Published: 04/14/2011
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Introduction
Imagine being able to hold meetings with people around the world at a moment’s notice without having to leave your office. A web conferencing solution provides a central online meeting place for people to get together for meetings regardless of location. With a simple click of the mouse, you can present PowerPoint slides, run a software demonstration, or even hold brainstorming sessions using a whiteboard.
Businesses can use a web conferencing solution for a variety of purposes:
• Marketing meetings – product announcements, brainstorming
• Sales presentations – demonstrations, new product releases
• Training and human resources – employee orientation, customer training
• Financial and investor relations – shareholder meetings, briefs
• Creative presentations – weddings, fashion shows, live surgery
Probably the greatest downside to a web conferencing solution is the lack of face‐to‐face interaction and the relationship building it brings. Collaborative applications like interactive polls and Q&A sessions help bridge the gap, but the fact remains that the interaction is all virtual.
On the other hand, a web conferencing solution helps slash the hefty travel and time costs associated with face‐to‐ face meetings, so it increases productivity. Participants can easily interact with others, fielding questions, producing answers and completing tasks faster. Online meeting software has saved companies millions of dollars in travel costs.
This BuyerZone Web Conferencing Buyer’s Guide will take a detailed look at web conferencing solutions, including features, the services provided, costs, and how to purchase and install web conferencing, so you can get your company up and running in a flash.
Table of contents
ASP or in‐house web conferencing?
Choosing a web conferencing solution
Pricing overview
Here are some quick ranges you can expect.
• 8 to 40 cents per user per minute for web
• 8 to 25 cents per user per minute for audio
• OR, $50 to $200 per user per month, unlimited usage
• OR, $1,000 to $5,000 for in‐house software, with unlimited usage