Web Conference — Along with the rapid development of technology and the global industry, there are many technological options available to stay connected even when people are in different locations. Today, communication systems that enable remote meetings are becoming increasingly common.
Video conferencing is a service that provides real-time communication between two or more parties located in different places using computers or mobile devices. Video conferencing can also be used for distance learning by universities, inter-branch company meetings, training sessions, and seminars.
Benefits of Video Conferencing for Business
Video conferencing is beneficial for business activities because:
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It makes time usage more efficient. You no longer need to spend time stuck in traffic just to attend meetings. That time can be allocated to more productive activities.
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It helps reduce travel costs, especially when meetings involve different cities, islands, or countries.
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Real-time audiovisual communication makes interactions feel more natural, as if participants are meeting face-to-face.
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It is equipped with document-sharing features, allowing meeting participants to share opinions and collaborate on documents being discussed.
However, despite the convenience offered by video conferencing systems, there are still limitations that make it difficult for many users to fully enjoy the service. Video conferencing is desktop-based, meaning each user must install an application before they can communicate.
To address these limitations, Web Conferencing has emerged. At a glance, web conferencing may appear similar to video conferencing. However, upon closer inspection, there are clear differences:
Video Conference:
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Desktop-based conferencing.
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Requires hardware investment and application installation on devices, such as video input (camera or webcam), video output (monitor), audio input (microphone), audio output (speaker), and data transfer facilities (ISDN, LAN, or Internet).
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Can only be used with broadband internet connections (for long-distance communication).
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Relatively high cost.
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Limited number of users based on server capacity.
Web Conference:
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Web-based conferencing.
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Requires only a specific application (software) provided by the web conference provider through a subscription model, utilizing internet technology—particularly TCP/IP connections.
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Can run on various types of internet connections.
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Relatively low cost.
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Can be attended by a large number of users.
Advantages of Web Conferencing
Based on the differences above, web conferencing offers additional advantages. Not only can it be accessed via PCs or laptops, but it can also be used on smartphones while on the move. Web conferencing also includes features that support meetings effectively, such as:
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Presentation Slides – Users can deliver online presentations that are viewed by other participants in real time.
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Live/Video Streaming and Audio Streaming – Supports visual and audio communication features in web conferencing.
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Meeting Recording – Presentation activities can be recorded on the client’s computer or on the server.
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Electronic Whiteboard – Allows presenters and/or participants to annotate presentation slides or create notes on a virtual whiteboard.
With screen-sharing capabilities, documents such as Word, Excel, PDF, and PowerPoint files can be displayed during meetings. Throughout the meeting, users are allowed to review or add notes to the documents being discussed. However, only the super user (administrator) has the authority to modify the content of the displayed documents.
Below is an illustration of a meeting workflow conducted via web conferencing.
Gbr 1.1 : Perbandingan skema meeting menggunakan fasilitas video conference dan web conference.
This role can also be referred to as the conference leader. A user is an active participant in a meeting who can engage in discussions using the available devices and features. Meanwhile, a participant is an attendee who can only listen and view the shared screen, meaning they do not have the authority to actively join or interact in the meeting.
Written by: Reny Ajeng
Inside Sales – Business Solutions
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