Web conferencing applications are gaining momentum in both the Internet and business worlds. According to CNET News.com, the Yankee Group reports that the market for conferencing services is expected to grow substantially this year to approximately $700 million. This is a jump from $480 million in 2003.
What is Web conferencing and why is it becoming so prevalent? Web conferencing is simply a term used to describe the interactions and communications that take place between individuals and/or companies via the Web. It is a cost-effective tool that allows users to cross geographic boundaries while circulating information almost instantaneously.
Although many assume that Web conferencing is used primarily for virtual meetings, there are generally three types of the technology–meeting, presentation, and collaboration.
Meeting: Two or more people conduct meetings using Web conferencing systems over the Internet. Very similar to an actual “meeting,” participants can share documents, stream audio or video, engage in chats, or use voice-over IP.
Presentation: Attendees of a “presentation” may log into a Web conference and communicate with a moderator (who can also interact with participants and manage communication) via phone lines or web-based chat. Presenters have the opportunity to display information using various techniques such as audio/video streaming or slide shows.
Collaboration: This is a valuable technique to employ particularly for workers in remote geographic locations. This conferencing format makes it possible for teams to work simultaneously on one document in real-time.
There are Web conferencing products aplenty in the marketplace today. One should always consider the many factors involved before determining which one best suits his/her needs. These may run the gamut from materials to be presented, degree of interactivity, technical support, etc.
Macromedia, who just recently entered the Web conferencing arena with Breeze, an Internet presentation service, announced Monday that it will offer free Breeze service for the month of March.
“We want as many people as possible to see how easy and powerful Web conferencing can be,” stated Macromedia general manager Tom Hale to CNET News.
“Easy” and “powerful”–two words that any intelligent and productive individual likes to hear.
back to topWeb Ad.vantage is a full-service online marketing company with core competencies in search engine optimizatiom, PPC Campaign Management and online media buying. Visit our Internet Marketing Services section to learn more about our full range of services.
WebAdvantage.net encourages the reprinting of our marketing tips and articles. Before doing so, however, please contact us at for permission to do so. The company bio located above is required to accompany any reprint. Thank you in advance for your professional courtesy.
Subscribe to our blog RSSPragmatic, professional advice with no hidden agenda.
Internet Business Forum
Find out more hereCuil: Cool or Uncool?
It seems that everybody’s “Googling” these days—but are you “Cuiling” yet? Cuil (pronounced “cool”) is a new search engine developed by former Google engineer and search architect Anna Patterson and her husband Tom Costello (a former... read more
Google Knol: The First Real Challenge to Wikipedia?
In the search landscape, Wikipedia has been dominating first page search results on practically any subject for years, and continues to be one of the most authoritative “go to” sites for research and quick fact checking. However, the collective... read more
Solutions for Yahoo (Besides Microsoft’s Money)
This article by Hollis originally appeared in ClickZ on February 12, 2008. Last week, I dealt with the sad occurrence of my father-in-law’s passing. The funeral brought together people from throughout the country because in addition to his... read more
