Carlos Montenegro asked:




With the rising price of oil in the world market, companies have to cut down on certain expenses in order to show a profit. You can cut down the number of times that an employee travels on business trips and instead have a video conferencing facility setup that accomplishes the same objective.

But how do you setup video conferencing? The easiest way of saying it is simply by buying the equipment, having it installed and letting someone in the office take care of it. But it is not that simple. There are things you have to aware of first so you are able to purchase the right system.

Let’s first talk about the devices that are used to make this work. There are three types namely desktop, small group and learn group. Naturally, the prices of each one varies but the common denominator is the fact that they can be used over ISDN or IP.

When you have chosen which of the three you want, the next hurdle is to work on the bandwidth. A T-1 for instance fives you only one line of communication. What if you need to speak with different offices simultaneously? For that you will need a T-3 or higher.

If you are having problems with your IP network since it is not able to handle the additional traffic, the best thing for you to do is to get circuit switched networks or to deploy additional IP bandwidth capacity.

Earlier, we mentioned ISDN and IP networks. What is the difference? ISDN stands for integrated services digital network. IP on the other hand stands for Internet protocol.

Video conferencing through ISDN happens as you are able to integrate both analog or voice data together with digital data over the same network. This means you are able to encompass frame relay service for high speed data in large bursts.

This can also be done using your IP network which is very similar to how you are able to browse the web. In the US, more people use IP’s compared to ISDN but in Europe, this is the exact opposite because it happens to be much cheaper than IP’s.

When you are budgeting how much will be needed for video teleconferencing setup, you have to break down the fixed acquisition costs from the recurring costs. The fixed cost depends largely on how many units you will be ordering. There is also the license that you have to get that is $250 to $40,000 each and if you are a very large company, you might just exceed $100,000 per package since you also have to consider the hardware and software components needed.

Is it worth all that just to have video conferencing? A lot of people say yes because their employees are more productive, decisions are made quickly and the company saves money.

In fact, private companies are not the only one using it as the government, the education and the healthcare sector have also taken advantage of this to conduct hearings, teach children and help patients.

If you want to know more about video teleconferencing setup and how much it will cost, go look for vendors and ask them for an estimate. After comparing the quotes from various companies, surely you can find the right one that fits within your budget.

klikslydir asked:

Fortune Senior Writer Jon Fortt talks to Microsoft Corporate Vice President Gurdeep Pall about Microsoft’s approach to video conferencing, and how it differs from the approach HP and Cisco are taking.

Khyati P asked:




Web conferencing makes business life easier. With the web conferencing technology, business cut their travel costs and other logistics expenditure by cutting down face-to-face meetings and replacing it with web-based conferences. Web conferencing enables people physically and geographically separated to conduct meetings, presentations, consultations and collaborations.

There are numerous web conferencing vendors in the market nowadays offering new features and services. Here are some of the common features of web conference programs:

* Web conferencing programs use common applications like Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Adobe Flash Player to create graphic presentations with enhanced audio and video streaming. For PowerPoint presentation sharing, the presentation is compressed in the presenter’s computer and then sent to the server. The server then sends it to all the participants, caching it in the presenter’s computer. This allows the presenter to change the presentation slides.

* File sharing, document and application sharing allows the presenter to share a selected document with the participants. Documents or files created in Word, Excel, layouts in graphics program can be shared. File sharing is the same as the PowerPoint presentation sharing.

* Web page viewing allows the presenter and the participants to launch a browser and make it visible to everyone. Web page viewing is mainly used to check a competitor’s website, testing of the new website with technical and creative teams, and conducting software product tours.

* The moderator can also hand off the control of the flow of the discussion. One of the participants may run the meeting.

* Desktop sharing is also another great feature of web conferencing. Desktop or screen sharing allows the presenter to display everything that is on his computer screen to be seen by the participants in real time. The presenter can also allow his desktop to be controlled by any of the other participants.

* Whiteboard encourages brainstorming and other on-the-spot creative process. With this feature, web conferencing provides text and drawing capability. Participants can illustrate or outline projects or ideas in the whiteboard.

* Most web conferencing providers have a window dedicated in viewing the roster of attendees of the conference.

