Video Conferencing Software

Holding meetings online is about to become commonplace. Now, anyone with a broadband Internet connection and a browser can log onto the Internet and take part in or host a web conference, a web and video conference or a webinar.

MegaMeeting has taken web and video conferencing services a step further with new, 100% desktop, browser based web conferencing services and webinar software that does not require any special installation on your computer. Meeting online has never been this easy

iVisit : Combine video conferencing, voice calls, instant messaging, AVMessaging, file sharing and web co-browsing for richer online meetings with family, colleagues or customers. Available in German, Japanese and Spanish versions for PC

Share pictures, videos, music or any file format during voice calls or video conferences

Transfer files and folders in the background; share your albums and movies with family and friends. Bypass email and experience the benefits of iVisit security

e/pop Web Conferencing: secure, web, VoIP and video conferencing. This web conferencing software goes far beyond traditional conferencing services (PowerPoint, application and desktop sharing), to include audio (VoIP) and video conferencing, remote control, and a complete set of real-time controls over layouts, users and bandwidth all as standard, built-in features of the product.

e/pop is available as on-premise software and hosted service. For distributed networks, on-premise installation provides IT managers with maximum control over routing, performance and security.

The following is a list of the video conferencing software which is generally available right now over the Internet.

CU-SeeMe v1.0

• CU-SeeMe is a project of Cornell University for audio and video conferencing over the Internet.
• Users can either connect directly to each other or they can enter a conference at a reflector.
• Color video and now, view up to 24 participant windows simultaneously.
• Available for PC, Mac, Linux, and Amiga.

CUseeMe Networks CUseeMe v3.1.3 (build 004)

• CUseeMe Networks (formerly White Pine) has taken over the commercialization of CU-SeeMe and has developed enhanced CUseeMe.
• Directory service, contact list, multipoint video conferencing (up to 12), IP or email call, phone book.
• H.323 interoperability (when connected to a CUseeMe Conference Server).
• Available for PC and Mac.

CUseeMe Networks CUseeMe (Pro) v6.0

• Video, audio, chat, multipoint video conferencing (up to 22), directory service, full screen video with PIP.
• Zap, MSN messenger service, channels, access control, Firewall / NAT, and gatekeeper options.
• Point to point H.323 compliance, fully detachable UI components, Firewire webcam support.

Dwyco video conferencing system v2.97b

• Video, audio, public and private chat, file transfer, call screening.
• Zap message system (send and receive video/audeo/text messages), public & private conference rooms.
• Directory services and multipoint video conferencing support.
• Freeware

Software for Home Use

Camfrog Video Chat : Camfrog works great for multi-user videoconferencing. Users world-wide set up and host their own video chat rooms using their home PC or a dedicated server.

Microsoft NetMeeting: This software comes preinstalled with all versions of Windows. Just go to your Start menu and choose “run” then type “conf.exe” to launch it. After you do this type in the IP address of the other user you want to conference with to begin videoconferencing. This software also has basic document sharing.

MSN Messenger: All Windows computers now come with MSN Messenger and this software now supports webcam chat for one-on-one videoconferencing with audio.

What Should You Look for Before Selecting Video Conference Software

As it is so important to get the best video conferencing software that will work for your company, you will need to consider the following facts before deciding to purchase any software.

Budget

You need to establish how much money you can and want to spend on internet video conferencing software. Try to calculate if the cost of this software equipment will outweigh costs that would have to be made for travelling etc if you did not have to video conferencing option.

Value

This is the balance between price and several other factors such as: ease of use, longevity of equipment, reliability, cost of network calls and cost of upgrades or updates. Determining these factors in advance of your purchase can significantly affect the choice of systems.

Number of Users

Figure out how many user groups there will be (most of the time) that will make use of the video conferencing option, will you hold video meetings for mainly two parties? Or three? This is important to know as it will help you choose the right internet video conferencing software.

Video conferencing is becoming more widespread!

Videoconferencing is becoming more widespread, given current political events and the recent tightening of budgets. Many are giving travel alternatives a second look. One such alternative is videoconferencing. The technology for conducting videoconferencing has become less expensive, more flexible, and now includes options for desktop videoconferencing as well as group videoconferencing.

