Information Technology and the Internet systems have advanced much to bring you the experience of real time systems in the virtual web world. One of such advancement has been in the field of information exchange between individuals which lead to rapid development of web conferencing systems. Web conferencing systems are used to arrange live meetings or presentations over the Web. In web conferences, each attendee sits at his/her computer and is connected to the other members of the meeting via the internet. This can be setup with a desktop client downloaded on each of the attendees’ computers or via a web-based service where the attendees can join the meeting by simply entering an URL (website address).
In early times of Internet History during the 1980s we had real-time text chat systems such as IRC and instant messengers. Then in mid of 1990s came the web-based chat and instant messaging software. The first true web conferencing capability was evolved in the late 1990s which got matured responses. Gradually the web-based conferencing services became much popular and people liked it very much due to its enhanced capabilities. Now you can not only chat in real-time but can also have audio and video embedded in your chat sessions.
Simply speaking, web conferencing is a solution for people from different geographical locations to present information in an interactive environment just over the Internet. Web conferencing has been increasing the productivity of corporations as well as individuals by having all the decision makers present in a single sitting to discuss on strategic topics. Web conferencing is presently being seen as an alternative to teleconferencing. Even the combination of the two is now delivering even better conferencing experience. With enhanced teleconferencing provided using Voice Over IP (VOIP) technology and videoconferencing capability over the web, Web Conferencing systems are promising to replace the real-life meetings.
Web conferencing systems are perfect for training, colleague co-ordination, staff meetings, sales strategy presentations, and live instant customer support, just to name a few utilities. The ability to communicate via audio, video and text in real time beyond any geographical boundary, empowers you in any meeting. Being 100% Internet based you don’t need any phone line or any other teleconferencing equipments; just your computer with an Internet connection serves all the needs. Not to mention that it also saves your huge travel bills and your valuable time wasted in arranging real-life meetings.