* There are also backup systems. In case the first server fails, the conference is seamlessly moved to a second server. All the meeting materials are stored so that the important data will not be lost.

* Recording allows online archiving of the actual meeting. This is a reliable source or point of reference. Only the moderator determines who are allowed to access the recording after the conference.

* Instant messaging is also an important communication feature offered by web conferencing vendors.

* Aside from text chat or instant messaging, audio communication is in the form of VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). This allows users to make telephone calls over the World Wide Web.

* For the security of the conference, web conference providers are using Secure Sockets Layer for full meeting security. Meeting attendees require a conference security code to access both live conferences and recorded meetings.

Web conference service providers are promoting different kinds of feature for their conference products. Knowing the right web conferencing program to use would rely on the objective for using this kind of program. Once the need and the ability are drawn, then the solution will be easier to find.

Carlos Montenegro asked:




As more people are using video conferencing to do conduct brainstorming, meetings and trainings so too are the number of video conferencing facilities all across the country.

Some of these video conferencing facilities can be found in hotels and universities. You have the option to use 3 ISDN lines to connect to another party even if it is possible to do so using just one or two. The reason why three are used though is to enhance the audio and visual quality that is assuming that whoever you are talking to can accept all three.

The video conferencing facilities in some cases are open 24 hours a day 7 days a week and charge on an hourly basis.

The rates vary depending on who will be renting the place so if you are a student, it going to be much cheaper than the one that a corporation has to pay. Weekday rates are also much cheaper than during weekends.

With the price you pay, you also get a technician to make sure that everything is running smoothly. This person will come in handy should you be interacting with more than three sites simultaneously as he or she will make sure that there is a bridge connection.

People who will be renting a video conferencing facility should reserve early so no one else will take their scheduled time. To avoid paying for the slot allotted should there be a cancellation, you are advised to inform them.

To maximize the time in any video conferencing facility, someone should be designated as moderator so the lecture or the objectives of the meeting are not interrupted.

The setup of video conferencing facilities varies at each location. You will have the basics like a camera, microphone, screen but the processor or codec available depends on what they have chosen to buy and serve to the public.

If you are worried that people outside will hear what is happening inside, no need to worry because most of these facilities are soundproof.

For those who are happy with the video conferencing facility they have rented, you can ask the administration if there is a discount should this be used on a regular basis. Some give this generously while others don’t.

As for payment for the use of video conferencing facilities, the bill will only be given to you after the conference has been concluded. This is because although they know how long you will be using it, there are times that you may have to extend beyond this time which they can honor as long as no one else will be using it.

Given that there are a lot of video conferencing facilities around, what should the basis be for choosing one venue over another one? Aside from price, you should check what kind of equipment they use, if this is compatible with the version that the party is using, if you are able to send and receive data as well as the ability to record the meeting so this can be later reviewed.

If the video conferencing facility is up to standards, then you can see how things work out and decide whether or not to use them again in the future. If you are not content, look in the directory or surf online because there is sure to be another venue that can offer something better so you can maximize the time you have during your video conference.

avingusa asked:

iVisit showcased its video conference solution software at CTIA Wireless 2008 in Las Vegas. It will launch later this month while featuring new hi-fidelity, low-cost unified communication software that integrates instant messaging, multi-party audio and video conferencing, desktop and presentation.

Peter A Mann asked:




Video conferencing is method by which people in different locations communicate in real time with two or more people at different locations via video This ability to see the remote participants as well being able to hear them has many benefits over audio-conferencing.

Video conferencing is now widely used by all industry sectors. Multinational companies use it to communicate with international branch offices, whilst smaller companies use videoconferencing to enable them to work with clients and suppliers in different countries.

The equipment required for video conferencing is simple to operate. On screen menus enable you to enter the number you want to call or select it from an address book. Gone are the days where videoconferencing required specialist technicians – now everyone in your office can be shown how to place calls with a 10 minute training session.

Video conferencing should not be considered in ‘black and white’ terms – there will always be a need to travel to meet clients or partners especially during the important early stages when relationships are being built. Where videoconferencing wins out is being able to maintain those relationships easily and cost effectively.

Modern video conference systems enable users to share documents and computer images with the remote (far end) party. When videoconferencing is used in this manner it becomes part of a collaboration solution.

