Different Types Of Conference Calls

With technology that is increasingly getting more and more advanced, the definition of conferencing has changed over the years as to include and accommodate the new modes with which conferencing is carried out. Today the definition of conference calls has expanded tremendously and encompasses all modes of conferencing including web meetings, webinars, videoconferencing and Internet conferences.

Technologies that are being used by us all the time, including the telephone, computer and Intenet, are used in conjunction with each other in conference calls. Conferencing offers many advantages for businesses, including slide-show presentations, sharing documents, the facility for group consultations or interviews as well as person-to-person or group conferencing and enhancing business communication via real-time collaboration.

Conference calls in any form can be used for new product training, press briefings, software demonstrations, product launches, shareholder meetings, staff orientation and training, focus groups, marketing seminars, human resource broadcasts, a research avenue, distance learning, investor road shows and sales presentations.

Conferencing technologies include video as well as data and audio transmission at the same time. It involves working on all the shared applications on a collaborative basis. Videoconferencing is a point-to-point communication or a one-to-one meeting involving real-time communication using two-way audio and video technology.

There are two types of videoconferencing; the studio-based systems and desktop conferences. Desktop conferencing involves mounting a small camera on a workstation or a computer. Studio-based conferencing includes one or several high quality cameras, large-sized monitors and microphones. Conferencing for more formal or larger business gatherings include overheard cameras that provide excellent views of the presentations and documents. Some of the software and hardware that are employed in conference calls today include FreeVue, Picture-Window, Video Phone, CU-SeeMe, CineVideo and CoolView.

Internet conferences are kind of regular conferences held over the internet and they may or may not involve video. It involves a defined group of people and is usually held over a couple of days or a weekend. Internet conferences are designed to provide and exchange information related to a specific area, for example the Humane Society or the association of Librarians would host Internet conferences. Internet conferences are almost the same as conference calls but the difference is that it involves larger groups that meet at many different locations.

A web meeting is more basic and offers only audio communication. It is used very often in business dealings and can also reach a global audience just like video conference calls. Web meetings are useful when there is a leader of a group who needs to provide guidance to the other participants. Web meetings also include question and answer sessions as well as an interchange of ideas and concepts. Conduction of polls can also be done via web meeting conference calls.