A Review of Popular Audio Conferencing Software Programs

Audio conferencing software normalizes audio, video, and file sharing applications. In other words, this software allows everyone participating in a virtual meeting to see each other hear each other, and work on the same projects together. This last attribute of audio conferencing software is often called collaborative software (formerly known as groupware.) For example, if there is a diagram on the television or computer screen that everyone can see, it is possible for everyone to make marks on the document using a special whiteboard-and-pen program. This brings everyone together in as "real" a way as possible over infinite distances.

Other applications of audio conferencing software include slide shows, streaming audio and video, and document sharing. As telecommunications companies come up with newer and newer ideas, audio conferencing software will have greater and "more real" applications.

When choosing your audio conferencing vendor, the number of users or "seats" could determine which type of technology youรขโ�ฌโ�ขll need. Some technical support will be needed for all web conferencing solutions.

Three examples of audio conferencing software brands are the following:

Centra

Centra is both a software and a service. The software has all the usual normalizing characteristics, plus a few extras. Centra can be programmed to automatically set up and communicate conference times and dates. It can also track who is logged in during the conference. Afterward, the program can automatically send meetings notes via e-mail to all participants.

Microsoft NetMeeting

Another popular audio conferencing software program, NetMeeting is compatible with any web device. It integrates your calendar, e-mail system, and so on, and is very easy to use. You can even use your web camera to take a snapshot of something and place it on the whiteboard for discussion or markup.

Xbox Live

Even modern video gaming systems use audio conferencing software! You can play a war game against other gamers anywhere else in the world, and talk trash to them at the same time via a headset.

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.

Virtual Real Worlds

In future work, play, and study will be transformed by the use of 3D models and environments. These environments and models will be created to be as realistic as possible by use of textures and perspectives that will provide the user with a sense of "being there".

It has been forecast that these Virtual Worlds will revolutionize the way we shop "made to measure" will return as clothes will be produced to fit the individual. Virtual 3D museums will contain realistic recreations of the real thing; the great Pyramids, Taj Mahhal, great Wall of China, etc. will be experienced from your front room. A leisurely walk through Englands green and pleasant lands can be experienced with all the sights and sounds as of you were there.

Virtual conferencing will allow the participants to select an environment akin to the subject being discussed.

The latest generation have been exposed to this 3D environment or have experience of it most of their lives; to them it is quite natural and accept the virtual real world concept enthusiastically. They readily accept the possibility of people meeting in an environment of there choosing while being physically somewhere else in the real world; in fact they can't understand why it doesn't exist today.

This is discussed at greater length at web site www.mellanium.com

Ken has spent most of his life working in the aerospace industry. His interest in the Virtual Real World has been born out of a real need to access information easier and less painfully by using 3D models and environments. See http://mellanium.com/ for more information.

Latest Teleconferencing News You Can Use!

In the fast-growing industry of telecommunications, teleconferencing has become a staple of the way we do business as well as a way we keep in touch with those who matter to us the most.

It's no surprise therefore that with the advent of the Internet and with the increasing availability of digital devices, telecommunications and teleconferencing, specifically, has exploded the number of to keep touch, as well as to build rich communications and relationship with people regardless of where they are physically situated.

Just thinking about the technologies tying teleconferencing and telecommunications will boggle even the greatest of minds. What makes these interconnected technologies possible is a complex web of systems consisting of all sorts of technologies, processes, bureaucracies of people and exchanges etc. etc.

There are just so many different inputs into this vast web of technology that makes our lives so much more easier. And yet it's something that we take for granted every single day.

Teleconferencing has come a long way from simply being a specialized phone feature where you would dial into your host parties extension.

On the contrary, it is actually become a much more mature medium for communication supporting all sorts of data feeds, such as audio, video, and traditional telephone, telegraph radio and television and teletype related services.

As you can probably tell by now teleconferencing is a very complicated (behind the scenes) yet very user-friendly innovation. There is so much to be gained from using this for your business or for your home.

Let's say you're on vacation and you want to keep in touch your family from long-distance or if you need to visit your client from a remote site- teleconferencing certainly can bring you closer to the action, as it were.

Learn more about teleconferencing at our site, where you can find the latest teleconferencing technology news and services!

Don't delay, visit us for the latest conference calling technology news.

Web Conferencing - Best Way of Communication

Web conferencing or computer conferencing is a way to hold live presentations over the Internet. Generally it is used for group discussions or business conferences. Each member of web conference sits at their PC and can be easily connected to other members through Internet. It may be accompanied either via telephone or VoIP; sometimes text chat is also used instead of voice. It is an easy method to save money as well as time.

Nowadays web conferencing is one of the basic requirements of each organization. Web conferencing is of several types such as web meeting, the Webcast, the Webinar, online presenting, and online collaboration. Users can choose any of them as per their needs. It refers to audio, video or text-based conversations that are conducted in real time.

It is the best for the people who deal within global market place. Web conferencing enables you to be in two places simultaneously. You can attend business meetings while sitting at your home or office. Microsoft NetMeeting or Yahoo Messenger are free downloads forms of web conferencing. Users can invite their dear ones to participate in text-based chats for real time communication. It allows holding seminars and presentations for hundreds of delegates at same time. You can transmit files, documents and slide show presentations with web conferencing.

Web conferencing cuts traveling costs such as tickets, accommodation, subsistence etc. It allows you to meet a person regularly without any expenses. It is also a great way to do work more efficiently and accurately. Cost of web meeting depends on your requirements. You can choose any type of web conferencing that suits your budget.

About Author: The author presents a website on Web Conferencing. Website provides information about web conferencing services, web conferencing software, web conferencing tools, and affordable web conferencing. Offers some tips for selecting Web Conference Company. You can visit his site Cheap Conferencing Web.

Free Phone Conferencing

These days, when every business wants to score an edge over its rival, businesses are making maximum use of cutting-edge services like Free Phone Conferencing. Free Phone Conferencing helps you avoid mammoth telephone bills. Generally, whenever you use a Phone Conferencing service you are made to pay a set monthly fee or rent, which depends upon how much you use it. With a Free Phone Conferencing service you have to pay a low monthly fee. Herein you get a dialer code along with a password, which lets you go into a conference according to your choice and will. You also get a toll free number with which you can call in the US or Canada at the same rates. The Free Phone Conferencing service is so flexible that you can also use it for personal business, too.

The way Free Phone Conferencing works is, you dial the toll-free number on your moderator card and, by using your conference ID and PIN, you can begin the conference right away. This makes you avoid all hassles with reservations, canceling or changing the time of the conference. The majority of Free Phone Conferencing service providers also provide you with twenty-four hour technical support.

So if youรขโ�ฌโ�ขre a frequent user of conference services then this service is best suited for you. By using this service you can remain in constant touch with your clients as well as your friends. And free phone conferencing is applicable to large and small companies alike, so go ahead and embrace this popular trend in the business world.