Video conferencing is not only used internationally, many legal firms and consultants use videoconference systems to avoid billing clients travel time and to be able to carry out more client meetings in any given time period.

Many-to-many communication: this is the most complex form of video conferencing and is mostly associated with room based video conferencing technology. In this case several parties (more than 2) are involved in the conference, and all can be seen and heard.

Why use video conferencing?

A telephone call or e-mail is not always the best way to communicate with another person. Interactive meetings can help to generate ideas, and enable people to read and react to others’ sensitivities

Video conference communication and meetings are often much shorter in total as no travel is involved. A meeting that may take you away from work for four hours (due to travel) may take only one or two hours using a video conference. You can communicate more regularly with people in other districts or countries, which would usually be costly or impossible if you had to travel. Using

Cheow Yu Yuan asked:




Nowadays, video conferencing is becoming more and more popular. With this technology, it helps businesses to save time and money. This explains why more businesses are adopting this technology and use it in their daily operations.

In this article, we will find out 5 prime examples of how video conferencing is used in business.

1. Sales meeting. As video conferencing allows many people to log on at the same time and interact with one another, many businesses are using it to conduct their sales meetings. The sales manager can be the host and employees will update him or her with their sales targets. If they have any problem, they can also raise it during the meeting and solutions can be brainstormed by everyone. Moreover, it can also help to reduce the sales cycle too!

2. Training of employees. Video conferencing can be used to conduct workshops, brainstorming sessions and consultations to train employees to become more proficient in their area of expertise. It makes training quick and convenient and any problem can be addressed immediately by the trainer. Another big benefit of using this technology for training is that employees can access recorded training session videos and make sure that they can fully understand their job scopes.

3. Product demonstrations. Sales people can use this technology to demonstrate products to their prospects and existing clients. Live conferencing can create a stronger bond with prospects and clients which will further boost the company sales revenue.

4. Interacting with employees. It is a very good channel for upper management to interact with employees. This is very useful especially if you have employees situated in other countries or offices. This cut travelling time and save cost on fuel and air tickets.

5. Conducting interviews. You can use video conferencing to interview prospective employees from all over the country and this will significantly increase your chance of hiring the right candidates. Moreover, it also helps you to save time and cost on travelling too.

These are just 5 uses of video conferencing by companies to conduct business. This technology is definitely here to stay. If you have not tried it, you should give it a go. I believe that you will be impressed by the benefits video conferencing brings to your business. You do not need to spend a lot of money to get started. By getting the most basic equipments, you can enjoy the benefits right away.

Steve Mathews asked:




When considering conferencing options it is important to know what main areas are available. Audio web video conferencing are the primary options, each with their own highpoints and drawbacks. In most cases a company can easily determine which conferencing option they will primarily use and then from there can look for conferencing services that is most affordable.

Audio Conferencing

Audio conferencing is the most basic conference service available. Audio conferencing is a very simple set up requiring only a telephone and a toll free number. Some of the benefits with choosing a strictly audio conferencing service is that is the cheapest of the conferencing services. Pricing is based on a flat rate and depending on the service provider, some extras are included free with the basic package. Some of the drawbacks with audio conferencing are due to its relatively basic set up; the options may not completely meet the needs of a business. For larger audio conferences it will not be possible for everyone to provide verbal feedback. Out of the three services, audio web video conferencing, audio is the most basic.

Web Conferencing

If audio is too basic for a company’s needs, web conferencing may be a more acceptable solution. The level of involvement in a web conference can range from viewing simple text via a central server, or even with the addition of audio provider real time voice as well. Web conferencing is a little more costly depending on how much interaction the software allows. Also with web conferencing every participant will need to be online, which means everyone would need a computer and access to the Internet. If the conference is audio web video conferencing, it will have to be a high-speed connection. While web conferencing is usually more expensive, the fact that infinite amounts of data can be transferred and immediately reviewed easily out-weighs that.

Video Conferencing

Occasionally a company will decide to roll up audio web video conferencing all into one package. Most commonly this service is referred to as simply video conferencing. Because video conferencing usually combines audio web and video utilizing an online connection, it can most accurately replicate the feel of being in the same room with someone. Video conferencing is of course one of the most expensive options, but with a little planning doesn’t have to be out of range.