One of the first considerations is usually how much equipment needs to be obtained. All successful teleconferencing requires good equipment. After all, the video output you receive and send is the whole reason for having a videoconference. In general, videoconferencing requires a desktop system, a camera, audio capabilities and controls to allow users to place calls, adjust volume, and run the camera functions. Desktop systems display controls and tools on the monitor window. Dedicated videoconferencing systems work to streamline the video conferencing process by incorporating all necessary equipment into one piece of hardware. This one system includes the network, audio, and visual components needed for a videoconference.

Small, portable systems are available for single users, or large, non-portable systems are available for companies with more diverse needs. Be aware that the prices of dedicated systems vary widely, depending upon their capabilities. Entire rooms can be dedicated to videoconferencing.

Videoconferencing can cost as little as the price of a budget-conscious web cam ($100) per seat to more than $15,000 per conference room. Currently there are three distinct categories defined by primarily by client usage. Desktop videoconferencing clients are assigned to a single user. They cost between $600 and $3,000 for a hardware-based system and up to $150 for a software-only client. For personal videoconferencing, a headset is often the preferred choice because it can eliminate any echo or reverb effect. Plan on spending an average of $50 for a good headset. Connectivity is over IP.

Either an appliance that costs between $3,000 and $12,000 or a PC-based system that costs between $6,000 and $14,000 is used for small-group videoconferencing. Systems are relatively easy to configure and use. They run over ISDN or IP. Large group/boardroom require the highest-quality video. They also come with the highest price tag, with systems starting at $10,000. For room videoconferencing (such as a seminar or an on-line class), a high quality multi-directional microphone is often used, or several smaller directional microphones are placed throughout the room. The price tag for a good omni directional system will run around $8,000. Several higher quality cameras also need to be placed around the room, at an average cost of $200 per camera.

Any equipment should be capable of being used day in and day out and able to place and receive calls with 100% reliability. When things go wrong, its a good practice to have built-in remote diagnostics in place. Feature enhancements and system upgrades should be available by download. Todays videoconferencing equipment is easy to install and easier to operate. The average person can become comfortable with videoconferencing with only ten minutes of training. Multiple companies exist, however, for those who want to become more proficient. Every videoconferencing system bought should be standards-compliant. Systems running on IDSN must be H-320 compliant. The international standard for videoconferencing with IP is H-323. Any videoconferencing system should be IP ready and have a guaranteed upgrade path.

For peak performance, Calls should be routed over the most optimal paths, whether IP or ISDN, to ensure the highest degree of videoconferencing success. Platform independence should support all endpoint videoconferencing hardware. State of the art equipment should be used whenever possible. In recent years, several companies have emerged that are valuable resources to help schools and businesses with videoconferencing. These services provide guaranteed teleconferencing reliability and highly secure, global network operations centers. Most have around-the-clock customer service.

In addition, these companies act as a leasing agent for your conference room needs. This is a completely outsourced solution that provides the full management of your videoconferencing application including network, bridges, endpoints, scheduling, and full technical support. Help is an email or phone call away.

Video Conferencing for Office Use!

When you work in an office, the conference call is inevitable. Sooner or later you will be called upon to participate. It is important when do you, that you use proper conference call etiquette. First of all, keep background noise to a minimum. Whether the call is being held in your personal office or in a conference room, keep control over the noise level. Though it may be tempting to use the mute button to block out extra noise, it’s not a good idea to use, since you and others will not be able to respond to your colleagues on the other end of the line.

To help you minimize extra noise, make sure you use high-quality conference equipment. A good conference phone will prevent feedback and static from coming through on the call. Since you are conducting business with this phone, take care to get top quality. Once you make a purchase, make sure that you are familiar with the use of the conference phone. Technical difficulties are very distracting to the other participants on the call.

It will also benefit you to be considerate of the other participants on the conference call. When scheduling the call, make sure you aware of the time zone they are in so that you can speak at a time convenient for all. Also, be prepared for your conference call. It is very distracting to get up and walk away during the call, so make sure that you have all pertinent information at your fingertips before the conference begins. Everyone in your office who will be participating in the call should have access to this information ahead of time.

While you are on the call, remember that the people on the other end cannot see you, so it is vital that you speak clearly and slowly enough to be understood. When you begin to speak, introduce yourself by name so as to prevent confusion.

