| If you are thinking about getting into web and video | | | | 3. People anywhere in the world can go online and |
| conferencing, then it is important to know what is | | | | join the conference. With no equipment installation |
| required to operate any proposed conferencing | | | | and no software installation to take care of, the door |
| system. Some systems run on proprietary software | | | | is open to widespread participation in your |
| and need special equipment, while browser based | | | | conferences. The only thing that you have to do is |
| systems usually do not require the installation of | | | | to notify your people and provide them with a url |
| special software or equipment. Many organizations | | | | and a password and they can join in. |
| and individuals will find browser based solutions easier | | | | 4. There is no problem with firewalls. Most offices |
| to use. Here are a few reasons why this is so: | | | | and many individuals protect their computers and |
| 1. They work on all operating systems. Do you have | | | | networks from hackers by using a firewall. This is |
| some users on Mac and some on PCs? Do you have | | | | good for security but can become a problem if you |
| some users who have Linux? If you want to connect | | | | are trying to join people together in a conference. |
| all of these people together in one conference it may | | | | Many web and browser based systems are not |
| be impossible if you have to install special software | | | | affected by firewalls and no special instructions have |
| to run your conference. In this case a browser based | | | | to be given to conference participants whose |
| system that can run on all operating systems and all | | | | computers may be protected by firewalls. |
| browsers allows you to connect with all of your staff | | | | All of these factors add up to one very strong |
| or clientele without any worries about what kind of | | | | advantage of using browser based conferencing |
| computer they are operating. | | | | systems: they allow you to get maximum |
| 2. You don't have to download and install software. | | | | participation in your online events. With little or no |
| Sure, people are becoming more computer-literate as | | | | technical obstacles, such systems make it easy for |
| time goes on, but downloading and installing software | | | | large numbers of people, using diverse equipment and |
| and getting the software to run properly can be an | | | | with varying degrees of computer skills, to take part |
| obstacle to some people. The good news is that with | | | | in online meetings. So, take a look at the various |
| many browser based systems there is no software | | | | conferencing packages on the market at the present |
| to download, because the installation is done on the | | | | time and pick out one that is both easy to use and |
| technology provider's host computer. Participating in a | | | | powerful enough to meet your communications |
| conference is as easy as going on line to view a | | | | needs. |
| website. | | | | |