Web Meetings or Web Conferences are meetings conducted over the Internet
between two or more people. Using a high-speed Internet connection,
cameras and microphones, individuals in different physical locations
collaborate in virtual meetings. Web conferencing can be used for
marketing, sales, customer support, training, product design and many other purposes.
Web Meetings became popular shortly after terrorist attacks in September
of 2001, however, the web conferencing technology was still immature and
interest soon waned. A resurgence of interest is now occurring due to
significant improvements in Web Conferencing software, the widespread
availability of inexpensive broadband Internet access and an increasing
amount of work being outsourced to domestic and international business
partners.
There are many advantages with conducting meetings and conferences over the
Internet. There are also a few technical and cultural challenges that
need to be recognized and addressed.
This tutorial introduces web conferencing concepts and terminology.
It discusses problems and opportunities with this emerging technology and
introduces some of the leading web conferencing product and service
providers. The site also offers some practical
tips and techniques for conducting successful web meetings and web
conferences.
