You’ve been on board with conference calls for awhile, and you know how easy it’s made communication for you, your employees, and clients. Don’t stop there. There’s another tool you can implement that will take critical relationships to the next level—whether that’s a more cohesive workforce or a more profitable client list: web conferencing. Here are the most frequently asked questions about this technology:

What is web conferencing?

Quite simply, it’s holding virtual meetings, training sessions, and presentations over the Internet. Participants can be in the same building or on the other end of the world. Web conferencing is an interactive communication platform, where team members actively collaborate.

Although the features of web conferencing solutions vary, here are just a few potential options:

• Audio and/or video feeds
• Desktop sharing
• Polls and surveys
• The use of whiteboards
• The ability to reach out to hundreds of participants

How does that make my job easier?

Conducting conferences over the web means you can get the right message to the right people—without having to put your other projects (or your personal life) on hold so you can schlep across the country with an overstuffed suitcase. What’s more is that the money men and women at your company won’t have to call you into their office to talk about your receipts—again.

How does it work?

A moderator—either someone in your company or a representative of the web conferencing service—sends participants a URL link and a security code allowing access to the virtual meeting room.

The virtual meeting room is where the action happens. Team members can share documents as well as items on their computer desktops. In addition, web conferencing systems may incorporate a whiteboard, or virtual blackboard, which is an ideal way to brainstorm—no matter where the participants are located.

How much does it cost?

Most providers offer plans that feature a range of options designed to fit nearly any budget. A bare bones plan, for example, might allow you to share PowerPoint slideshows, conduct polls and share desktops while an upper-end plan offers video capability as well as audio and web recording.

What questions should I ask when shopping for a web conference service?

Here are a few guidelines from Inc.com:

• Can you and other participants easily use the service?
• Does it require the purchase of special software?
• Do they offer customer service?
• Are there a variety of options to suit different needs?

For a more comprehensive shopping list, OfficeArrow features a must-have guide for choosing a web conference solution.

Do you have more questions about web conferencing and how it can help you achieve your business goals? Have an FAQ you want answered?  Leave a comment or contact RollCall, a global leader in web conferencing services.