Either way you go there are tons of audio web video conferencing options that can meet your needs and budget requirements.

Pam Nene asked:




In these trying times of down turn and bursting of the dotcom bubble across the world, cost cutting seems to be the buzz word. Video conferencing is one such way to cut cost, lower the incidence of carbon emissions, increase productivity and expedite the marketing of goods/services. It has occupied a greater importance in the way business establishments communicate among themselves. And this phenomenon has spread like wild fire across the nook and corner of the globe.

Such conferencing has silently and secretly made its inroads to the desktops of almost the entire entourage of mid-level managers and front line employees. That is the reason perhaps why it was so successful in c-level conference rooms world-wide. In a way conducting such video conferencing means business in modern economy.

In order to augment the revenue for your sales/service, you will definitely require video conferencing equipment. These equipments play the role of a medium through which all the participants of the said conference connect to each other. You don’t have to waste your time thinking how this is achieved by business entities who adapt his means of conferencing.

Because there exists many time tested ways which facilitates you to make the selection from a plethora of options. For example, in order to decide about the quantity and quality of these equipments too can give greater importance to your budgeted spending. And yes, don’t forget to give due diligence to the name of the manufacturer of such equipments.

Make clear demarcation so far as the number of persons you want to connect is concerned. Exercise utmost care in coming to a conclusion on number of user groups that you are desirous to connect. Don’t think twice before taking some professional help from those personnel who have the expected expertise in them.

And why not do some homework regarding this on your own in World Wide Web, aka the internet? You are at your liberty to join any forum that you want to join. Make some inquiries from like minded people in the forum. Take suggestions from them and try to corroborate them with actual facts and figure. After having completed with your home work take extra precaution not to sacrifice quality at the cost of quantity.

You can find Video conferencing systems in different cost category and in various forms. Think of your purpose of such a conference and the amount you are willing to give. And ultimately depending on these norms take your pick. Largely these systems can be categorized into four categories namely, desktop conferencing, video conferencing system, tele-presence conferencing system and integrated conference room system. Also you can download software’s like Skype and Yahoo Messenger if you are not willing to shell out a single penny.

Andrew Long asked:




Web conference software is not complicated to use although it does perform a variety of complicated tasks. In fact, if you want to take the easiest route, you can use a web-based software that doesn’t even require that you install anything. Businesses with many employees will probably find it more convenient to install their own software, but they probably have an IT department to take care of the details. Once you have access to web conference software, what can you do with it?

Video Conferencing

Web conference software allows you to communicate by video. This communication can be two-way, or you can split your screen for multi-user videos. For example, your screen can show six different people on it at once who are all able to take part in the discussion. The software also allow you to switch control of the video and audio display among participants so that everyone has a chance to be seen and heard, no matter how many are in attendance.

Desktop Sharing

This feature of web conference software allows everyone in your conference to see what is on your desktop and you can switch desktops so everyone can see what is on another person’s. This is helpful if you are trying to explain something that is on the internet, as whatever your browser shows on your monitor will show up on everyone else’s monitor too. Any files that you open on your desktop or applications that you run can also be seen in real time by conference attendees, which makes this a great training tool.

Document Sharing

You can also transfer files among conference participants. Send text files, images, PDF files, and videos. You can distribute a summary of the conference or notes for participants to follow. Attendees can also distribute files among themselves.

Collaboration

This is one of the most useful features of web conferencing software. With this, you or any participant can immediately update a file while it is open on your desktop. Everyone in the conference sees the same file and has the ability to alter it and everyone sees the changes in real time. This is particularly useful when two people are working together on a project. It allows more than one computer to put the project together at the same time so it speeds up productivity.

Whiteboard

The whiteboard is another common and useful feature of web conference software. It allows you to make notations on files as you give your presentation. It works in a similar way as a whiteboard on a wall or an overhead projector. The software also has the capability of taking screenshots and saving your notes as image files. This feature allows your presentations to be more dynamic and spontaneous.

As you can see, there are many productive things you can do with web conference software. It’s no wonder it has become so popular in recent years. If you haven’t used it yet, you probably will at some point. It isn’t only for businesses anymore; this software has many other applications such as use in online classes and virtual seminars.