Web Conferencing v Video Conferencing

Web conferencing and video conferencing have revolutionized the way we communicate. Both innovations are already threatening the monopoly of voice-only communications that have ruled the industry for decades. The trend is not surprising. Who wouldn’t want to see the person they’re talking to, especially if he or she is several hundred miles away?

Web conferencing and video conferencing are starting to drift apart though. Recent improvements in Internet access has catapulted Web conferencing over video. In 2001, the Web conferencing industry earned $300 million. Needless to say, it grew exponentially since then.

While Web conferencing and video conferencing are usually mistaken as the same, there are substantial differences between the two.

Web conferencing allows you to have virtual conferences over the Internet. The online meeting could accommodate two or more persons at the same time. The participants could enter the virtual conference room regardless of where they’re at as long as they have the right equipment and an Internet connection.

The entities that have greatly benefited from Web conferencing are corporations and small businesses. Many firms have been able to save considerable amounts since many business travels were already dispensed with. Directors, managers, employees, and clients no longer have to leave the comforts of their home or offices in order to be able to sit and talk. Virtual meetings are now possible through Web conferencing.

The development of Web conferencing is timely for businesses as many corporations are suffering from budgetary constraints. This has made Web conferencing indispensable for them. Businessmen are also appreciating the growth of the technology, especially after the travel scare that the September 11 tragedy has caused.

Web conferencing and video conferencing have caused many businesses to change the way they interact or communicate with their clients and personnel. While Web conferencing has continued to develop, video has lagged behind, possibly to oblivion.

Many blame the decline of video conferencing to its costly equipment. Many small businesses find the price prohibitive, while the large firms which could afford it are starting to look for alternatives.

The alternative turned out to be Web conferencing. In order for one to be able to host or participate in an online conference, he only has to have a computer with a 56k modem and an Internet access. Setting up your computer is very simple, and could be completed within 5 minutes.

Many were turned off with Web conferencing in the past due to poor sound and image quality. However, these problems are already things of the past as Internet bandwidths are getting bigger and better since service providers are continuously enhancing their broadband networks.

Web conferencing and video conferencing have definitely changed the way we conduct businesses, whether corporate or personal. However, Web conferencing is outpacing video conferencing at a considerable rate since the former is more cost efficient and easily accessible to any person.