Today’s web conferences have come a long way from group discussions that take place through online message boards. Numerous businesses and companies have taken advantage of the ease and convenience of conducting live group meetings and presentations over the Internet. Online conferencing provides a variety of advantages for both large and small companies trying to find a broader spectrum of communication in the competitive world of business.

During a web conference, all parties involved sit at their own computer after logging into a service, providing a bridge to other applicable participants, via a web conference connection. Participants will be able to hear, see, and communicate with presenters who are connected to the conference line of communication.

Web conferencing features range from basic screen sharing with presenters to broadcast conversations, where Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phones give participants the opportunity to articulate their views and answer questions. Some also use text chat instead of voice options.

This form of online information transfer offers a variety of benefits for business and other communication environments. For example, a web conference also includes seminars delivered over the Internet, which are also known as webinars. This type of online lecture is often used during online study, as teachers use this interactive mode of contact to reach their students and facilitate group discussions, rather than sending a lecture via webcast.

For large companies, web conferencing saves money, especially when it comes to closing a pretty big deal. Companies spend thousands of dollars sending their employees out into the field to meet potential buyers, customers, or business partners, and take the time to fly thousands of miles to sell or pitch new ideas. Although it’s the warm body that’s sometimes more compelling than some charts and graphs, web conferencing is slowly making inroads with old-fashioned clients.

Now, most companies are hosting online conferences to smooth out details, questions, and concerns in a real-time environment, with a real person speaking and answering queries, accompanied by charts and graphs that tie the projects together. The time, money, and energy saved by eliminating phone tags, emails, attachments, and business travel are very rewarding.

For some, the cost of facilitating and conducting a conference call may be too high for some companies to indulge as much as they would like. Other than that, the downsides of using web conferencing services are pretty minor. In the event of a power outage or loss, they will end abruptly, causing confusion, which can be easily explained later. For online meetings to benefit all parties involved, they must arrive on time to avoid costly communication delays.

Other complaints or concerns regarding web conferencing is the fact that sometimes low resolution and poor quality hamper the progress of a meeting or presentation. When participants lack a high-quality Internet connection, they will also experience a decrease in the value of online communication. Additionally, some business partners and customers enjoy the sense of community and understanding that comes from face-to-face contact.

When selecting a web conferencing service, there are many different features that are offered through a wide range of providers. Slideshows (often powered by PowerPoint) allow participants to better illustrate key points. Application sharing allows others to add to the main presenter’s spreadsheet. Items of importance can be highlighted or flagged through a display feature called annotation. Text messaging, file sharing, as well as helpful polls and surveys also add to the appeal and usefulness of online conferencing.

The cost is determined by the type of services you want. For example, some providers charge more if you want your meeting or presentation recorded for later use. The number of web conferences you plan to have throughout the year will also determine your monthly or yearly costs. You may or may not choose a service that charges based on cost per user per minute or a flat fee, which is based on the number of people who attend your live meeting or presentation.

There are many web conferencing service providers waiting to help you make this profitable and forward-thinking business move. The possibilities of how far this technological marvel can take you are only limited by your ability to communicate and express yourself to the masses.