Why Web Conferencing?

Web Conferences enables users to hold collaborative meetings with interactive whiteboard tools, give sales demonstrations with real-time efficacy, stage presentations with full and select moderator control or hold enhanced, multimedia roundtable discussions. With parallel developments in telephony, such as VoIP, and available full duplex webcam support, users can defray the cost of traditional teleconferencing even further. And, with recording and playback tools available in the leading Web Conferencing Service providers, audience members and authorized users can access meetings, presentations and demonstrations again and again or continually reference whiteboard sessions.

Functionality aside, Web conferencing has many economical advantages:

  • Travel expenses: Web Conferencing Services can substantially reduce meeting-related travel expenses.
  • Material expenses: Web Conferencing Services can reduce overhead related to meetings materials.
  • VoIP and beyond: leading Web Conferences Services offer VoIP functionality, giving it a serious advantage over traditional teleconferencing and video conferencing.

What to Look For in Web Conferencing Program

Web Conferencing is a fairly recent development, but one that has evolved rapidly and progressed far beyond its initial functionality and capability in only a few years time. As the Internet has accelerated due to new methods of data transfer and new telecommunications media like VoIP have been developed, Web Conferencing has been enriched further, making it possible for meetings to occur in real-time, with hands-on interaction and advanced multimedia integration.

Despite the advances made by Web Conferencing, not all programs are created equally.

Below are the criteria TopTenREVIEWS used to evaluate Web Conferencing Services:

Conferencing Features
Web Conferencing shouldn’t be a cheap substitute for physical, location-based conferences. Rather, they should be an improvement upon them or equal to them. By offering a variety of feedback and interactive whiteboard tools, as well as other features to simplify the meeting process and make ad hoc or improvised meetings a possibility, Web Conferencing can improve the quality of meetings, making them more focused, democratic or a combination of both.

Audio/Video Features
With the development of VoIP and other enhanced telephony, as well as the advancement and integration of webcam and video into real-time efficacy, Web Conferencing should have a variety of telephony and webcam/video options to fuel their meetings and give it the personal touch necessary to remain effective. Many users still find traditional call-in/call-back and toll/toll-free telephony to be more effective than newer VoIP technologies. Web Conferencing providers should offer a variety of telephony functionality and, as is evident in the best of those providers, full integration of a variety of telephony methods for added flexibility.

Security Features
As the Internet has advanced, evolved and expanded, so too has its threats. Web Conferencing programs should offer seamless security with user registration and authentication and end-to-end encryption while remaining firewall-friendly.

Help/Support
Web Conferencing is fairly complicated. Even those with experience in teleconferencing and video conferencing may find themselves in need of assistance. Web Conferencing programs should come with built-in help menus and step-by-step guides for every stage of the meeting, from initiation to termination. Web Conferencing Services should also provide technical and helpful resources on their site in the form of tutorials, guides, FAQ sections, knowledgebases, direct chat and moderated forums. Many Web Conferencing providers also offer 24/7 support for meetings.

Web Conferencing programs are a functional and cost-effective technology that provides consumers with an alternative to physical, location-based meetings.

Our objective review of Web Conferencing programs rates Adobe Connect Pro the overall best bet but we stress that the most important measure of any Web Conferencing program is how well it meets your personal needs. Take a look at our review of GoToMeeting for another outstanding service that offers Web Conferencing with simplified pricing. Each of the ranked programs has advantages and disadvantages worth considering.

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Web Conferencing Review 

Hold Meetings Anywhere

Web Conferencing Services breaks down the walls, letting users the world over hold meetings, stage presentations, give product demonstrations and interact in real-time.

Why Web Conferencing?

