The History of Web Conferencing – How the Web Conference Was Born

Posted by Thiago Prado

Through web conferencing, there is an opportunity to chat and communicate with co-workers, even facilitate meetings, presentations and demonstrations.  Web conferencing not just offers communication exchange but also allows participants to trade documents, share applications, access desktops, use whiteboards and PowerPoint.

How web conferencing was born?

Lucy P. Roberts, author of  “History of Web Conferencing – Multifunction Conferencing Comes of Age” (2004) traced the roots of web conferencing long before there is internet.

The University of Illinois developed a system known as PLATO during the 1960s.  This is for their Computer-based Education Research Laboratory (CERL).  This is just a small system supporting just a single classroom of terminals connected to one mainframe computer.  In 1972, the terminals being supported by PLATO increased to over a thousand.

Although PLATO was long before internet technology and it is mainly designed for computer-based education, it paved several communication features that became the foundation for web conferencing and instant messaging.  PLATO Notes, was the world’s first online messaging boards, while Personal Notes is used for electronic mails.  Talkomatic is used for real-time instant messaging or for chat.  PLATO even developed a tool for monitor mode or remote screen sharing.

David Wooley, creator of PLATO Notes in 1973, eventually designed Lotus Notes which was released in 1989.  Lotus Notes is mainly an e-mail client, but it can also be used as an instant messaging client, browser, notebook, and calendar reservation client.  Roberts cited that Lotus Notes was the first commercially released product that offered document sharing, user-created data-bases and remote location communication.

The PLATO technology gave birth to several communication tools that paved the way for web conferencing.  But it wasn’t until mid-1990s that the complete web conferencing started to shape up and become available in the market.  Roberts cited PlaceWare as one of the first companies to provide complete web conferencing.  It was developed by Xerox Palo Alto Research Center in the 1990s. In 2003, Microsoft acquired PlaceWare and renamed its core product Microsoft Office Live Meeting. Not long after that in 2004 GoToMeeting was developed by Citrix Online and became the number one web conferencing in the market since then.

Meanwhile, file sharing started proliferating the World Wide Web.  Peer to peer (P2P) file sharing refers to sharing of file containing audio, video, data or anything in digital format.  With peer to peer file sharing, peers act as equals, the roles of clients and servers are merged.  There is no central server that manages the network nor a central router.

Peer to peer file sharing was seen as a way of hosting web conferencing, rather than running the application through a single server.  With this P2P format, it is more dynamic and involving.

Groove was the first to apply the P2P concept in web conferencing.  It was released on 2000 and was upgraded in 2002 with impressive results.  WiredRed Software, in 2003, released the first web conferencing software that does not require significant installation time.

Most web conferencing providers offer packages that contains voice over IP,co-browsing and application sharing, additional features that can be readily available like polls, event management, PowerPoint presentation, playback, recording and live annotation and mark-up.

With a lot of web conferencing providers and vendors in the market today, web conferencing is becoming more and more common.  A lot of people are using this technology in their businesses and companies. New development in the web conferencing system is inevitable due to competition and continuous technological innovation.

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The benefits of a Web Conferencing

Posted by Thiago Prado

More and more companies are using web conferencing these days.  Web based seminars or web conferencing is a more convenient way for conducting seminars and meetings for participants who are geographically separated from each other.  Web conferencing allows participants to participate or conduct presentations, share applications, chat and send out instant messages about the seminar or presentation.

video conferencing systemPeople and companies are investing in web conferences because of its advantages.  Web conferencing is said to reduce the travel costs of a company.  It is not necessary to meet participants physically or face to face.  Let’s admit it, traveling is not cheap.  With the fuel prices so expensive nowadays, who is excited in spending money on the pump.  Travel stress is also being avoided like airport delays, flight cancellations, traffic jams, and long and irritating travel hours.

Since web conferencing replaces in-person meetings, not only does it reduce travel costs by the company or business, it also keeps employees near their families and staff.  Less travel means more family time and time spent with work staff to improve productiveness.