Phone Conferencing provides detailed information on phone conferencing, audio conferencing, free phone conferencing, phone conference services and more. Phone Conferencing is affiliated with Audio Teleconferencing.

Redefining Distance to Market your Company

The recent terrorist attacks here in the US have caused many companies and individuals to rethink how they want to market to and work with others. As a result, web-enabled presentations and or collaborations are finally coming of age รขโ�ฌโ�� the technology works with a minimum of hassle, itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs an efficient way to give marketing presentations, hold meetings, provide training and do product demonstrations. The cost savings can be significant, especially when contrasted with all of the burdened costs of holding conventional meetings; i.e. travel, hotel, transportation, facilities and "time out of the office issues." Here is a quick primer on some baseline issues to consider when weighing the effectiveness of virtual marketing presentations and meetings.

1. There are a broad number of vendors, although the "virtual presentation and meeting" market segment has undergone consolidation in the last few years. Iรขโ�ฌโ�ขd recommend assessing these four market leaders: www.webex.com (well established with diversified terms of services), www.placeware.com (corporate focused), www.centra.com (provides a good client plug in that enables Voice over IP ("VOIP") communications, www.raindance.com (emphasizes teleconferencing).

2. PC configuration, Internet access and firewall issues all need to be considered when your assessing the effectiveness of this process and technology. Port settings need to be "tuned" or optimized, the PC must have multimedia capabilities if your using VOIP, just about any speed of internet connection will work, but the experience for the attendee can vary depending on the connection speeds and how "heavy" your presentation is with graphics.

3. Web presentations offer a lower cost model versus traditional presentations or meetings, but there are burdened costs for web-enabled marketing รขโ�ฌโ�� phone conferencing can be anywhere from $.15-35 per minute per user, presentation uploads for a standard power point presentation (which is the defacto app for virtual presentations), can cost $10-30. per presentation, costs per attendee can vary tremendously but average $50-500. per session, depending upon the number of users.

4. One of the most expensive parts of virtual meetings is always the teleconferencing component. All of the market leaders have some VOIP component (voice over IP) but most are not publicizing this technology or service, as they donรขโ�ฌโ�ขt want to cannibalize a significant contribution to their revenue streams. One exception is Centra รขโ�ฌโ�� they are offering VOIP integrated services with their standard web presentations or meetings. The audio quality is good, analogous to voice quality of a standard cell phone call รขโ�ฌโ�� but there is a client download (small under 250K) to deal with and you must have a multi-media enabled PC.

5. Some web-enabled presentation challenges include the need to keep people involved รขโ�ฌโ�� you can do this easily by leveraging the chat capabilities, dynamic polling, and standard Q&A components built into the application. The higher their interest level (as in real world meetings) the better your meeting or presentation will be.

6. Marketing presentations can be easily archived and made available to others on a 24/7 basis รขโ�ฌโ�� this archiving can include the standard presentation, enhanced with video or audio components, depending on the sophistication of your presentation. Be prepared to pay an extra charge for this รขโ�ฌโ�� but the marketing ROI can be significant, especially when you factor in how little most companies charge for an archiving service versus your front end costs.

7. Virtual marketing enables a whole set of web-enabled processes รขโ�ฌโ�� you will have the ability to easily capture your prospect/customerรขโ�ฌโ�ขs e-mail address and standard contact points via a registration process, involve them and capture preferences via polling in your presentations and "push" follow up communications during your presentation/meeting or later. But, itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs very important to include standard "privacy" statements in your materials and adhere to them as you move forward through your business processes.

8. How does video conferencing impact your assessments of web-enabled presentations or collaborations? This depends on your budget, number of people attending the presentation, presenter and attendee locations and other intangible that are specific to your business. In general, video conferencing works better for very small (under five people) presentations or meetings, due to some of the inherent challenges of this medium.

About The Author

Lee Traupel has 20 plus years of business development and marketing experience - he is the founder of Intelective Communications, Inc., http://www.intelective.com, a results-driven marketing services company providing proprietary services to clients encompassing startups to public companies. Lee@intelective.com

Lee@intelective.com

IP Cameras - A New Booming Market

What is a IP Network Camera?

In simplest terms, an IP Camera is a stand-alone device that transmits audio and video through a standard CAT5 Network Cable. It has a built-in web server which allows the camera to run individually without a PC having to be connected. It also allows you to view the audio and video by connecting directly to the camera with your internet browser without any software being installed. This allows you access the camera from any location, even over the Internet.

IP cameras have many advantages over tradition CCTV security cameras. Some of these features include wireless connectivity, the ability to view video remotely over the Internet, the ability to record to a remote location and lower cost.

Advanced features of Network Cameras can offer added security for certain applications. These features include, Motion Detection, Pan/Tilt/Zoom, Infrared, Analog Output and Two-way Audio.

Lets discuss these features in greater detail.

Motion Detection

Some Network Cameras come with a feature called Motion Detection. Hot-Spots can be setup within the video frame to detect motion. Once motion is detected, the camera will begin recording or generate a snapshot which can be Emailed or sent to a web server via FTP of the detected motion. Snapshots can also be sent of images prior to the motion and after the motion.

Pan/Tilt/Zoom

Having the ability to Pan and Tilt adds greater security if you have a large viewing area. Once logged into a Network Camera with Pan and Tilt capabilities, controls appear next to your video allowing you to move the camera left, right, up and down. The controls can be used even over the Internet.

Along with the Pan and Tilt feature, some cameras come with Zoom. Zooming is also handy when a greater detail of video is needed. Network Cameras can come with two methods of Zooming: Optical and Digital. One is called Digital Zoom.

Digital Zoom discards pixels around the edge of the video fitting the remaining pixels into the same space to give the appearance of Zooming in. This comes with the expense of resolution and causes the Zoomed image to look very pixilated.

A post was made on the NetworkCameraReviews.com forums that addresses the differences between digital zoom and optical zoom. Click here to view the post.

Infrared

When needing to view video in the dark, Infrared is the way to go. Cameras can come with a built-in IR (Infrared) lens or the ability for an add-on IR lens to be equipped. Infrared is a wave of light that is outside of the visible part of the color spectrum. Infrared illuminators shine this wave of light which the lens picks up.

Analog Output

Some cameras come with an Analog Output to configure your camera to be notified of opened doors, alarms, or other events. Once notified of these events, the camera will start taking snapshots or video.

Two-way Audio

A Majority of cameras have audio built-in to the camera. This allows you to hear audio along with the video the camera displays. Some cameras come with Two-Way Audio.

There are two types of Two-Way Audio. One is a Full-Duplex Two-Way Audio that allows the user at the PC to hear audio from the camera and also speak back to the camera and have audio come out of the camera itself. Some cameras have a speaker port on the back to plug in external speakers which will give off the audio. The second type is a Two-Way Audio within the camera itself. The camera will pickup audio and send the audio to the speakers hookedup to the camera.

