Why pay for web conferencing when you have Skype and AIM?
Free Web Conferencing
With the dizzying array of web conferencing software all ambitiously aching to be the stage for your next web conference, it can be difficult deciding which to side with. Cisco’s core WebEx web conferencing ($69 a month) software seems to be the industry standard, followed by Microsoft Live Meeting ($5 – 15 a month) and Adobe (Creative Suite 4 Web Premium $100) each with their own entries. While some may say “you get what you pay for”, I counter that with, “the best things in life are free” (just ask Google).
Sure, you could buy some expensive software, spend hours getting acquainted with the new interface; but the answer to your web conferencing needs may be imbedded in the software you’re already used to using, and free at that. If you’re one of the more than 171 million Skype users worldwide, or 180 million AOL Instant Messenger members, you needn’t look any further than the Instant messaging software you use every day.
The two company’s software is strikingly similar, using contacts in your list you can host or join an online web conference using a headset, web cam, or any other type of microphone. Each party’s software connects extremely fast, and with today’s high bandwidth runs seamlessly. Within moments I connected with a buddy in Chicago for a tour of his new office building, turning my monitor into an instant window into my friend’s life across the country. I showed him the heaping pile of pizza boxes stacked taller than me by the door after missing last week’s recycling. I figured it was a fair exchange.
Perhaps my favorite feature which is included in Skype and AIM’s version of the web conferencing software is the ability to show the other parties a live showing of your desktop. This is great for so many uses. I do some 3-D modeling with 3DSmax, and clients often want to see how a project is moving along. Instead of exporting the 3D model and hoping they can open the extension, or attempting to capture the model in a 2D photo from the right angle you can now stream the model live as you move it around per their request as you explain what they’re seeing. Your grandma doesn’t know how to open the picture attachment you sent her? Mom can’t figure out what’s wrong with her Mah-Jong game? Now it’s a lot easier to walk them through the learning process when you can see what they’re looking at on their end.
Although, there are limits to the free software, as it is geared more towards personal / small business needs. You will find that there are some bandwidth issues with 4 plus connections, and the web resolution can leave something to be desired when viewed on a large screen. If you find your needs expanding beyond that of what Skype or AIM web conferencing, it may be time to upgrade. However, for a majority of the web conferences this software is free, quick, and already installed on millions of computers worldwide. Why risk alienating clients or co-workers with over ambitious software when we’re all used to the simple pleasures of our instant messengers?
By: Casey Adrian