Monday, January 23, 2012

Online video conferencing free verses subscription - Technology - Video Conferencing

Online video conferencing is huge right now, but thousands of people are not still not using it. Maybe its because of the lack of knowledge and understanding in choosing the right provider or package for them. Having said this, It wont be long before we are all using it for something, and it doesnt have to be work. The online video conferencing software enables a two way, and more, streamlined video chat. The larger rooms can hold into the thousands but for my example it is for everybody no matter how small the gathering.

Its human nature and common sense to look for the cheapest option when looking at purchasing anything, and its no different when it comes to online video conferencing software.

You will find that there are hundreds of providers popping up all the time because they can see the potential. Technology has enabled the online conferencing software to be a very powerful tool, and just keeps improving.

So lets get to the crunch. Free verses subscription. Why pay for something when you can get it free. Well there is a huge difference between the two. In fact, many providers offer a free package with many features missing and limited functionality. Also you wont be able to use more than two to four people in one sitting. Its almost like a taster package. It gains you some experience with their software, it encourages you to know, like, and trust them, and it inevitably leads to you upgrading. Now you would normally think what a great way to start using conference software, practice with the free and then upgrade once I know how to use it. However, the free providers normally follow up with an expensive solution, knowing that what I just explained happens all the time.

There really is no comparison between free and subscribed software. Just as true as there is no free lunch. However, if you know that your needs are not going to go beyond two people with video chat, then as a home individual user a free option from a large company can easily fit the bill.

Things which a subscribed conference package gives you. First of all you will notice there are different packages. Some will offer a small package which is only a little bit better than a free version. In this situation, you need to weigh up the pros and cons of choosing this over free. A subscribed package gives you true flexibility with tonnes of tools which you dont get with free. You can perform functions such as desktop sharing, browser sharing, PowerPoint sharing, whiteboard sharing, video and image sharing, multiple text chat, multiple full way video chat, record function, the list goes on but you can already see how appealing this is over free.

I suggest that if you want a way for you and one other to connect and chat over video, go for a free option. There are loads out there.

If you have a couple of friends to connect with and would like to share things such as videos, images, then look for a cheap starter package.

If you are a company owner then you want to take this more seriously. Be sure to look And think ahead before investing money. Basically, dont waste your time with a free package. Look for one which offers a range of tools and allows for growth, in the way of larger packages and rooms.

Couple of tips before I end this article. Dont choose a provider which charges per attendee. Choose a provider which sells you the room with a set amount of seats. Also, dont choose a provider which requires you and your attendees to download and install software. You need a provider which streams your room live from a high speed server.


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