In the next article we will be addressing how IP cameras work.

Wes Fernley runs a website called NetworkCameraReviews.com, a free online resource for users to learn about IP Network Cameras. He provides free consultation and advice. His roles include tech support, web design and sales. He can be reach via email at wes@networkcamerareviews.com

A Teleconferencing Primer

Communication began with simple, one-on-one, in person-based interactions, primitive yet effective. Today there is an explosion of technology that allows groups of individuals to communicate worldwide without leaving their offices. This is the technology of teleconferencing, which literally means, "conference at a distance". Initially teleconferencing was conducted via a telephone network, and was limited to voice only. Computers have given a new meaning to the term, they allow more than just talk. Once a teleconference is established, these groups can share video, applications, presentations, and a host of other multimedia experiences.

Teleconferencing permits participants to meet in a virtual conference room, and communicate as if they were sitting right next to each other. Until the mid 90s, the hardware costs made teleconferencing exceedingly expensive for most businesses, and individuals, nevertheless this situation is changing rapidly. Most experts believe that teleconferencing will be one of the fastest growing segments of the computer industry.

In its basic form, teleconferencing uses communication means that range from simple telephone lines to sophisticated satellite links. The only requirement is that the conditions be interactive, allowing participants at each location the opportunity to actively participate in the meeting. As equipment and high-bandwidth cabling become more commonplace, it's possible that sophisticated, multimedia teleconferences can be held from your own computer or even in a mobile setting. Recent developments include improved equipment, more transmission options, the introduction of digital devices, and the integration of teleconferencing technologies with the desktop through personal computers. Additionally, there is a trend toward using teleconferencing for more international applications. As more international services have become available, this segment has seen significant growth for teleconferencing.

The advantages of teleconferencing are obvious, and numerous. However, there are some disadvantages that should be bought to light. Technical failures may occur when trying to establish a conference or during a conference, which would terminate the meeting prematurely. Socializing is less than a face-to-face meeting, and it would be difficult to build close relationship between group members.

An individualรขโ�ฌโ�ขs capability to progress culturally is unified in their ability to expand potential through innovative technology. Teleconferencing appears to address this progress, by enhancing productivity, communications, information management, continuing education, and travel and lower energy costs.

Jay B Stockman is a contributing editor for Teleconference Services Visit http://theteleconference-service.com/ for more information.

An Introduction to Video Conferencing: Basics & Benefits

Benefits of Video Conferencing

Video conferencing hardware and software allows users to see and hear the person they are communicating with.

A video conference allows you to take part in live audio/video presentations in your classroom, and to collaborate through them. Calls can be made between 2 classrooms in the same town, or between 2 classrooms in different parts of the globe. It is also possible for multipoint conferences to take place, where more than 2 schools take part in the same call.

Live video conferences have lots of advantages over other multimedia resources, such as video recordings or television presentations, but the main benefit is that they are interactive, allowing you to talk face to face with someone else in 'real time', but in a different location. This is great for for gaining high levels of engagement from your students.

Multipoint videoconferencing

Simultaneous videoconferencing among three or more remote points is possible by means of a Multipoint Control Unit (MCU). This is a bridge that interconnects calls from several sources (in a similar way to the well-known audio conference call). All parties call the network ID number of the MCU unit or the MCU unit can also call the parties which are going to participate, in sequence. There are MCU bridges for IP and ISDN-based videoconferencing. There are MCU which are pure software, and others which are a combination of hardware and software. A MCU is characterised according to the number of simultaneous calls it can handle.

MCUs can be stand-alone hardware devices, or they can be embedded into dedicated TVC units.

The technology of video conferencing

The core technology using in a videoteleconference (VTC) system is in digital compression of audio and video streams in real time.

There are basically two kinds of VTC systems:

Dedicated systems have all required components packaged into a single equipment, usually a console with a high quality remote controlled video camera on its top. These cameras can be controlled at a distance to move in the horizontal and vertical directions (pan and tilt, respectively) as well as to perform image zooming, so they are called PTZ cameras. The console contains all electrical interfaces, the control computer, modem, and the software- or hardware-based codec. Omnidirectional microphones are connected to the console, as well as a monitor TV with loudspeakers and/or a video projector. There are several types of dedicated VTC devices:

(a)Large group VTC are non-portable, large, more expensive devices used for large rooms and auditoriums. Use of PTZ cameras is practically mandatory.

(b)Small group VTC are non-portable or portable, smaller, less expensive devices used for small meeeting rooms (e.g., up to 10 people) and PTZ cameras are usual

(c)Individual VTC are usually portable devices, meant for single users, have fixed cameras, microphones and loudspeakers integrated into the console.

Desktop systems are add-ons (hardware boards, usually) to normal PC's, transforming them into VTC devices. A range of different cameras and microphones can be used with the board, which contains the necessary codec and transmission interfaces. Most of the desktops systems work only with the H.323 standard. Video conferences carried out via dispersed PCs are also known as e-meetings.

Conference Call Centers

There are a number of agencies and companies who provide conference call hosting, and conference call technology. A company may need these services since they are cheaper and efficient and an alternative for conferences that cost a lot to hold. The call conference call center is also ideal for companies with overseas partners or branches who need fast ways to communicate. Conferencing is a fast and very convenient way to converge with employees or clients in different parts of the country and obviously cut down traveling the expenses.

The conference leader will normally ask the service provider for a reservation and then inform the other party about his conference schedule. The rest is left to the provider. Call center conferencing is another technological convenience brought by the boom in the call center industry and development in communications technology.

Participants in a call center conference can be at home connected via phone or playing golf with a headset. The possibilities provide a convenience for the clients, but they are far from cheap. However, when considering the cost of travel, they are reasonable. In this age of companies wanting to do more with less, time and costs often make travel prohibitive for many businesses.

Independent service bureaus and long distance telephone call service providers who offer audio conferencing use hi-end call connection "bridges" to unite telephone call patches into one single conversation. Service providers are catching up on the personal feel of actual physical conversation with continuous technology development. The limit for the number of people included in a conference is over a hundred and the cost is as cheap as 10 cents per conference participant.

Call Centers provides detailed information on Call Centers, Inbound Call Centers, Outsourcing Call Centers, Conference Call Centers and more. Call Centers is affiliated with Call Center CRM Solutions.

Web Conferencing Tool - Reduce Your Communication Costs

For most people in business, meetings are a necessary evil. Stop for a moment and consider how much hosting or attending meetings cost your business and you may be in for a surprise; precious time spent traveling to and from the meeting location, travel expenses, and in some cases the hire of the meeting facility. Now imagine you could attend that meeting without having to leave your office or home. How much time and money would save over a week, a month or a year? It soon adds up.

