Monday, February 22, 2010

Web Conferencing: Advantages and Disadvantages

Web conferencing is, as stated by wcswebconferencing.com,a "software based real-time communication that facilitates collaboration, meetings or information distribution between two or more parties using the internet".
The advantages and disadvantages of web conferencing are listed below. Please comment based on your experience with web conferencing software such as Oovoo, Skype, Msn Live Messenger, Web Ex, etc.

Advantages of Web Conferencing software:
  • Easily accessible to everyone
  • It involves real time communication
  • Faster than e-mail
  • Comes with features such as desktop and application sharing
  • Reduces the need for face-to-face meetings, which saves money

Disadvantages of Web Conferencing software:

  • Not all software is free, and the free software is limited in what it can achieve
  • With overseas conferences, depending on the speed of both of the clients internet, it can greatly reduce the visibility and function of shared desktops and applications
  • More informal than a face-to-face meeting
  • Requires suitable hardware and adaquate training to be able to function
  • Costs to maintain and keep up with new technology