Conferencing on the Web

Written by Steve Bryan

Conference calling has long been a useful business tool, allowing employees all over the world to share information and make critical decisions. Thanks to high-speed Internet connections, though, web phone conferencing has emerged as a more practical, flexible, and economical alternative to traditional conference calls.

VoIP makes it possible
Computers today are more versatile than ever before. With the help of Voice over Internet Protocol technology (VoIP), you can turn just about any PC or workstation into a telephone. Approved and regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), VoIP allows users to host conference calls via the Internet with other people working online. Some VoIP providers even allow you to dial regular landline phone numbers, and add someone who isn't sitting in front of a computer to the conference.

VoIP web conferencing is also possible by connecting a standard telephone to a special VoIP adapter that plugs into a regular Broadband connection. With this type of configuration, you can dial the phone normally, but your voice will be carried over the Internet.

Necessary services and equipment
Since VoIP has gained popularity, many web phone conferencing companies now provide the Broadband phone services needed for a web phone conference. Depending on the plan you choose, your company will have to pay a per-minute rate or a fixed monthly fee for unlimited Internet phone access. These fees may be lower than the costs of a traditional conference call.

To use web phone conferencing, employees will need plug-in microphones and a fast Internet connection; a telephone headset can be used for more hands-free communication. The provider also will supply the software needed for VoIP, which should be installed on every workstation. You also can equip conference rooms with VoIP adapters so multiple employees can use the same Internet connection during a meeting.

Benefits of web phone conferencing
During an online meeting, it's possible to transmit data and voice communication, allowing employees to review spreadsheets and other business documents and make real-time changes. Associates who are on the road also can connect remotely to an online conference room from any location offering wireless access.

The moderator can selectively "mute" participants during an online meeting and disconnect associates who weren’t invited. In addition, the moderator can elicit feedback from participants through instant polls or Q&A sessions.

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