Call conferencing services are no longer a luxury but more of a necessity as businesses is going global. It is a necessary communication tool that helped them connect with many people at the same time.
Call conferencing services are more than just calling many people all at one but they also allow sharing documents, viewing of presentations and conferring with anyone from different places.

Features

Generally, here are some features included in call conferencing services:

• All participants can view each presentation, document and spreadsheet
• Ability to set-up multiple users as presenters
• Monitoring of audience participation
• “Hand-Raise” ability that allows you to easily determine when someone wants to ask a question
• Pointer Ability so you can keep everyone on the same page while presenting your ideas or reports.
• Full screen
• Allows you to chat with other participants in a conference with their host ability
• Presentation of different media: visual, audio, written, etc.
• SSL Encryption to ensure maximum security
• Firewall protection also for security

Pros and Cons

Like any other services or products, call conferencing services come with both advantages and disadvantages. Starting with the pros:

• No hi-tech, expensive equipment is required, as it can be performed in most computers being used today. Computer requirements are moderately basic and almost all people who make use of computers in doing business can easily meet or even exceed the requirements.
• Provides a more comprehensive form of remote communication as users can share audio and visual presentations, slide shows or programs.
• It easy to use, anyone can quickly learn how these services are used.

Here is one drawback you will be expecting from using call conferencing services:

• You should expect that fees can add up fast. Depending on services or the provider, most call conferencing services are about $.49/minute per user. Audio capability can come with additional charges. If you plan frequently hold call conferences, there are subscription prices but, again, this will differ by provider and most require some sort of one-time set-up fee. Expect to shell out some $1000-$3000. But considering the savings you derived from deleting traveling expenses and accommodation expenses. This might not at all be a drawback.

Call conferencing services may come with a price to pay but the pros definitely outweigh the cons.

If you are not quite sold on the idea of committing to a browser-based conference system, there are other conferencing solutions.

Audio Conferences

Audio conferencing allows members to communicate via telephone. This can include regional, national or global members. You will need to apply for audio conferencing services if you feel that this is the best solution since most phone systems only allow for three members to participate at one time.

Free Conferences

For the most part, “free” conference solutions are for audio conferences only. Maybe you want to test a provider before committing to their contract or are deciding on the best conferencing solution. Free conference providers will have limitations, but if you are looking to host a small group, the limitations may not even be noticed.

Microsoft Conference Solutions

Microsoft Live Meeting is the name of the application Microsoft offers. Live Meeting allows meetings to be integrated with Microsoft Office, which can be quite useful! It offers similar benefits as web conferencing, but with the added connectivity of Microsoft office.
They offer a standard and professional service. It is recommended to purchase the professional service since this allows the use of all the benefits that Microsoft Live Meeting offers.

Hosted Conferences

A hosted conference offers many benefits. Services vary depending on provider, but for the most part, hosted conferences are mostly audio conferences that have an assistant provided from your conference provider.
The live assistant helps with “checking-in” and any technical difficulties that may arise. The assistant is also valuable as an extra security measure. Hosted conferences allow you to focus on your presentation or meetings, while the assistant handles the “details” of running a smooth meeting.
Of course, only you will know which conferencing or web conferencing services will best meet your needs. There is a huge need for conferencing solutions and many providers to choose from. Take your time, understand your business needs and by all means, use the free trial options!