the message instead of contributing to it. Brevity and simplicity work best รขโ�ฌโ�� the shorter and simpler your messages and manners of delivery are, the more likely they are to be recalled by your audience. Too much clutter diminishes the impact of a good message. Highlight your message and not your graphics, and you will never go wrong.

Consider the physical requirements of the space where you will deliver your presentation. Are you going to use a small and private conference room with just four to five people or a big theater with hundreds in the audience? Are the roomรขโ�ฌโ�ขs acoustics decent, or do you need to bring additional speakers to be heard? Is it well lighted? Can you control the lighting to enhance your presentation? You need to answer all these and many other questions in order to design an audiovisual presentation that makes the most out of what the venue has to offer.

Finally, complement your audiovisual presentation with handouts. No matter how effective your presentation, remember that your audience can only remember so much; you need to provide them with follow-through materials like a systematically outlined handout in order for them to truly retain your message. Keep your handouts short and sweet. This way, the reader only sees the most important messages.

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