Address the person to whom you are speaking by name as well. When you follow all these steps to prepare for your conference call, you will have a much increased chance of successful communication. Always keep in mind that a conference call is truly a business meeting, and should be treated as such.

Which Conferencing solution is best?

Whether your business is large or small, conference calling is a solution that you have likely used at some time or another for its time saving and relationship building advantages. While you may just think of a call with multiple participants when you hear the word conference call, there are actually quite a few different conference calling solutions available to you. It’s up to you to select the option that best meets your needs.

Among these, the primary types of conference calls are:

• Audio conference calling
• Video conference calling
• Web conference calling

From these primary types of conference call, there is also the possibility to mix and match among them to customize your solution.

Audio conferencing solutions are the oldest among the main three. These can include three phone lines bridged together to create complex outsourced services. It can also mean the lower cost solution of a two-party call, where a speaker phone is utilized in order to let everyone around a table participate in the call with the party on the other end.

This is the type of conference call in which the most people have participated. They can be very effective despite their limitations. This limitation is the same as with any other telephone. For one thing, it means that you can only hear what the person is trying to say, but not actually see it. Also, if anyone is too far from the microphone, or the phone isn’t of very good quality, or even if a person doesn’t speak up enough, then it makes communication difficult. Furthermore, if the phone call is long distance, then at least one of the parties will need to pay the long distance bill or if a toll free number is available.

With video conferencing, you can use a hosted solution to give that added level of professionalism and convenience. Though phone lines, multiple parties are bridged, providing both image and audio. It is the next best thing to actually having the other party in the room. Video conferencing does, however, require you and the other party to have specialized systems and support. These can be very challenging to set up and to use. However, when you compare the costs and lost productivity of video conferencing with that of actual travel, you will find that this is a very cost effective solution.

Web conferencing work their very best when using computer desktop applications that are the same on both ends. They are fantastic options for showing products such as software to customers, or to share spreadsheets and other applications among the different parties involved in the conference call.
Selecting from among these many conference call solutions will hopefully help you to provide the best communication solution with the party with whom you are communicating. In many situations, an audio conference call will do just fine, but when added demonstrations or a visual element is needed, then you can upgrade to video or web conferencing.

It is important to remember that no matter which conference call solution you select, you are choosing it in order to meet your business objectives and those of your company. It’s best to choose the option that meets your needs instead of going with the solution that provides you with more than what you need. It will only be wasteful in the long run if you do otherwise.

Video Conferencing Technology

Video conferencing technology is now a widely available technology that helps save major travel expenditure and time costs by bringing together people from different metropolitan areas into a virtual meeting place.

Most of the local telephone infrastructures support broadband internet connections that make video conferencing fast and physically possible. ISDN has an inbuilt technology that was solely designed for video conferencing technology. Video conferencing technology is as realistic as having the actual person in the same room.

The military is one of the most recognized groups for using conferencing technology due to its long worldwide contacts. Studies have found out conferencing is the most effective business technology next to actually meeting the personnel in real life.

Currently used video conferencing technology is safe and secure due to the current encryption algorithms used during transmission. Due to this technology meetings could be called up without long notifications, stress and travel time are evicted completely and foremost importantly it’s cheap and reliable.

Some companies offer video conferencing technology facilities per subscription basis. The technology required is relatively cheap and on the long run less expensive than the sum spent on trips etc. Today conferencing is becoming cheaper, portable, reliable and more effective than it ever was. For the most part all that is required are cameras, microphones, a stable broadband internet connection, PC, and a screen or projector.

Normal Telephone lines are now being used to transmit high frequency data through ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) and it proves a cheap solution for video conferencing.

Competitive business of Audio Conferencing

In the immensely competitive business of Audio Conferencing, Web Conferencing, Video Conferencing, Video Email and Online Meeting Services, there are important differences that will save you and your company thousands of dollars.

With advanced hardware and software being offered by the more aggressive web meeting service providers, you can now get unique features, which offer numerous conveniences and advantages for globally dispersed people to meet and talk.

The most important factor to consider before holding an online meeting or audio conference call, is how easy it is to use. Look for a service that has streamlined tools and features for non-technical people to hold one-on-one to large interactive live meetings.