Saving time can also be equivalent into saving money.  Travel delays not only waste time but costs money.  All the time and effort put into organizing the meeting can be allotted to other organizational and company tasks.  This time can be used for generating sales and income for the company and the business.  Web conferencing also adds to the workers’ flexibility.  Meetings can be held on short notice even if participants are in distant locations.

Web conferencing also reduces other company or business costs.  Some companies are using web conferencing to enhance customer service and learn more about customers in distant location.  Knowing more about the customers the business is catering to, helps improve the quality of service they are providing.

Training departments can be turned into e-Learning centers thus training more people for less money and shorter time.  Guest lecturers can give employee up- training, without the cost and time of travel.

Employers, even if they are away, can monitor, check and be in touch with their employees.  Immediate company or business issues can be addressed even if the employer is in a different location.  Key employees in different locations can have regular collaborations or consultations to improve the company productivity.

The ability to frequently meet and consult about pertinent business issues, strengthens the working and professional relationship among the employees even if they are far from each other.

web conferenceEmployers can even conduct interview to potential employees without having to leave the office, this is particularly useful for businesses or positions that are tightly integrated with technology.  By performing the interview, via web conference, this can ensure that the candidate employee can perform basic computer tasks involved in web conferencing.

Another beneficial feature of web conferencing is its recording and archiving capability.  Recording and archiving not only provides the necessary information to those who are unable to attend the meeting, but is also very useful for future reference.

Education institutions also use web conferencing.  Education institutions can offer distance education programs and can have blended learning setting.  Students can be liberated from the physical classroom set-up but still maintain teacher and classmate interaction.  Education institutions see that web conferencing can be way of reducing drop-out rates since students can continue their education through distance learning programs.

Businesses are not the only institutions that benefit from web conferencing.  Education, personal relationships are experiencing some advantages brought about by web conferencing.  Technology, of course, is here to improve our daily lives.

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Online Meeting for Small Business Owners

Posted by Thiago Prado

laptop_handshake1Most of the small business struggle with the challenge of trying to schedule face-to-face meetings with customers, contractors, employers, and others. It can be tough to get everyone together in the same room at the same time.

In today’s global economy, one of the major challenges faced by small business owners is finding a way to get in touch with customers and telecommuting employees who are spread out throughout all corners of the globe. It’s becoming increasingly common for professionals to have to find means to connect with colleagues and clients around the world. For the majority of small business owners, getting on an airplane to make presentations to new customers in person just isn’t always suitable.

Even when customers and employees are local, is quite challenging to schedule a face-to-face meeting and presentation. As the business environment is becoming more virtually, the need for a virtual meeting technology and online conference solutions has became vital. The good news is that improvements in Internet technology are making it easier than ever for entrepreneurs to connect with colleagues, clients, and contractors from any location at any time.

If you need a solution to the challenges to conduct online meetings that are more personal, reliable, and dependable than simply trying to rely on email for communication, GoToMeeting technology just might be the solution you are looking for. GoToMeeting is the leading provider of web, video, and online meeting technology in the market. With, you easily can connect and collaborate with people around the globe. You can make online sales or training presentations, and host online meetings.

Don’t worry because you can find out risk-free if GoToMeeting will help you to solve your communication issues. If you’re ready to see just how handy online meeting technology can be to your operation, it’s a great time to sign up for a GoToMeeting 30 days risk-free trial. You will rapidly see how much this online meeting technology and web conferencing service can improve your company’s productivity and financially. Before long, you’ll realize just why GoToMeeting was recognized one of the best companies of 2008.

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How to Run a Successful Webinar

Posted by Thiago Prado

A webinar is basically a web conference with audio,  some specific type of web conference if you prefer.  Because of the global crisis it is the best way to communicate with the world without spending all the money in travel expenses, plus is a great way to launch new products, carry out trainings and conduct working meetings online.