The cost savings associated with web conferencing are well documented. Less time and money are spent on traveling, there is no need to hire meeting facilities and staff can focus on doing their jobs well instead of scheduling meetings.

Save On Traveling Expenses

Travel does not come cheap. Whether it's national or international or by air, land or sea there will always be a cost implication for your business; air tickets, parking tolls, hotel accommodation - all these costs will affect your bottom line.

Web conferencing reduces the need for travel. Face to face meetings can be conducted via the web, from multiple geographic locations. Airport delays, flight cancellations, traffic jams on the freeway - all these irritations are not only affecting your blood pressure but are costing your company money, too. All that time wasted while you wait for your flight to be called or the jam to clear is money down the drain. Web conferencing cuts out not just the frustrations but also the financial price of wasting time.

Saving Time Equals Saving Money

It's not just travel delays that waste time and costs money. Time is spent organizing meetings and getting busy colleagues together in the same place on the same day can be a complicated task. Someone within your organization is having to spend time pulling it all together. This is time that could be better spent generating sales and income for your business.

Web conferencing allows your workforce to work smarter. With web conferencing, a meeting that before may have taken a member of staff out the office for several days, can be concluded in a matter of hour, freeing up extra time. A few extra hours in the week to get the job done is something most employees would appreciate.

Work Smarter And Reduce Costs

Document sharing is one of the many facilities available through web conferencing. Documents can be viewed simultaneously by individuals, regardless of where they are located. Projects can be completed more quickly and more accurately. Documents can be updated in real time and colleagues can edit them together. In the absence of web conferencing, this form of collaboration would require an element of travel, costing the business time and money.

There is a personal upside for employees who have their business travel reduced, too. Less time spent traveling for work means they have more time at home with their families and staff who are happier in their home lives are likely to be more productive during their working hours.

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

Web Conferencing: Finding a Service Provider that Meets Your Needs

With the vast amount of service providers that are available today, itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs not always easy to find the one that best fills the bill for your particular web conferencing needs. Each one claims to be the biggest, best or least expensive, and all will try to convince you that their particular plan is the one that makes the most sense for your business. Sometimes you'll be the victim of a hard sell by those who are skilled in the art of diverting the attention away from your questions and, before you know it, the focus is on a set of features that you may have no use for at all.

In other cases, there are hidden fees that are peppered throughout the contract which you might not readily notice until you've fallen into the buy-in trap. How, then, are you supposed to find the best service provider to handle your web conferencing? Here are some handy tips that you should keep in mind when you go shopping for such services.

Multiple Location Participants รขโ�ฌโ�� If you have key people in distant lands that will need to come into the web conferencing loop, remember to keep this in mind when shopping for a web conferencing package. If a service provider attempts to impose strict limitations on this type of scenario, then this isn't the one for you.

Compare Prices รขโ�ฌโ�� Since most web conferencing providers utilize the same software or equipment from the same manufacturers, it stands to reason that the pricing structures should be similar. If one or more of them come in way above the mark, this should tell you something about the integrity of the company. In short, move on to another provider.

Review Pricing Plans รขโ�ฌโ�� Though many providers require to be paid on a rate-per-person schedule, there are those who will offer the same web conferencing services for a flat rate. This is ideal for companies with a number of participants. If youรขโ�ฌโ�ขre given the option of paying a flat monthly fee for unlimited web conferences, so much the better.

Investigate the Features Being Offered รขโ�ฌโ�� Whether your needs include online presentations that don't need to be interactive, or interactive online meetings/webinars, the right service provider can meet those needs. Check to see what other features are offered, as well, before committing to making a decision.

Many companies, for instance, have the need for features such as multiple presenters, polling and surveys, desktop remote control, live video, online chat with questions and answers, documentation presentation, application sharing, record and playback features and browser sharing. Service providers who don't offer any of these commonly used features should be put aside in favor of those who are less technologically challenged.

The best approach to taken when shopping for a web conferencing service provider is to go armed with a list of relevant questions and a detailed description of which features are pertinent to your business. Keeping in mind that you may have to investigate a number of providers in order to find the one that best suits your needs, exercise patience and don't be too quick to jump on the web conferencing bandwagon by choosing one thatรขโ�ฌโ�ขs simply popular or has the catchiest advertisements. There are plenty of good providers out there รขโ�ฌโ�� itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs just a matter of finding the one that has what you need, for the best possible price.

Copyright 2005 Octocat Ltd

Mike Spencer reviews various business services to help small and home office businesses get the best value for money in communicating with the outside world. Read more about Mikes reviews by his visiting his website here: http://www.web-conference-reviews.com

Audio Visual

In this day and age, you need to use audiovisual media to get attention. Whether you are creating a simple presentation or a full on advertising campaign, knowing what audiovisual media are and how to maximize them to serve your needs will definitely make you stand out.

What exactly does the term "audiovisual" mean? You see audiovisual technology at work everywhere รขโ�ฌโ�� in entertainment, in school, in corporate presentations, etc. The term "audiovisual" actually refers to the technology of combing visual output (such as a moving video, a photograph, or slides) with sound for the purpose of conveying information and ideas. Also called "multimedia output," audiovisual presentations have taken many forms and are continuously evolving as technology progresses. It is mostly used in advertising, entertainment, and, on a smaller scale, in educational training programs and group presentations. It has also found its way into contemporary art. A visit to a contemporary art museum will show you that itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs not uncommon anymore to see talking paintings or short video clips with sounds on display.

There are advantages to using audiovisual media. Audiovisual presentations appeal to two of the most-used senses รขโ�ฌโ�� sight and hearing รขโ�ฌโ�� to produce the best effect on the audience. Unlike "passive" information media such as purely visual aids (like photographs or charts) or purely auditory channels (like voiceovers), audiovisual presentations give emphasis, clarify and reinforce messages, multiply the audienceรขโ�ฌโ�ขs understanding of the information being presented, and generate more interest.

In most cases, the use of audiovisual media creates more impact than other forms. Studies show that audiovisual presentations, when well done, increase audience retention. Average people generally remember what they both see and hear, as opposed to what they only see or only hear. In fact, people retain only ten percent of information from an oral presentation, only thirty-five percent from a visual presentation, but a staggering sixty-five percent from an audiovisual presentation.

Audio Visual provides detailed information on Audio Visual, Audio Visual Equipment, Audio Visual Rentals, Audio Visual Presentations and more. Audio Visual is affiliated with Alpha Numeric Pagers.

Web Conferencing Services - Types

You may already have recognized the need for web conferencing within your organization. You have heard all about the many benefits and have decided it is the way forward for your company. Now all you have to do is decide which type of web conferencing would best suit your company's needs.

A quick investigation into the types of web conferencing available will result in a myriad of information. For the uninitiated, unraveling what is available can be confusing and time-consuming.

