Audio Conferencing Service Basics
Audio conferencing services facilitate voice-only communications between dispersed groups. Teleconferencing and webcast services differ in terms of capabilities and costs. Services often include: audio conferencing, web conferencing, video conferencing, and system integration. Web Conferencing is, very simply, a meeting, conference or seminar that is held over the World Wide Web. Web conferencing can refer to audio, video or text-based conversations and are conducted in real-time.
Customer can access the conferencing service with a dial-in number and an optional password to disseminate among the group of callers. Such a password to access the service can be either permanent, with a limited usage (number of calls, time period, etc.), or created only for a single teleconference session.
Face-To-Face Technology
Video conferencing allows participants to meet face-to-face and enjoy both audio and video communications in real-time. Applications include product launches and design reviews. Teleconferencing and webcast services that specialize in system integration can help businesses connect existing communications systems to teleconferencing or webcasting technologies.
A video conference electronically links geographically dispersed participants so that they can see and hear each other in a live and interactive environment. Polycom is the standard conferencing equipment at K-State. The K-State Accord bridge allows for multipoint conferencing (multiple sites convening for one conference.) Noninteractive video experiences such as satellite programs, video streaming, web casting, etc.
Smooth Communication
Web conferencing with audio provides an appropriate medium for incorporating certain visual elements into the flow of verbal communication, enabling participants to view a PowerPoint presentation, take a guided Web tour or collaborate on documents with others. In many cases, Web conferencing can even enable remote control of a participant's computer. Web conferencing differs from video or voice over Internet protocol in that it involves sharing data over a browser while the parties use a teleconference.
Some web meeting services provide just desktop sharing capability. Others give you the added capability to select and show a specific document or application only. You can also pass control to an attendee in your meeting, making that person the presenter.
In Conclusion
Audio conferencing is the battlefield upon which the control for the data collaboration services market share will be won. "This opportunity is truly a single-stroke market-share maneuver for the buying company," stated Herb Levitin, the President of Powercom in Santa Barbara, California. "The buyer benefits from owning and controlling a targeted customer list, rich in usage of data and audio conferencing revenue, to integrate and market new high margin data collaboration services, while simultaneously decreasing their competition's market-share."
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