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Web Conferencing vs Video Conferencing

There is a great deal of confusion in our industry over web conferences and video conferences.

The objective of this article is to explain the differences and advantages and disadvantages of both so that you can decide which best suites your needs.

What is a web conference?

Web Conferencing is where a presenter can deliver a presentation over the web to a group of geographically dispersed participants. The terms ‘web conference’ and ‘webinar’ are used interchangeably to refer to the same type of service.

In it’s simplest form, the presentation is not interactive. Participants can see what’s on the screen but cannot make changes.

More advanced systems allow the presenter to share applications or their entire computer desktop with participants and even take control of the remote computer over the internet. Unsurprisingly when used in this mode, the web conference is usually called an “application sharing” session or “Desktop Sharing” facility.

Web conferencing systems vary enormously in terms of cost, complexity and functionality.

At one extreme, systems can cost thousands of dollars per month, require large software packages to be installed on each participants computer and rely upon having specific firewall configurations and high bandwidth internet connections. Such systems are out of reach for most companies and are really only needed for high end software demonstrations.

At the other extreme there are many completely free services available but these tend to only support a very limited number of participants and lack a comprehensive set of features. Critically, as they are free, they are often unsupported and therefore not suitable for business use.

The key things to note about web conferencing are that since there is no live video component, no special equipment is required (not even a webcam)

Ozone’s own ‘OzonePRESENTER’ web conferencing product sits between these two extremes. It is reasonably priced, requires no software download or firewall configuration and is designed to be extremely easy to use.

The key things to note about web conferencing are that since there is no live video component, no special equipment is required (not even a webcam). Web conferencing is also requires far less bandwidth than video conferencing. Some systems (including our own) will even work well over a dial up internet connection!

Web conferences are usually held in conjunction with and audio conference so that participants can hear what the presenter is saying. Some web conferencing providers carry the voice over the internet using Voice over IP (VoIP) technology but most corporate class systems use traditional telephone based audio conferencing to ensure quality and reliability. See our article comparing VoIP to traditional telephone based audio conferencing services.

What is a video conference?

A video conference is where cameras are used to enable participants in a virtual conference to see the presenter and, sometimes, the other participants.

Businesses and individuals use video conferencing in many different ways in both one to one and one to many scenarios.

Historically, the main use for video conferencing has been within the corporate environment for one to one business meetings. Due to the requirements for dedicated camera, audio and networking equipment, it was usual to set up dedicated rooms for the purpose of holding video conferences.

Before the availability of high bandwidth internet connections, signals were carried over point to point connections established via ISDN lines. ISDN are similar to telephone connections in that the calling party would ‘dial up’ the destination station and pay for the length of time the call was open. Due to the high bandwidth requirement multiple connections were usually required making it very expensive to hold international video conferences.

The internet has now simplified some of the connectivity issues however the equipment and bandwidth required to hold near broadcast quality video conferences still places the barrier to entry too high for the casual user.

Over the last few years, low cost services aimed at small business and consumers have become popular. Based on webcams as opposed to more sophisticated and expensive cameras the picture quality and size are somewhat limited but adequate to see who you are talking to.

As with web conferencing, the audio component can be carried over phone lines our VoIP can be used.

Advantages and disadvantages of web and video conferencing

Advantages of web conferencing compared with video conferencing

• No equipment required, ubiquitous access via browser.
• Often cheaper and more reliable
• Smaller software download required (in some cases NO software download required)
• Fewer firewall configuration issues
• Less technically challenging to set up and use
• Lower internet bandwidth requirements
• As no live video feed, no requirement for adequate lighting or make up.
• Participants can do not become distracted from content of presentation by the novelty of being able to see each other.

Advantages of video conferencing over web conferencing

• Live video feed so participants can see each other in real-time.
• Participants can feel more involved as have life video element.

Conclusion - Web conference or video conference?

Both web conferencing and video have an increasing role to play in cutting down business travel.

Having used both web and video extensively I would suggest that in most cases the lion’s share of the benefits of video conferencing are realised using a web conference and the video element is a nice to have but not worth the extra cost and complexity of implementation.

The lion’s share of the benefits of video conferencing are realised using a web conference at much lower cost

In a business context simplicity really is key because it leads to reliability and cross company interoperability which in turn portrays a professional image.

Customers regularly use our OzonePRESENTER product to deliver PowerPoint presentations to customers and staff all over the world. Problems are rarely encountered even when there are several tens or even hundreds logged into the conference.

As no special equipment is needed and there is no software to download and install there is very little that can go wrong. When delivering a sales pitch to dozens of potential customers using difference computer operating systems often in parts of the world where internet connectivity is less than perfect.

We feel being able to connect reliably is more important than being able to see a live video stream... but then we would say that wouldn't we?

Don't take our word for it. Why not call 0207 928 5560 and ask for a free demo and trial account today and prove it for yourself?

Click here to learn about OzoneENTERPRISE audio and web conferencing solutions