Collaboration Software
Interact and communicate all over the world
Online collaboration software allows for easy, convenient communication and interaction over the Internet. It is ideal for businesses that have many remote employees; they can have the real-time experience of a phone call or live meeting without long distance or mileage charges.
Internet conferencing software allows participants to either use a downloaded application or visit a URL to enter an online, real-time conference. Web conference software can include communication software as simple as instant text messaging but can also include more advanced features such as webcam chat or VoIP audio communication through headphones and speakers.
Participants can share both their screen and their applications, and they can even allow others in the conference to manipulate and use applications or presentations. PowerPoint slides can be used to demonstrate more technical aspects of the conferences, and whiteboard features can enhance these demonstrations, allowing for annotations or markings on presentations or a blank whiteboard. Surveys and polls can also be distributed to participants so that simple questions can be answered efficiently.
Web conferencing software can be bought as a licensed product so that large companies who depend heavily on online conferencing can install and distribute the software on their servers. However, it is most often hosted on a Web server that charges a fee per use of the service.
Features and Benefits
Collaboration software:
- Allows remote employees to engage in important discussions and questions.
- Provides a variety of conferencing methods from text chat to audio and video communication.
- Allows applications and presentations to be shared and edited by all participants.
- Includes polls and surveys to provide quick, accurate feedback.
Top Choices
- Adobe Acrobat Connect
- IBM Lotus Sametime
- Convenos Meeting Center
- WebHuddle
- Genesys Meeting Center
Major Considerations
- Does text, audio or video chat best suit my conferencing needs?
- Do I require my own licensed collaborative software, or can I pay for software hosted by a Web server?
- What features are necessary for my conferencing needs?
Price Range
For small conferences of only a handful of participants, some online conferencing can be found for free. Premium and professional editions can be as low as $10 and as high as almost $1,000 per month. Software to install on your server can be purchased outright rather than paid for by a monthly fee. This route will generally cost from around $400 into the thousands.
Summary
Online collaborative software allows for the speed and ease of real-time conversation with the added benefits of modern technology. While it can closely mimic a live conference with audio and visual communication options, even more effective communication is provided through presentations, whiteboards, application sharing and surveys. Collaborative software allows everyone, no matter how near or far, to contribute to discussions so that participants can arrive at the best solutions in the shortest time.
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