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.