Compare the options for inviting people to your online meeting and how easy will it be for someone to login to the meeting room. Some of the new features you can now use to give your business a competitive advantage include animated PowerPoint presentations, face-to-face live video, application sharing, synchronized scrolling, and file sharing.

Another feature to look for is “synchronization” which ensures everyone, and those who login late, will see and hear everything without any special attention from the room Operator. If live web meetings is not your interest, the web conference software should have built-in recording features that allow you to create valuable full screen and audio presentations that people can watch at their convenience. Do not forget to look at the cost. Some web-meeting services charge you per meeting, per minute, per participant, and charge you extra for video and recording options. Other services charge a flat monthly fee. Ask if you can hold unlimited meetings with no scheduling requirements.

Holding a web meeting requires more than an account and web meeting software. Unfortunately, that’s all most companies give you. Look for a company that provides unlimited live, step-by-step training that will teach you how to deliver dynamic and interactive presentations and create intellectual properties for a lifetime of revenue. Recent developments in technology now make it easier to master the secret of creating powerful web conference meetings that motivate, influence, and persuade people. Take time to compare the features and training being offered. Make sure you have what you need to compel prospects to buy whatever you’re selling.

Components with Video Conferencing

While conferencing through the use of the web or the telephone will probably be done through equipment you already have, video conferencing will require the purchase of some additional products. Some companies will need a specialized dual screen display which will allow you to see the other side of the conference on one screen and any charts or reports on the other.

If you do not need a dual screen, you may be able to use computer screens already in your conference room, but often a display will need to be purchased to accommodate the demands of video conferencing. A system will also have to be purchased that has been designed with the components necessary for video conferencing. This system should include all of the audio and video components needed as well as any wiring that will be necessary to connect component to the display screen.

This may sound like a hefty investment, but in the long run, it will still save you thousands over travel expenses when sending one or more associates to attend conferences out of state. With todays gas prices, it may also save money over sending associates to conferences in state. The components and displays necessary will be a sizable investment, yet your company can hardly afford to do without. This allows you to communicate with other companies anywhere in the world without having to leave your office.

Once you have all the necessary components for the video conference, you will need to find a video conferencing service to provide you the connection between yourself and the business you’re interested in conferencing with. Once you’ve done your homework and found the service that will provide you what you need at the most efficient price, you can begin to plan the conference.

Again, you’ll need to choose a time in which you all parties are free and available for a certain block of time. You’ll also need to prepare any presentations and visual aids in advance. Once those have been prepared, you can set up the actual service with the service provider. They will provide you with the connection needed and any assistance from an operator while the call is taking place.

The video conferencing services will allow your connection to be made and allow your conference to take place. Pricing is typically done through a monthly charge based on how many participants will be included. Dependent on how many will participate in the conference will decide whether your monthly fee is close to $50 a month or up to $500 a month when you have up to 100 people involved in the conference.

A video conference will give more of a feeling of being directly in the conference as if you’re all in the same room. Presentations can be given flawlessly and charts and other visual aids can be included with no miscommunication. The one time investment in the tools necessary for this type of conference is well worth the investment as business can be done easily and quickly through this advanced technology.

Travelling or Video Conferencing?

Video conferencing permits a large or small number of individuals to communicate in real time, no matter where they are located. Via audio and video transmissions, the parties will be able to discuss, conference, and compare charts, graphs, and other items. This combination of visual data with voice interaction and video reality makes this as most useful tool for many business and individuals alike.

It is a lot less expansive than traveling. If you consider that the average business trip requires two way transportation to and from the location, accommodations, quite possibly car rental or other transportation at the target location, meals, entertainment of clients, and various other incidentals, it is easy to understand that a video conference that will keep the employee or executive in the office rather than traveling halfway across the county is indeed a money saving idea.

Some of the hidden costs that can be avoided as well are insurance premiums to cover the traveling employee, the cost of hiring a temporary replacement or the overtime to cover the workload of the employee, as well as the money that it costs to call together a meeting for the debriefing. The time that is lost in travel is useable in video conferencing.

In addition to the foregoing, VC requires the participants to be well prepared ahead of the conference. Gone are the days when an employee is flying across country only to realize that she or he left a big presentation in the office at home. With videoconferencing, all office applications and files are immediately accessible. Additionally, to make the conference go well, all participants will want to have their presentations together and ready for sharing.