2010 Web Conferencing Review Comparisons

TopTenREVIEWS  |  Web Services  |  Business & Finance  |  Web Conferencing Review
Rank #1#2#3#4#5#6#7#8#9#10
Excellent score   Excellent
Very good score   Very Good
Good score   Good
Fair score   Fair
Poor score   Poor
Adobe Acrobat Connect Pro GoToMeeting MegaMeeting FUZE Meeting WebEx Dimdim Pro InterCall iLinc Microsoft Office Live Meeting Yugma Pro
Adobe Acrobat Connect Pro GoToMeeting MegaMeeting FUZE Meeting WebEx Dimdim Pro InterCall iLinc Microsoft Office Live Meeting Yugma Pro
Reviewer Comments Read Review
Watch Video Review 		Read Review
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Read Review
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Read Review
Read Review
Lowest Price Buy Adobe Acrobat Connect Pro
$55.00/mo. 		Buy GoToMeeting
$49.00/mo. 		Buy MegaMeeting Professional
$45.00/mo. 		Buy FUZE Meeting
$29.00/mo. 		Buy WebEx
$49.00/mo. 		Buy Dimdim Pro
$19.00/mo. 		Buy InterCall Meeting Edition
$48.00/mo. 		Buy iLinc Small/Medium Business
$49.00/mo. 		Buy Microsoft Office Live Meeting
$16.00/mo. 		Buy Yugma Pro
$14.95/mo.
 