When the meeting participants are spread around the country (or the world) and are required to share data, documents or screen, a webinar is an satisfactory and cut-cost solution.

webinar soft

Table of Contents

  • Choosing a Video Conferencing Service
  • Set Up a Practice Webinar
  • Don’t Simply Reuse Classroom Material
  • Moderators – Arrive Early
  • Stick to Your Timetable
  • Review Your Webinar
  • Take Advantage of GoToMeeting Free Trial Offer

Choosing a Video Conferencing Service

When determining on a webinar service, it’s extremely important to ensure that the software you use to share documents is secure. Your web conferencing provider can help you select the right plan for you and will ensure that your webinar runs as smooth as possible.

Other options that will help make your webinar a success include:

» Early registration;
» Online room setup;
» Audience survey;
» Participation meter;
» Webinar follow-up;

secretary webinar

GoToMeeting offers all the services above and also includes an Editor that can be used to cut out distracting noises or pauses in the virtual presentation, add in bookmarks to specific areas, or slice the presentation into a few smaller presentations.

Set Up a Practice Webinar

Nothing is more irritating than finding out technical issues during an online presentation The best way to avoid it is to set up a practice webinar with some colleagues in different locations prior to your primary event.

Besides working out any glitches, you’ll be more comfortable with the use of the software when the actual event happens.

When an error occurs during the test, write it down the issue to discuss with technical support later if necessary.

Don’t Simply Reuse Classroom Material

Even though webinar technology is great in many ways, never expect to cover the corresponding amount of material in an one-hour webinar training session as you would in an one-hour classroom session.

Plan a different approach to incorporate less content than in a classroom, particularly if you don’t have much experience with online conferencing.

guy-webinarModerators – Arrive Early

Webinar moderators have to make sure to enter the online meeting room earlier than the rest of the participants. It is respectful to welcome participants as they arrive.

Doing that you will be ready to start the online meeting on time. It will also give you a final opportunity to make sure the webinar is setup correctly.

Even though you know how to use the software, you should anticipate a few questions from the participants about how to access the webinar.

If the participants have to install software plugins to gain access, make sure you direct them to the right place where they can download it. And if there are specific browser requirements, make sure to familiar with them.

Stick to Your Timetable

Whether your webinar participants are customers, employees, partners, or another group of people, make an effort to respect their time. Create a timetable and stick to it as much as possible.

As the moderator, it is your responsibility to keep the discussion on the topic specified earlier if the meeting go to another direction.

time-webinarReview Your Webinar

Many webinar softwares, including GoToMeeting, offer the option to archive your presentation to be viewed later. If you are not familiar with webinars, be sure to watch your own event afterward.

You must know what the audience experienced, that might have been different than what you thought you were presenting. This strategy will be a big deal in learning what you need to improve on in the future webinars.

Take Advantage of GoToMeeting Free Trial Offer

GoToMeeting Web Conferencing offers a 30 days risk-free trial, as well as demos to help you get started.

Hold online meetings, webinars, and conferences with GoToMeeting and try all its features,  plus learn how smoothly and professionally your online presentations can be done.

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Benefits of Video Conferencing

Posted by Thiago Prado

With markets, suppliers, customers and colleagues spread around the world, online meetings became a necessity for all kind of business.

Video conferencing quickly turned into an important way to save money and be more efficient for many businesses and remote workers. But regular contacts need to maintain the spirit of community and team spirit.

Cooperation:

  • Teamwork is very important to keep the group together and get the job done. With groups and communities becoming geographically disparate, the effective face to face communication has never been more important.

Knowledge transfer:

  • Decision-making based on the experience of key staff on an ad hoc basis, is crucial for the business.

Accessibility:

  • Prompt and full access to information is no longer an advantage, but it is a requirement. A new generation of users expect information and resources to be there where and when they need them.

Reducing costs:

  • The actual costs of physical meetings(time and money) are being lowering with the massive use of collaboration tools with video conferencing features.

Video conferences allow businesses to solve these issues, and more. Opportunities for communication between remote employees, as often as necessary, along with cost savings associated with less business trips all the benefits that users have the benefits of videoconferencing.

Video Conferencing is available to all enterprises with a low cost, does not require IT infrastructure and bandwidth. It increase productivity and it’s ideal for times when money is difficult to get.

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