One of the new ways of communicating that has emerged from the online revolution is the Webinar. It’s now possible to conduct meetings on line that consist of much more than just text chat. To find out what a Webinar actually is, and some of the applications for Webinars, TMCnet checked in with Frank Tam, president at Packetel (News - Alert).
TMCnet: How would you define ‘Webinar’?
FT: A Webinar is a Web-based seminar. It utilized Web conferencing technology to facilitate and conduct interactive seminars such as in a Webcast. The presenter can use Voice over IP (VoIP
) audio technology or a standard phone line to communicate with Webinar attendees. Participants can poll questions to the presenter and the presenter can respond back by either instant text messaging or voice.
TMCnet: What’s the difference between a Webinar and a Web conference?
FT: The difference is the nature and size of the meeting, plus the level of interaction between the host and the attendees. A Webinar usually has more attendees (like a seminar), and usually there is less interaction between the presenter and the attendees. Web conferencing is usually a meeting with fewer attendees than a seminar or training, plus there typically is more interaction between the meeting host and attendees.
TMCnet: When picking a Webinar solution, what are some of the features a company should look for?
FT: The Webinar solution should be friendly for both host and attendees. In other words, it should be each to use. Attendees shouldn’t need to install software to participate in the Webinar. The Webinar solution should provide high performance in terms of speed — capable of handling large numbers of attendees simultaneously without slowing down. Finally, the Webinar should be offered as a service that is affordable, and is billed using a flat rate model rather than by the minute.
TMCnet: How have Webinar solutions changed in the past few years?
FT: More and more people are starting to use Webinars instead of hosting in-person seminars. Webinars are more convenient and flexible, cost less, and make organization a lot easier. Plus, Webinars helps reduce business travel, which equates to fewer business costs, and more time for business operation.
TMCnet: What technologies are in use today that makes conducting Webinars more affordable and efficient than it used to be?
FT: Faster internet speeds and better VoIP audio technology make Webinars more affordable, efficient and similar to in-person interactions.
TMCnet: How would you summarize the advantages of Packetel’s Webinar solution?
FT: Packetel’s Webinar solution is friendly for both host and attendees. It is also cost-efficient and provides high performance. Also, attendees do not need to install any software to participate in Webinars.
TMCnet: What are some of the real-world ways companies are using Packetel’s Webinar solution?
FT: Companies are using our service to conduct Web-based seminars, training sessions and lectures.
TMCnet: What else should people know about Webinars and Packetel?
FT: Our Webinar service is one of the best offers in the industry. Packetel is one of the most trusted names in online telecommunication services.
To learn more about online seminar services, please visit the Webinar channel on TMCnet.com, brought to you by Packetel.
Mae Kowalke is senior editor for TMCnet, covering VoIP, CRM, call center and wireless technologies. To read more of Mae’s articles, please visit her columnist page. She also blogs for TMCnet here.
Voice over IP (VoIP) | X |
| A real-time communications system that converts voice into digital packets containing media and signaling data that travel over networks using Internet Protocol....more |
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