Collaboration Features Are Key to Driving Effective Web Conferencing

  

  

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Web conferencing is growing as companies in the nonprofit sector continue to demand low cost alternatives when it comes to bridging the geographic gap in face-to-face communications. In fact, according to Frost & Sullivan’s “North American CSP based Conferencing Services Market” report, this market reached $151.3 million in 2008 and is expected to reach $375.5 million by 2014, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 16.4 percent.

One of the key benefits of web conferencing technologies is the ability to collaborate on important projects, strategic initiatives, new products or services and so much more. To ensure professionals within your organization can collaborate effectively with web conferencing by way of Web conferencing technologies, there are specific collaboration tools that can be beneficial. Let’s examine exactly what collaboration features you want to gain from Web conferencing technologies.

• Screen-Sharing – Web conferencing allows all participants to share resources from one computer. Today’s technology takes participants beyond merely viewing the presenters screen. The presenter can now control how much or how little participants can see and experience during the Web conference.
• Multiple Presenters – collaboration is generally more difficult if people are not allowed to interact and draw on the experience and input of others. With Web conferencing technology, multiple individuals in various locations can take on the role of presenter in the same Web conference to maximize the experience.
• Drawing and Annotation – popular design applications are often used in physical meetings; why not utilize these same tools when conducting a Web conference? Robust platforms will offer pencils, pens, virtual sticky notes and more that allow presenters to underscore specific points or to highlight ideas generated during the Web conference.
• Virtual Whiteboard – many organizations will take advantage of the versatility of dry-erase whiteboards during physical meetings to capture the essentials of the ideas generated during the collaboration – why not use a similar tool in a Web conference? This dedicated space can be used for brainstorming, developing strategic points and so much more.

Collaboration is an important element of driving a successful organization, especially for those operating geographically dispersed locations. When travel is not possible – or strains the budget too much – it doesn’t negate the need for face-to-face collaboration. With Web conferencing tools, your organization can overcome these obstacles to drive effective collaboration. Face-time with colleagues is still essential to your overall strategy and Web conferencing provides the platform necessary to get the job done.