Below you will find a quick guide to the types of web conferencing currently out there. Each organization will have its own individual requirements and it is important to be clear about what you hope to gain from web conferencing. For example, is it a fully interactive virtual meeting place that your organization needs, or do you require a document sharing system that will allow employees in different geographical locations to work together on projects? Once you understand how you want web conferencing to work for you, analyzing the types of web conferencing and how they could work for your organization will become much easier.

Web Meeting

With growths in international business and a growing trend towards home working, the need for a virtual meeting place is increasing. A web meeting is just what it says - a meeting that takes place over the Internet. This facility has the capabilities to hold real-time conversations and share documents. Web meetings can be fully interactive, allowing participants to converse in real time and for information to be exchanged between delegates.

Web meeting set-ups vary in terms of sophistication and a very rudimentary system can be set up using just a digital camera and a broadband connection.

The Webcast

As the name would suggest, a webcast is a type of broadcast similar in nature to a television broadcast except, of course, a webcast takes place over the Internet. The broadcasting nature of this facility means that there is little opportunity for the presenter and delegates to interact with each other and therefore its function is primarily as a presenting tool. The other main feature of a webcast is that it can be broadcast simultaneously to hundreds of recipients.

If your requirement is for a presenting tool that also offers the interactive features of a web meeting, then you should consider a webinar.

The Webinar

As the name suggests, the webinar is a facility that allows you to conduct a seminar over the web. Allowing a greater level of interaction than the webcast, a webinar enables the presenter to conduct question and answer-type sessions with delegates. However, you should remember that a webinar does not afford the same degree of interaction as a web meeting.

Other Uses For Web Conferencing

Online Presenting

Web conferencing can also be used for conduction online presentations. Online presenting is ideal for sales pitches, performance reporting or providing training for other members of your organization. Add on features include slide shows, web based conversing and audio/video streaming.

Online Collaboration

This is by far the most commonly used type of web conferencing and is the ideal solution for organizations who have multi-location sites yet require collaboration between their employees on projects and documents. Online collaboration has file sharing capabilities that updates changes and alterations to documents in real-time to avoid errors.

Diane Parker is a web content writer who specializes in internet related topics. Her conferencing articles include: web conferencing software, choosing a web conferencing tool and internet conferencing.

Web Conferencing - What is it?

Web Conferencing is, very simply, a meeting, conference or seminar that is held over the World Wide Web. Web conferencing can refer to audio, video or text-based conversations and are conducted in real-time.

Web conferencing is an incredibly useful resource for anyone who trades within a global market place. It literally allows you to be in two places at once - sitting at home or in your office whilst conducting a meeting with someone one the other side of the world.

In its simplest form web conferencing can take the form of free downloads such as Microsoft NetMeeting or Yahoo Messenger. Subscribers can participate in text-based 'chats', inviting others into their conversations and being able to communication in real-time. Add a simple digital camera to this equation and you have the beginnings of an elementary web conferencing application.

At the other end of the scale, the most sophisticated applications allow seminars and presentations to be made to hundreds of delegates at the same time. Meetings can be fully interactive, allowing question and answer sessions, the sharing of files and documents and slide show presentations to be broadcast.

What Can I Do With Web Conferencing?

How you choose to use web conferencing will very much depend upon your line of work. A webinar (an online seminar) is less interactive than a web meeting, but is a very effective means of presenting sales pitches, performance reviews and delivering staff training.

A web meeting on the other hand, can be fully interactive not only in terms of audio and video but also by allowing the sharing of documents and files and viewing them online.

What is Online Collaboration?

Online collaboration is an excellent resource for project management, especially when team members are located in different geographical locations. Online collaboration provides an advanced level of document management and file sharing. Documents and files can be viewed, modified and updated online and in real time.

What Are The Benefits Of Web Conferencing?

The main benefits of web conferencing are to be found in terms of time and money savings. The need for travel is greatly reduced, and therefore so are the associated costs of travel - tickets, accommodation, subsistence, to name but a few. Employees spend less time waiting for flights, travel or just generally being away from their desk and therefore have more time to spend productively.

Enhanced communication is another benefit of web conferencing. Where colleagues could perhaps only meet face to face a few times a year, for example, web conferencing allows them to meet on a daily basis, if required. With people talking more, work gets done more efficiently and more accurately.

How Much Does It Cost?

The cost of web conferencing depends on how sophisticated an application you need. Low-level, one-to-one systems can be set up these days for virtually nothing. The most advanced systems, unsurprisingly, can run into thousands of dollars. Careful research, however, and thoughtful analysis of what you need from a web conferencing system can allow you to budget accordingly and match a system to your needs. The chances are, if you are spending money on travel then you will recoup the cost of your web conferencing software over time.

Diane Parker is a web content writer who specializes in internet related topics. Her conferencing articles include: web conferencing software, choosing a web conferencing tool and internet conferencing.

Audio Conference Services

Some people who use audio conferencing for personal or non-formal meetings do not need to engage the services of professional audio conferencing service providers. There are many services available via chat services. Some can be obtained for free if all users are using the same chat service, like Skype, Hotmail Messenger or Yahoo Messenger, just to name a few. However, if you wish to make calls from your computer to a landline or mobile phone then you would need to purchase an online calling card, which are available at affordable prices, and there are many providers to choose from.

The above options may not be the best, if other facilities are needed. They may lack the vital information that you require for work or reporting purposes. This is when professional services provider are highly desirable. Some of the extra services that service providers offer include call recording (where the entire conference will be recorded for the benefit all those who cannot attend), call recording playback, live queued question and answer program, online call scheduler, permission-based users (where access is allowed to people selected by the user to access their account), online billing account, call record history and other services which you may require.

Audio conferencing service providers can also provide similar services, like the conventional conference or exhibition service providers, who can take care of the entire organization of the conference, from sending invitations to the participants, informing the participants on how to go about using audio conferencing, preparing welcome speeches with the help of an emcee, coordinating the รขโ�ฌห�arrivalรขโ�ฌโ�ข of the participants and also arranging for hold music if an interval is necessary.

The services for audio conferences can also be custom-made to suit the needs of the individual or the company. This is a very cost-effective and innovative method of organizing conferences and meetings. This could be the number one choice for conferencing methods in years to come!

Audio Conferences provides detailed information on Audio Conferences, Audio Conference Calls, Audio Conference Companies, Audio Conference Services and more. Audio Conferences is affiliated with Online Audio Conferencing .

Are You Ready For Web Conferencing?

An exciting new development in Internet technology is making sales and business meetings through the Web as easy as turning on a computer.

Web based conferencing can now be used by organizations large and small. It is a very cost effective way to overcome geographical obstacles and meet with individuals or groups no matter where they are located.

Sales demonstrations and presentations can reach a large group of buyers quickly, easily and for little cost. No more traveling from location to location to repeat the same presentations. You can generate excitement and sales using audio or video in a way only the Internet can provide.