Overall Rating Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Very Good Very Good Very Good Very Good Very Good
Ratings
Conferencing Features Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Very Good Very Good Very Good Very Good
Presentation/Demonstration Features Excellent Excellent Very Good Excellent Very Good Excellent Very Good Very Good Excellent Excellent
Audio/Video Features Excellent Very Good Excellent Very Good Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Very Good Very Good
Security Features Excellent Excellent Excellent Very Good Excellent Very Good Excellent Very Good Very Good Very Good
Help/Support Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Very Good Excellent Very Good Very Good Very Good Very Good
View Specifications Go! Go! Go! Go! Go! Go! Go! Go! Go! Go!
View Screenshots View Adobe Acrobat Connect Pro screenshots View GoToMeeting screenshots View MegaMeeting screenshots View FUZE Meeting screenshots View WebEx screenshots View Dimdim Pro screenshots View InterCall screenshots View iLinc screenshots View Microsoft Office Live Meeting screenshots  
Available Upgrades
Enterprise Version   GoToWebinar, GoToMeeting Corporate Enterprise    Enterprise   Enterprise Suite Professional  
Conferencing Features
Real-Time Screen Sharing Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark   Check Mark Check Mark  
Record Meetings Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark   Check Mark   Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark
Presenter Preparation Mode Check Mark Check Mark   Check Mark    Check Mark Check Mark   
Whiteboard Functionality Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark
Max No. of Attendees 50 15 Varies 45 15 100   15 15 1 Host/ 20 Attendees
Public Chat Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark  
Private Chat Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark   
Optional Chat Moderation/Designation Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark      
Attendance Reporting Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark  
Microsoft Office Integration/Compatibility Check Mark   Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark   Check Mark Check Mark  
Multiple Monitor Support Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark      Check Mark  
Drawing/Highlighting Tools Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark  
Specific Application Sharing Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark    Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark
File Transfer to/from Audience Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark   Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark   Check Mark
Leader-Synchronized Web Browsing Check Mark   Check Mark    Check Mark   Check Mark   
One-at-a-Time Speech Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark
Multi-Party Speech Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Max Of 4 Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark
Audience Feedback Indicators Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark   Check Mark Check Mark   Check Mark  
Anti-Delay/Feedback Tools Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark   Check Mark    Check Mark
Mic Muting Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark   Check Mark
Remote Control Functionality Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark  
Video/Web Cam Integration Check Mark   Check Mark   Check Mark Check Mark   Check Mark Check Mark  
Automated Updates for All Users Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark   
Wait List for Users Needing Support Check Mark Check Mark   Check Mark     Check Mark   
User Profile Creation Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark   Check Mark    
Online User Document Database Check Mark    Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark   
Presentation Progress Tracker Check Mark Check Mark   Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark   
Online Calendar and Meeting Scheduler Check Mark   Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark     Check Mark  
Join Meetings In Progress/Rejoin Meetings Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark  
User Polling Check Mark   Check Mark     Check Mark    
Embedded Video Screen Sharing    Check Mark Check Mark       
Program Security Features
End-to-End Encryption Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark
Unique URL Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark
128-Bit AES Encryption Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark   Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark
User Authentication Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark   Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark
Password Strength Optimizer Check Mark          
Optional Meeting Password Requirement Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark   Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark
Secure Control over Shared Keyboard and Mouse Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark   Check Mark
Specific Application Sharing Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark   Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark   
Adjustable Innactivity Time Out Check Mark Check Mark         Check Mark
Firewall Friendly Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark
Full Auditing and Logging Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark
Program Audio and Teleconference Features
VoIP Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark   Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark  
Call-in/Call-back Check Mark Check Mark   Check Mark Check Mark   Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark
Toll-Calling Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark   Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark
Toll-Free Calling Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark   Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark
Multi-Source Audio Integration Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark   Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark  
Full Duplex Support Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark   Check Mark      
Audio Streaming/Broadcast Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark   Check Mark   Check Mark  
Program Video and Webcam Features
Webcam Compatibility Check Mark   Check Mark   Check Mark Check Mark   Check Mark   
Multi-Point Video Display Check Mark   Check Mark   4 Upon Request Check Mark   Check Mark   
Select Video/User Display Check Mark   Check Mark   Check Mark Check Mark   Check Mark   
Adjustable Resolution Settings Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark   Check Mark   Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark
Adjustable Video Frame Rate/Output Check Mark   Check Mark   Check Mark Check Mark   Check Mark   
Play/Record Windows Compatible Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark
Play/Record Mac Compatible Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Meeting Center Only Must Be Flash Enabled Play Only Check Mark   Check Mark
Play/Record Linux Compatible Check Mark   Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark      Check Mark
Supported Web Browsers
Internet Explorer Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark
Firefox Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark
Safari Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark No Support For Remote Access Check Mark Must Be Java-Enabled Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark
Program Pricing
Annual   Check Mark Check Mark $279.00 Check Mark   Check Mark    Check Mark
Monthly Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark $29.00 Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark
Per Minute Check Mark   Check Mark $0.19 Check Mark      Check Mark
Per User Check Mark   Check Mark   Check Mark    Check Mark   
Per Use Check Mark   Check Mark   Check Mark   Check Mark    Check Mark
Full License Purchase Check Mark   Check Mark     Check Mark    
Free Trial Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark 30 days Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark  
Technical Support/User Resources
Skills Workshops Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark   Check Mark    
Tutorials Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark  
Online/ PDF Manuals Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark
Tutorial Videos Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark   Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark  
Knowledgebase/FAQ Section Check Mark   Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark
Remote IT Support Check Mark   Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark      
Telephone Support Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark   Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark
Email Support Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark
Chat Support Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark   Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark
Moderated Forums Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark   Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark    
Browser/OS Compatibility Test Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark     
Support Platforms
Windows Vista Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark
Windows XP Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark
Mac OS X Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark Check Mark No Support For Sales Center/ Remote Access Check Mark Light Version Only Check Mark   Check Mark
Linux Check Mark   Check Mark Check Mark No Support For Remote Access Check Mark     Check Mark
 
Reviewer Comments Read Review
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Lowest Price Buy Adobe Acrobat Connect Pro
$55.00/mo. 		Buy GoToMeeting
$49.00/mo. 		Buy MegaMeeting Professional
$45.00/mo. 		Buy FUZE Meeting
$29.00/mo. 		Buy WebEx
$49.00/mo. 		Buy Dimdim Pro
$19.00/mo. 		Buy InterCall Meeting Edition
$48.00/mo. 		Buy iLinc Small/Medium Business
$49.00/mo. 		Buy Microsoft Office Live Meeting
$16.00/mo. 		Buy Yugma Pro
$14.95/mo.
Best Web Conferencing Services Buying Guide
Best Web Conferencing Services Buying...
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