Register Here for Your Free Trial of GVO Conference Software ====>

A Business Imperative

The use of audio only conference calls, and the rapidly growing use of online audio video conferencing is an imperative for business in today’s economic climate.   The high cost of travel, even to close a deal face-to-face, is fast becoming an outmoded business practice.

Most companies today, large and small, are transitioning to the online meeting mode because it is such a time and cost effective way of doing business.  Furthermore, the technology that is now available is exceptional, and the cost is increasingly moderate.

Effective online meetings can be set up within hours or even minutes by your online conferencing provider.  The the capabilities and cost effectiveness of the technology that is available today in the form of video conferencing software are truly staggering compared with what you could get just 2-3 years ago.   It is truly transforming the business meeting environment.

Companies are saving tens and even hundreds of thousands annually, particularly those who conduct business internationally.   These savings accrue because they are holding “virtual”  meetings online, rather than spending the time and money to transport their people across the country and around the world.

Three Different Virtual Meeting Solutions

Businesses of any size, and even individuals can make good use of today’s web conferencing solutions.   Three basic types are being used today:  Audio Conferencing, Video Conferencing and Web Conferencing.

Here is a basic overview of each of the types:

1.   Audio Conferencing

The audio conference solution in continually evolving forms has been in use for decades, starting with two party calls having a group of people sitting around a speaker phone at each end of the line.   The cost is simply the long distance charge plus the cost of the speaker phone equipment.

Today, the hosted conference solution which can accommodate hundreds, each with his own line, is available through third party providers like AT&T, and others.  The main cost is the charge by the third party provider, as call in is usually by 800 number for the caller.   Overseas long distance charges can also apply when call in parties are out of the host country.

2.  Video Conferencing

The typical video conferencing solution used mainly by larger businesses due to high equipment investment cost enables all participants to see and hear each other via video screen and sound systems.   The video and sound systems can be integrated or independent in these conferences.

The video conference today  is the truest form of the virtual meeting because the technology can make it appear almost as though you are in the same room.  You can experience non-verbal  as well as verbal communication in this type of setting.  Of all the methods, this is the most costly because of the expensive equipment involved and the high order of data transmission required.

3.  Web Conferencing

This mode of virtual conferencing has emerged with increasing popularity as broad ban internet connections have proliferated.   It is an extremely affordable compromise between full blown video conferencing and audio conferencing.  It is the method of choice for small businesses and even for individuals.  It is very easy to set up, and meetings can be very effective.

Hundreds of individuals all in different locations can be interconnected for meetings having one or more moderators.  The only equipment required for each is a computer with webcam, microphone and speakers plus an internet connection, preferably broadband.

Web conference software is also needed.  One type is downloaded to your computer and interacts with a central hub.  The most recent innovation is the development of “flash” technology that requires no software download at each individual computer.

This solution can enable the speakers to be seen in real time, sharing of desktops and documents, pushing of websites, presentation of powerpoint slides, white boarding and cocurrent text chatting.

#1 Recommended Web Conferencing Solution

While there are many options available, we recommend Joel Therien’s new GVO Conference product.  This full featured and unique new system is just being introduced in late fall 2009.

It employs the latest flash video technology negating any need for software download.  It can also be used on either Mac or PC platforms. Conferences involving hundreds can be reliably conducted.

Click Here For a $1 Trial