Web conferencing is poised to create a revolution in fund raising. Low cost, yet dramatic presentations can motivate contributors as no other method has been able to do.

Business and sales meetings can invite input from those in attendance. You can get valuable feedback from those using or selling your product or service. You can do PowerPoint presentations with live video conferencing just as you would if you were renting a hotel ballroom.

People in remote locations can discuss building or sales plans while simultaneously viewing the related blueprints or documents. That can save time, money and misunderstandings. Web based conferencing allows you to do this and much more through the Internet, from the convenience of your own office or location.

Web conferencing is much like participating in a telephone conference. With Web conferencing participants can use their computer's Web browser to log into a third party conferencing company's site. Once there they use a provided code to join the conference. If you are the presenter, the Web conferencing company makes all the arrangements and you are left with the just the responsibility of preparing and presenting the program.

The various Web conferencing providers offer basically the same service with some variation of features. The cost for Web conferencing is much the same as that of a teleconference and is usually negotiable. Companies that contract to do a schedule of regular Web conferencing will be offered discounted rates.

The quality of both Web audio and video technology is rapidly improving and it will soon approach that of television. There are very few limitations on the manner in which you wish to present your message.

The advantages of Web conferencing are so vast that no company can afford not to explore the many ways it can be effectively used to save time and money, and to increase sales.

Mark Walters covers develpments in Web and video conferencing at http://www.HearMeWeb.com

Video Conferencing - The Essential Ingredients

The Tools and Supplies Needed for Video conferencing

In order to take advantage of video conferencing you need the right ingredients or tools. There are some basic components that anyone, whether an organization, educational facility or individual needs before they can communicate with others using video conferencing technology.

Of course the most basic piece of equipment necessary is a camera. A camera will allow a user to capture video information at their site and transmit it to someone at another site. Parties using video conferencing will also need a video display to display the video at their site, a microphone to hear the video and speakers to play the audio material.

Video conferencing Equipment

Most video conferencing terminals also require what is called a codec or Compressor/Decompressor interface. This piece of equipment helps compress information being passed from audio to video to make transmission of materials feasible over the Net. Without this piece of equipment most files would be too large to send from one computer to another. The process of compression data using a codec machine is often referred to as decoding and encoding information.

Finally, a computer and reliable internet connection are also necessary to facilitate video conferencing. A high speed connection is recommended to make the video conferencing experience not only endurable but also enjoyable. The actual computer you have is not as important as the size of your display. Remember that when using video conferencing equipment, the larger your display the better your picture and the more easily a time you will have รขโ�ฌห�conferencing' with other people on the Web.

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

The Benefits of Using Conference Calling for the Psychotherapist

Conference calling can save you time and money. For those who are psychotherapists, time is extremely important. Not only do you need the time to talk to your patience, but you need to confer with other doctors as well. Conference calling can do many things for you. You can find these benefits to make your job simpler, allowing you more time to make it profitable and beneficial to the patients. All the way around, conference calling is a great product to have. Here are some of its benefits to the psychotherapist.

First of all, conference calling can lock you into a conversation with many people. This means that you can plug in several associates or even a group of patients for a group session. Assuming that you use it in this way, you are saving yourself quite a bit of time and expense, but you are also getting a one on one experience to all of those individuals included.

Consider the cost savings. If you need to have even just one secretary sitting into a meeting, you are paying too much. With conference calling, you save money because you can have the call recorded.

If you need to use group therapy with your patients, consider using conference calling. Of course, many individuals will prefer that they can listen into a conversation and not have to have others see who they actually are. This can help people to open up, to divulge what they need to and to begin to heal with your direction. Because everyone has the ability to communicate with everyone else, they may just feel more comfortable doing so without having to face the person directly.

Using Conference Calling

Using conference calling in your profession can be quite easy. You can talk to a group of people from the same area, from the same state or even across the world. This makes it easy to get a group of doctors together to talk about an issue. It helps to bring together people from across the country for the same cause. And, it is time and money saving to you by cutting your costs considerably.

Are you concerned that it will be too expensive? Concerned with it being too hard to use? If so, you do not need to worry. All the individual calling into the call will need to do is call a specific number and enter a code that you provide to them. It is that easy. They can then talk to you, talk to others on the call or simply listen. Virtually anyone from around the world can be included. Lastly, conference calling for the psychotherapist is quite affordably priced. For even those on a limited budget, it can be easy to afford. It is much less expensive than having to travel from place to place or paying fees for a meeting room. Conference calling is a great tool for any psychotherapist to use in their daily practice!

Tom Parker has put together a website to help people who want to have a conference call and made it affordable for everyone! http://www.affordableconferencing.com is your place for reliable, affordable, reservationless teleconference lines for easy hosting. Go and check out the rates and get your conference started today! http://www.affordableconferencing.com

Seven Steps to a Vital Videoconference

When it's time for your fifteen minutes of fame will you be ready? With videoconferencing becoming common place in 21st century communication, executives, entrepreneurs, and leaders need to be media savvy. Here's how to put your best face forward:

1. Prepare. It's not enough to show up to speak. Practice with the technology an hour before your presentation and rehearse your message points. Don't wing it.

2. Pause and Listen. Expect time delays. A weak video signal could cause a delay or echo. Allow ample time for your message to reach the other site and wait for a response before you resume making new remarks.

3. Use Small Gestures. Actions are amplified on videoconference. Wild, sweeping movements can result in distorted, fuzzy images.

4. Appoint a Moderator. The moderator facilitates the meeting, introduces guests, and keeps the presentation movoing. The moderator or a designated person operates the technology to free speakers to focus on the message.

5. Dress for TV. Avoid distracting jewelry, shiny clothing, and large, bold patterns. Keep another shirt or blouse in the office for late day videoconferences. Perspiration stains and wrinkles will be noticeable on video. Keep powder handy for shiny noses and bald spots.

6. Create a Connection. Begin with hello. The wave is a standard greeting in videoconferencing. Use the zoom function on the camera to establish eye contact. It's difficult to communicate without viewing facial expressions from the remote site.

7. Minimize Distractions. Keep noise down by restricitng movement in and out of the room. Turn off all beepers and cell phones at the beginning of the meeting. Place a "Do Not Enter" sign on the door and change activities frequently to maintain attention and avoid the boredom factor.

Nothing can replace in-person communication. But if you master the techniques of online communication, videoconferencing is the next best thing to being there.

Copyright Diane DiResta, 2004. All rights reserved.

