Teleconferencing / Videoconferencing Options for Business

Meetings have always been a major part of doing business. Companies and professionals are constantly attending meeting with clients, partners, and prospects in order to uncover new business opportunities and to develop a network of partnerships that can benefit their organization.

One area in particular was spending related to travel. Most companies, in an attempt to garner new business would rarely second guess traveling to meetings in other cities or attending yearly conferences. However, in an attempt to save some of the costs associated with travel expenses, many companies have found a new, and more cost-effective solution for meetings, teleconferencing.

While teleconferencing is not a new concept, its capabilities have improved considerably through the use of VoIP and internet-based technology. Teleconferencing, or as they are also commonly referred to as teleseminars are meetings that are conducted in real time and include a number of different participants from a number of locations over a telecommunications system. Traditionally, these meeting have been conducted over the telephone via a conferencing calling provider.

Internet telecommunications

New technologies have built on the concept of teleconferencing and have enhanced its capabilities to not only include audio, but also video and data transfer services. Rather than using the phone, many companies have now turned to their computer to conduct important meetings.

With data sharing and video capabilities, the need to meet in the same physical space has dissipated. People involved with the meeting can simply connect to the meeting space, communicate through the use of a microphone or head set, and visually see the people in their meeting through the use of a Web cam. And, if there is a presentation component to the meeting, the presentation can be streamed in a number of formats (i.e. A PowerPoint presentation) so all users can view it simultaneously.

Internet conference call software

Currently there are a number of options for companies that want to conduct meetings over the Internet. For less formal meetings that are comprised of a relatively small number of users, companies can use existing VoIP and instant messaging software applications for the meeting. Some of the most popular include:

• Skype
• Windows Live Messenger
• Google Talk
• Yahoo Messenger
• Internal instant messaging software for meeting between remote locations

There are also a number of more professional Internet meeting providers that offer premium online conferencing services for a fee. Some of the most commonly used vendors include:

• Microsoft Office Live Meeting
• GoToMeeting
• Adobe Acrobat Connect WebEx

The benefits of Teleconferencing / Videoconferencing

There are a number of great benefits that teleconferencing can off Canadian businesses:

• Cost: Videoconferencing / Teleconferencing is much more affordable than travel. Rather than travelling to other cities and paying for the cost of a flight and hotel, companies can conduct a conference call for a fraction of the price.
• Convenience: Teleconferencing allows users to conduct meetings whenever they want and from any location. All they need is their computer and an internet connection and they can have a meeting with anyone around the world.
• Efficiency: Companies not only save the time associated with travelling, they also will be able to use this time for additional business tasks

Since business travel and meetings are expensive and time consuming, videoconferencing has become extremely popular with companies across Canada because it is a viable option that saves both money and time.