Of course, the greatest advantage of VC is the easy access a business or company has to experts. Law offices in particular will appreciate the ability to solicit expert testimony from the best and brightest in their fields. Not to be forgotten, the medical profession, too, greatly benefits from videoconferencing since experts from across the country or even across the world are able to collaborate and find solutions to baffling cases.

One of the more peripheral advantages is the fact that employees will be able to receive direct training in research, presentation skills as well as public speaking. After all, anyone may be called on to participate in a video conference, and therefore all those involved in a certain aspect of the business need to be able to make sure they are up to date on all the information, as well as able to present it properly.

Compared to a mere telephone call, it is much more personal. Gone are the days when a proposal was sent via the mail and then a follow up phone call was made to see if the proposal was received and if the company was interested, requested changes, etc. Using it, the data may be sent simultaneously. This permits businesses to close deals much faster and also gives the buyer, or proposed recipient of a service, a certain person to person contact which makes it a much more pleasant experience. Additionally, it permits the seller, or service provider, to create that personal relationship with a client, which is a most valuable tool for future up-sell opportunities.

A major advantage is that it is a part of all the items already mentioned is the simple possibility to communicate on all levels, including body language. During a telephone call, body language cannot be perceived, and when debriefing an employee who has just returned from a business trip or conference, you will only be able to rely on her or his take of the situation and the participants. Videoconferencing permits everyone involved to get a good read on a situation, a new client or provider, and thusly communicate on a number of levels.

As you can see, video conferencing is indeed a technology that offers many advantages to its users. With ever better technological advances and user friendly prices, this is a business application that is here to stay.

What you can do with Video Conferencing System?

What you can do with web and video conferencing is limited only by the extent of your imagination. Businesses are using web conferencing to conduct staff meetings, and families have employed this new technology to “attend” family functions in far away locales. Pushing the envelope even farther are various professionals, companies, media people, and entrepreneurs who are beginning to communicate with their clients in ways that were undreamt of ten years ago.

The key to a Firms ability to connect with his clients via video conferencing are new web based conferencing applications that do not require any software downloads and can be accessed regardless of which operating system is installed on the user’s computer.
This new ease-of-use has also been a boon to professionals who are using video conferencing to do things that they couldn’t previously do. Realtors are now able to show a house to a prospective buyer and even the buyer’s relatives who may live in another city, state or country using web-based video conference software. Lawyers have even begun to make depositions to courts over the Internet, rather than traveling to another city to deliver their statements.

Other uses of video conferencing include the lucrative auction business. Large auction houses have already opened up some of their auctions to bidders around the world who view the objects for sale via a video conference, and make their bids through the same Internet link. Where large auction houses tread today, small auctioneers are sure to follow, and it is now possible for EBay sellers to display their wares online and show more features of the product using a web-based video conference format.

As more companies and individuals begin to get used to online web and video conferencing the list of uses of this interactive technology will only get longer and more interesting.

Why Should you have Video conferencing?

Why should you have video conferencing? Is it worth the investment? There are many reasons why you should utilize video conferencing software. The simple fact is that it is quite reliable and quite handy. But, that is not usually enough to have you open your wallet. Yet, there are other reasons why this may be the next investment that you make for your business. Video conferencing is an excellent means of communication.

Besides being a very high quality way of communicating, it also opens the door to live, clear understandings of what is being said. There is little doubt that in a video conferencing situation that you will not know and understand just what the other person is saying. Your message is delivered with a full awareness of your means simply because seeing is believing. Yet, this too is only one reason to consider it.

Video conferencing is also very capable of connecting you with other establishments. If you can not manage your company in one place because you are managing it someplace else, video conferencing can keep you connected. By doing this, you can effectively be in two places at once.
There are excellent quality video conferencing systems out there. Many of them are well worth the dollars that they cost. And, because technology continues to grow, you’ll find that prices for video conferencing will become more competitive. It is the way of the future. Is your company in the future? Using video conferencing can help to insure that it is there.

We highly recommend bringing your company up to date and to use this pioneering technology. It doesn’t need to be expensive, or difficult to set up if you contact specialists in this area. There are many information portals now devoted to the subject and we reading about it at one of these.