Diane DiResta is President of DiResta Communications, Inc.,a New York City based consultancy. She is author of Knockout Presentations: How to Deliver Your Message with Power, Punch, and Pizzazz (Chandler House Press) http://www.diresta.com

Conference Call Providers

Conference call providers are the ones who enable the basic service for conference calls, either on web conferencing software or on a comparative low cost audio conferencing solution for online conference call meetings. They provide advanced teleconferencing platforms for customers to place international phone calls to anywhere in the world. With these features and calling flexibility, the telecom costs can be easily reduced by 90% over the traditional phone companies. This helps businesses to save money on international phone bills.

An organization can have up to 50 people connected on a single call through a conference caller, and be billed the same rate as a regular phone call. They donรขโ�ฌโ�ขt have to pay those high per-minute rates from other telecom companies. Conference call providers use the latest digital routing and switching equipment. Nowadays, conference call providers use full fiber-optic cabling throughout the network, providing callers with the finest quality service available, with a good bandwidth and less noise and transmission errors. There are multiple options to connect to a conference call provider. You can dial into a local toll-free access number, enter your conference code and get connected.

For conference call providers, with Conference Caller Web Dial Out, the calls are initiated via the Internet, are able to be received at any time of the day, 7 days a week. The fully automated system acts as a 24-hour operator, connecting organizations to their international partners and clients.

A lot of these providers are full-service conference call companies offering quality service and low-cost options. These companies provide personalized service for all of your conferencing needs. Affordable conference call provider rates, obviously, are preferred by most businesses. Reasonable pricing is the growing trend in the conferencing industry. Conference call providers are battling for their share of the marketplace. One must be sure to discuss and negotiate the best deals from their providers.

One should note that many providers offer a limited selection of conferencing services. Most of the companies specialize in one or two services, like audio, video, web, or data. Web collaboration software, video equipment, and conferencing phones are also offered by some companies.

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 Phone Conferencing

Web Phone Conferencing has emerged as a powerful tool used by corporate houses to be in constant touch with their clients. This low-cost but effective communication technique has become the communication lifeline for many businesses. Web Phone Conferencing gives them the chance to hold a group meeting with people who are geographically separated. This modern and effective tool is constantly used for presentations, video or visual sharing, demonstrations and more. With minimal equipment requirements and relatively low costs, Web Phone Conferencing makes for a popular means of communication for businesses.

In Web Phone Conferencing the participants sit at their computer and are connected via the Internet. The people involved in Web Phone Conferencing can actually see each other. This technology has gone a long way toward bringing the world closer. The Web Phone Conferencing is offered as a service, with the control in the hands of the user. You can use this service in two ways. First is on a usage basis, charged per user per minute. Secondly, there is a service that involves a fixed fee. But now, many vendors are making licensed conference software available so that the user can install it in their own servers.

With Web Phone Conferencing technology you also have the option to either download or save your meeting and conversation. This gives you the chance to view the entire conversation again, so that you can mark important points and information. But make sure that the Web Phone Conferencing is fully equipped with the emergency support service so that you donรขโ�ฌโ�ขt have to scurry around at the time of the conference.

With people expanding their businesses and taking them on the world stage, the Web Phone Conferencing is proving to be an efficient yet cost-effective tool. With the majority of people looking to cover a long distance in one leap, the Web Phone Conferencing provides them much-needed support. It wonรขโ�ฌโ�ขt be wrong to say that this technology has actually made distances immaterial.

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.

How Is Web Conferencing Used Today?

There are many different ways that web conferencing services are being used today.

Distance based learning, also known as E-learning is growing by leaps, and bounds today. Web conferencing software makes it real easy for students and instructors to meet in an interactive environment no matter where in the world they are. They also do not have to worry about security issues, as todays online conferencing solutions are using encryption algorithms to protect the integrity of there meets.

Business Conferencing is another area that web conferencing is becoming common place today. Companies that have offices that are located around the world can easily brainstorm with one another, securely share files, desk top sharing of live data, or just giving a presentation using PowerPoint.

This is saving companies money they would be spending on travel, and on lost productivity.

Telecommuting is another area that is hitting a big growth spike today. With more then 45 million Americans today working full or part time from the home, Studies have shown an actual increase in employee productivity when working at home, as well as a huge savings in travel time, to and from the office, and gas savings from not having to drive every day.

Web conferencing software can easily keep everyone in touch with one another just as if they were all in the same conference room together. Sharing ideas, data files, pictures, with no worry of having to use email to transmit any of these important documents.

Using it as an inter-office communications tool can also reduce the amount of email viruses that are plaguing both large and small business today. By using a secure system like this to transfer your files, you can reduce the chances of one of your employees accidently clicking on an attachment that was sent to them by some hacker or spammer. Even a 10% reduction in virus attacks today could save corporations million of dollars in lost revenue.

Sales and marketing departments can quickly, and easily hold live interactive multi-media presentations with customers, and clients located anywhere in the world, saving everyone involved travel time, and expenses.

Until recently using a web conferencing service was only affordable to large fortune 500 companies due to the costs involved but now there are alternatives to spending thousands of dollars a month for a conferencing solution that would only accommodate 100 to 200 people at a time.

Learn more at Web Conferencing Servies

Wireless Video Conferencing - How The Smithsonian Went Wireless

Nestled modestly along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) goes about its daily business of finding solutions to grand environmental challenges that the world faces in the 21st century. SERC is the Nation's leading research and education center dedicated to understanding ecological processes that sustain life on both land and the ocean. Over 70 percent of the world's population lives in the coastal zone, which includes the Earth's most biologically productive ecosystems, supports the majority of the world's fisheries and provides vast reserves of oil, gas and other non-living resources. The SERC Campus serves as a central campus for exploring the environment with other research that extends throughout the world. SERC educators provide rich content to the public based on their research through distance learning, web-based programs and on-site visits.

Recently, the institution concluded that they could improve their ability to research the environment with the help of a technological upgrade. "What we really needed was a wireless, mobile video conferencing solution so that we could bring the unit wherever our subject matter was," said SERC director of education Mark Haddon. SERCรขโ�ฌโ�ขs research projects are comprised of a variety of outdoor studies, which include shoreline and marine life research. "We wanted to maintain the integrity of the program, which focuses on learning about Science outdoors, so we were particularly interested in bringing the students right to the scene of the research, for maximum impact and an enhanced educational experience," said Haddon. "The only way we could visualize this type of format was through video conferencing, but we were unsure about what would be involved from a product standpoint. We tried to set it up by using one of our old systems but it wasnรขโ�ฌโ�ขt practical. A wireless, mobile solution is what was needed but we didnรขโ�ฌโ�ขt know if such a system was available so we contacted our vendor IVCi and they configured and installed our Mobile Video Interactive Companion II (MVIC II). We use the system out in the water, specifically, on the boat and on the shore to study marine life; things like shells, crabs, plant life, etc. We also have future plans to begin extending our studies into the forest."

