Web Conferencing


By Thomas Morva


Web conferencing is an Internet-based technology that facilitates the sharing of just about any audio and visual medium in a conference. This includes everything from presentations to polling facilities to product demonstrations and Web tours. Using Web conferencing, groups of people from around the world can work collaboratively on a document, blueprint or a drawing without leaving their desks. For example, an engineering team in Detroit can participate in a new car design review held in London, while discussing the new design with an advertising agency in New York.

The term ‘Web conferencing’ was earlier used mainly for text-based group communications or discussions over a Web space known as a message board. But now it has evolved to refer to live or synchronous meetings. This technology dates back to the 1990s when the Web was first used for conferences using instant messaging techniques. Microsoft NetMeeting is one of the earliest examples of Web conferencing software that allowed users to collaborate in real time.

A conferencing service provider usually offers Web conferencing as a service. The application software is hosted on the service provider’s server and is made available to customers either as a per seat basis or on usage basis. Some service providers allow their large customers to install the applications on their own servers. Conferencing software that operates on a peer-to-peer basis such as Instant Messengers is also available but its functionality is limited and restricted to small groups.

A large number of service providers and vendors are now present in the conferencing market

This market continues to expand at a rapid pace due to the growing acceptance of online conferencing as an alternative to personal meetings requiring travel and as a better form of communication compared to voice-only conferences.


More Resources

Unable to open RSS Feed $XMLfilename with error HTTP ERROR: 404, exiting

More Video Conferencing Information:

Related Articles

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.
How Video Conferencing Works - Multimedia, Interactive Communication Across the Miles
You may think you understand video conferencing pretty well until someone who isn't at all familiar with it approaches you for a simple definition. When they ask, "What exactly is video conferencing?" you could suddenly realize you're at a loss for words.
How to Get Your Video Production Right the FIRST Time
I'll cut to the chase. To make your video look right, you have to wear makeup.
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.
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 - the technology works with a minimum of hassle, it's an efficient way to give marketing presentations, hold meetings, provide training and do product demonstrations.
Video Conferencing Basics
This article will provide you a brief introduction about what actually video conferencing is. By video conferecing we can connect with some other identity and also can see the video online in real time.
Telephone Conferencing - Evolution in the Web
The Need To CommunicateThe need for businesses to communicate both internally and with each other has always been great. Successful transactions cannot be completed without communication - so much relies upon it; decent customer service; placing orders; winning new business.
The Benefits of Using Conference Calling for the Psychotherapist
Conference calling can save you time and money. For those whoare psychotherapists, time is extremely important.
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.
Web Conferencing Software - Choosing Your Application
It is worth bearing in mind that, when you are deciding which web conferencing application to utilize, none of the applications currently available will do everything well.Each system has its own strengths and weaknesses and it is therefore important for you to identify what you hope to gain from your web conferencing application.
Tips On Planning A Successful Video Conference
Planning a successful video conference can actually be harder then it sounds. There are several key factors you want to make sure and get right or your conference could become a total nightmare.
Dial-up Vs. Broadband Video
The decision to pay the extra fees and move from dial-up to broadband usually involves meeting three wants: faster downloads, faster uploads and live streaming video.The transmission of live streaming video is dependent on bandwidth, video codecs and the ability to transmit as many frames per second as possible.
Web Conferencing: Finding a Service Provider that Meets Your Needs
With the vast amount of service providers that are available today, it's 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.
Web Conferencing: A Boon to Businesss
It is Sunday evening and you are preparing again to go on a business trip. Monday morning the alarm goes off at 4:00 am, you drag your body and your briefcase to your car, drive to the airport, wait in a long line, get on a plane, get off a plane, and find your way to your client's office.
Benefits of Web-Based Conferencing
I recently graduated from college, and instead of taking a corporate programming job, my friend and I started our own web development company. Everything was going great.
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 1960's, when AT&T introduced the Picturephone at the World's Fair in New York.
Internet Conferencing - Advantages
Nobody works in complete isolation. In virtually all lines of business, contact with other people will be required in some capacity.
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.
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.
Webcams: Science-Fiction Becomes Reality
One of the most incredible inventions I've ever come across is the web cam and its process of video conferencing. This is just so futuristic I can't believe they really exist and are readily available to anyone with the Internet, speakers, and the right software.