Conference calls have become indispensible part of any business, be it a small scale or large scale business. If any business calls for a regular meeting with clients or business partners, conference call is the most suitable option. This makes meetings hassle free and is also one of the most cost-effective methods. There are three major types of conferencing used by companies: Audio or Tele, Web and Video conferencing. There are advantages and disadvantages related to each one of them.
Audio or Tele Conferencing is the most common option for conference calls. The main advantage of using audio conferencing is its low cost. Essentially the only expense involved in audio conference is the cost of suitable equipments and the phone charges. Phones with built- in speakers will do the job. However, audio conferencing has its related disadvantages too. The main problem is that you can't see the person on the other side of the line, which affects personal relations. Since conference calls generally involve people from different parts of the world, it is hard to gauge whether a person is serious or humorous, and that can cause unnecessary interpersonal problems.
Positive and negative aspects affect the workability of Web conferencing. It is cheap and can be virtually free. Any company with a high speed data connection can set up Web conferencing. This option comes in handy when a business meeting requires group efforts like document sharing, review, analysis and editing. Modern web sharing technologies offer possibilities for free screen sharing, group document editing and sharing of files, etc.
Web conferencing, like any other method, has some disadvantages as well. Again, personal behavior, especially humor, can be misunderstood. Simultaneous document editing can result in confusion. Web conferencing without audio input can escalate to high levels of confusion. To solve this problem web conferencing is often combined with audio over VoIP, or other options, including teleconferencing.
Taking conferencing to the next level is video conferencing; people separated geographically can get connected through video cameras. It brings people together in a virtual room where they can interact looking at each other virtually.
Using the right combinations of the right equipments, best in class sharing tools, cameras, microphones and speakers, and high speed internet can make conferencing the best and most cost effective solution for your business. But choosing the correct conferencing methods for your needs is still a key part of the process. Poor quality equipments or choosing the wrong conferencing method for the purpose can seriously damage client relationships and can negatively impact your business. Nevertheless, employing the best available technology can take your business to new heights.
Audio or Tele Conferencing is the most common option for conference calls. The main advantage of using audio conferencing is its low cost. Essentially the only expense involved in audio conference is the cost of suitable equipments and the phone charges. Phones with built- in speakers will do the job. However, audio conferencing has its related disadvantages too. The main problem is that you can't see the person on the other side of the line, which affects personal relations. Since conference calls generally involve people from different parts of the world, it is hard to gauge whether a person is serious or humorous, and that can cause unnecessary interpersonal problems.
Positive and negative aspects affect the workability of Web conferencing. It is cheap and can be virtually free. Any company with a high speed data connection can set up Web conferencing. This option comes in handy when a business meeting requires group efforts like document sharing, review, analysis and editing. Modern web sharing technologies offer possibilities for free screen sharing, group document editing and sharing of files, etc.
Web conferencing, like any other method, has some disadvantages as well. Again, personal behavior, especially humor, can be misunderstood. Simultaneous document editing can result in confusion. Web conferencing without audio input can escalate to high levels of confusion. To solve this problem web conferencing is often combined with audio over VoIP, or other options, including teleconferencing.
Taking conferencing to the next level is video conferencing; people separated geographically can get connected through video cameras. It brings people together in a virtual room where they can interact looking at each other virtually.
Using the right combinations of the right equipments, best in class sharing tools, cameras, microphones and speakers, and high speed internet can make conferencing the best and most cost effective solution for your business. But choosing the correct conferencing methods for your needs is still a key part of the process. Poor quality equipments or choosing the wrong conferencing method for the purpose can seriously damage client relationships and can negatively impact your business. Nevertheless, employing the best available technology can take your business to new heights.
About the Author:
Kirk Basset is a widely respected writer who has been writing for 5 over years often writes on Conference now UK and a wide range of other subjects.