The MVIC II is a mobile, wireless video conferencing system that provides two-way, high-end quality and performance in a compact wireless mobile offering. The MVIC II can act as a stand-alone video conferencing system or work as an extension to existing video systems. The MVIC II system that was configured for SERC can be rolled about the campus freely and uses a Polycom unit as the video codec.

Even before the wireless video conferencing installation, SERC had always relied on technology to improve the way they worked and shared knowledge with other institutions. "We are, in essence, a content provider to schools that have invested in video conferencing technologies, continued Haddon. " It gives students from these schools the ability to visit the Smithsonian and learn all about different types of life forms found throughout our environment, without leaving their classrooms. The fact is that many school districts are looking for content providers with good equipment because it justifies usage and encourages more schools to get involved in video conferencing. Video conferencing has developed into an excellent way for schools to provide quality education for their students, regardless of where the subject matter is located."

SERC has been using video conferencing for ten years but the wireless feature opens up a new world of possibilities. "The great thing about our current usage of this technology is that we really have access to true 360 degree video conferencing," said Haddon. "We have the unobstructed ability to share what we see and hear in real time. Iรขโ�ฌโ�ขve never heard of anyone anywhere with this type of application."

Recent improvements by equipment manufacturers and enhancements to related technologies, such as IP networks, have made video conferencing more reliable and affordable. As a long-time user of video conferencing systems, Haddon is very pleased with the changes. "Thereรขโ�ฌโ�ขs no question that the technology has gotten much better, said Haddon. "We no longer experience the types of connection problems we used to encounter. At one time, video conferencing was a very unreliable way to meet. Those issues are gone." Added Haddon, "Weรขโ�ฌโ�ขve also learned that it is very important to work with companies that are highly knowledgeable in this technical area. Itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs a specialized technology; therefore, you should only seek out specialists with the right experience and industry certifications."

Copyright ร�ยฉ Harold German, 2006. All Rights Reserved.

For many years, Harold German has been recognized as a knowledgeable source for information on corporate branding methodologies. Mr. German is a renowned author and contributor, with appearances in noted international publications such as The Economist, and on news stations such as CNN. Mr. German is a former director of IVCi, LLC, is the director of marketing at Innovative Stone, and is proprietor of Wainscoting Long Island.

Video Conferencing - How Law Firms Can Benefit

Video conferencing has been used by law firms for many years, but only until recently has it become affordable for even the smallest of firms. Equipment that cost tens of thousands of dollars only a few years ago, can be purchased for a fraction of that cost today. The products have become more reliable, easier to use, more compact, even portable, and their capabilities and features have been enhanced drastically. Popular thinking seems to indicate that now is the time to get your firm started with video conferencing, but not surprisingly, many firms encounter unnecessary technical obstacles and set backs due to poor planning. The following are important points you should keep in mind before getting started with video conferencing:

How you will use the technology
For many law firms, video conferencing is first used as a way to reduce traveling for internal meetings between practices located in different cities. But there are other factors to consider. How far are the courthouses your firm serves? Do they allow video depositions or other video-based communication for legal procedures? If the addition of video conferencing will save many, or all, of your attorneys significant amounts of time in commuting and improve the productivity of their work day, then video conferencing will definitely help to grow your practice.

The resources youรขโ�ฌโ�ขll needed
IP (Internet Protocol) networks are superior to ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network). If you have 384 kilobytes of bandwidth available to and from each video conferencing device, you should be able to enjoy a good quality video call. Realize however, that if your network is shared with other resources, it may compromise the quality of your conferences. A dedicated network specifically for video conferencing, or a managed IP video network like IVCiรขโ�ฌโ�ขs IntelliNet, would ensure the best user experience.

Once you define your network, you need someone to manage it. Although your firmรขโ�ฌโ�ขs technical staff may be able to manage your conferencing network, there are more efficient ways to ensure steady and healthy performance of your video conferences. Some conferencing providers perform รขโ�ฌห�managed servicesรขโ�ฌโ�ข that take all of the work out of your hands. Do a search in Google for "managed conferencing services" and youรขโ�ฌโ�ขll find a list of companies that will allow you to reap all of the benefits of video conferencing while eliminating your need to purchase expensive network equipment and hire additional support staff.

The following are steps you can take to be ready for your video conferencing implementation:

Talk with your attorneys and identify those individuals who are ready to reap immediate benefits from the technology; those who would be ready and willing to start using video conferencing right away.

Once you define the extent of usage, you can calculate the amount of time that your attorneys will be freed up to work on other cases. In many instances, the time saved adds up to dozens of hours per month, per attorney. With more time available, they can work on additional cases, thus growing the practice.

Video conferencing is best executed in phases. Features that satisfy the most important needs of the practice should be implemented in the first phase. Define what you need, find out what it costs and budget for that phase. As need and demand grow, you can budget for future implementations as they arise. Always work with conferencing providers that create scalable solutions.

Do some simple math. Once you define how much usage your firm will have, you can compare that figure to your budget. Itรขโ�ฌโ�ขs as easy as that.

Copyright ร�ยฉ Harold German, 2006. All Rights Reserved.

For many years, Harold German has been recognized as a knowledgeable source for information on corporate branding methodologies. Mr. German is a renowned author and contributor, with appearances in noted international publications such as The Economist, and on news stations such as CNN. Mr. German is a former director of IVCi, LLC, is the director of marketing at Innovative Stone, and is proprietor of Wainscoting Long Island.

Web Conferencing Solutions

Web conferencing solutions are applications of Web conferencing technology for business communication purposes and have an important role to play in an increasingly global economy. Companies are increasingly embracing Web conferencing solutions not only to cut down the travel expenses but also to speed up decision-making processes by allowing key people to collaborate instantly, no matter where they may happen to be physically located.

Web conferencing solutions allow participants to share information in the form of files, applications or PowerPoint presentations รขโ�ฌโ�� they can even poll. The participants usually sit at their desks and share information either through an interactive whiteboard or through text messaging. They can also speak to each other using a normal phone or a Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone and even share videos via Web cams.

Some of the most popular Web conferencing solutions are Microsoft Office Live Meeting, Genesys Meeting Center, Raindance Web Conferencing Pro Seminar, and WebEx Meeting Center. All of them offer tools considered as standard. These include Web-based PowerPoint presentations, chat, document sharing and annotation, whiteboarding and application sharing. However, they differ in terms of their multimedia features, meeting management tools, and integration with telephone conferencing.

Genesys and WebEx have the capabilities to show slide transitions, play the audio and video integrated with presentation, and allow live videoconferencing. These solutions also allow the connection of the name of the conference participants with the telephone numbers they used to dial in so that presenters can easily mute, un-mute and dismiss callers through a Web based console.

Eventually, Web conferencing solutions might become just another feature within other productivity applications. The recent acquisition of Placeware by Microsoft and the addition of the term 'Office' to the name of its Live Meeting service is a signal that the company may bundle Web conferencing solution with its popular Microsoft Office suite.

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.