The best teleconference software for your business
A teleconference is a staple of modern business communications. While it can be almost any kind of virtual meeting, Webex can take your teleconference from a simple audio call to a more immersive video conference with advanced features such as screen sharing and one-touch recording and transcription.
What do I need for a teleconference?
The requirements for setting up a teleconference are straightforward. All you need is an internet
connection, a client (which can be a PC, Mac, mobile device, or video conferencing system), and
compatible teleconference software, like Webex.
With Webex, you can easily use the native desktop, mobile or web app to access the service. You can choose to connect your audio through your computer speakers, or dial-in to a bridge for your teleconference. You can even have the meeting call your phone directly, or use a video device to connect.
With Webex, you can easily use the native desktop, mobile or web app to access the service. You can choose to connect your audio through your computer speakers, or dial-in to a bridge for your teleconference. You can even have the meeting call your phone directly, or use a video device to connect.
How does a teleconference work?
Teleconferences are used to connect multiple people to the same meeting or virtual event. Modern
teleconference software uses a TCP/IP network to connect its various participants in a common
virtual conference room, where they can have a conversation, share content or deliver presentations.
Dial-in numbers are also provided so that participants have the option to join via a telephone
bridge. Invites are sent out with the teleconference link and optional dial-in numbers.
What are the main teleconference features?
In the past, teleconferences were mainly focused on audio, but as teleconference software has
evolved, it is much more sophisticated and includes everything from video to screen sharing and
recording. Let’s explore some of the main teleconference features.
Real-time HD audio and video calling
This is the heart of the teleconference experience. Connecting to a teleconference will allow you to hear everyone else speaking and with video, provide an even more immersive experience that drives better engagement.Webex provides crystal-clear audio and video that makes you feel as though all participants are in the same room, together.
- Multiple ways to connect audio including dial-in, computer audio (VoIP), or having the meeting call a phone of your choice, automatically.
- High-quality HD video with customizable layouts and the ability to see up to 25 participants at one time.
Online meeting controls
Since you don’t need an IP phone (or phone of any kind) to organize or join a teleconference, the meeting controls are implemented in software instead of hardware.Webex lets you easily navigate your teleconference with the centralized control bar for quick access to all your meeting controls.
- Record your online meeting with a click of a button.
- Easily mute and unmute your line, or those of your attendees.
- Quickly screenshare or share content, like applications, files, browsers or videos.
- Chat privately or publicly with participants during the meeting, and monitor interest with real-time polls.
Screen sharing
Teleconference software isn’t just a way to set up an audio call or video conference - it’s also a full-fledged collaboration platform. As such, it will usually come with a lot of built-in features for working together in real time, beyond just chatting or seeing who’s on screen.Webex provides rich content and screen sharing, so you can make sure everyone in your teleconference is on the same page, and working together.
- Share your entire screen or individual files or applications, such as a specific Word doc or PowerPoint.
- Share entire application sets, such as productivity tools or web browsers.
- Share multimedia viewers and players at 30 frames per second.
- Co-create by opening a document and editing the file together, or start a whiteboard and draw your ideas, for all to see.
Cross-device compatibility
One of the main value propositions of conference software is cross-platform compatibility, i.e. the ability for it to work on more than one OS or browser. The flexibility also makes it suitable for use on different device types, from mobile devices running iOS or Android to laptops running macOS, Microsoft Windows, or Google Chrome OS.Webex lets you host and join teleconferences across desktop, mobile and web so you can stay productive at the office, at home, or on the go.
Recordings and transcriptions
Teleconferences are often information-rich, but not all attendees may be available to join. Being able to record and transcribe meetings for later playback and review helps in retaining and sharing information that was exchanged.Webex gives you sophisticated recording, transcribing and note-taking features that lets you keep your focus on the meeting.
- Easily record meetings and download assets after the meeting ends, including audio, video and transcript.
- Real-time transcription and closed captioning use advanced voice technology for accurate speech-to-text capture.
- Automatic note-taking and meeting highlights capture the main points of the teleconference and are easily editable afterwards.
- Advanced search features scour all your meetings recordings so you can quickly find exactly what you need.
What are the benefits of teleconference software for organizations?
The right teleconference software can help both small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and
enterprises scale their operations, reduce their expenses, and pursue new opportunities. Your
company can leverage the cost savings and scalability of teleconference software to help you sustain
your business and expand your reach without having to open numerous physical offices. Enterprise
organizations also rely on web conferencing as a reliable way to connect numerous employees from all
over the world, launch and demo products, and build their on-demand content library. Let’s explore
additional benefits of a teleconference solution.
Better support for remote and mobile workforces
Telecommuting has grown sharply ever since home internet access became sufficiently fast and widespread. Events such as the novel coronavirus outbreak beginning in 2019 also spurred a surge in WFH, and organizations everywhere have looked to adjust accordingly.Teleconference software makes remote and mobile work more practical. Regardless of location, attendees can join an online meeting from their preferred devices. Features like HD audio and video simulate the feeling of being right in the room with everyone else, even when far apart. Screen and file sharing also allow for in-depth collaboration.
Increase the reach of your business
Teleconferencing software isn’t just for internal meetings. It’s also great for connecting with customers and leads, anywhere in the world:- A web conference is the perfect forum for a sales demo, as the presenter can share their screen, use chat and video, and record the call to ensure that the audience knows the product or service inside and out.
- Webinars are one of the most powerful uses of teleconference software. The presenter can lead a live presentation with interactive features such as threaded Q&A and audience polling. Thousands of attendees may join a webinar via Webex Events.
- The webinar session can also be recorded and made available on demand as a key part of the marketing funnel. These webinars help build email lists. Plus, the integrated lead scoring and tracking features in teleconference software make it easier to capitalize on opportunities.
A more cost-effective (virtual) office
Having a full online meeting room that everyone can access is an economical alternative to maintaining a physical office. For starters, companies that conduct many of their meetings via web conference can reduce their real estate footprints and, in turn, save on rent.Plus, teleconference software can trim the travel budget, too. Instead of employees needing to commute into the office or take every meeting with a prospect or customer in person, they can do so via online meeting. The immersive features of modern teleconference software - like video, screen sharing, and chat - can make it virtually the same experience in most cases.
Online training and technical support
At their core, teleconferencing services excel at connecting people from anywhere in the world through the internet. Although company meetings and webinars are perhaps the two best-known use cases for teleconference software, they’re also great platforms for remote training and support, too.The best teleconference solutions provide special features (e.g., live chat and remote desktop control) that let presenters instruct an online class, or agents connect with customers in need of in-depth support. Some of the same capabilities that make teleconference software so powerful in the first place - like screen sharing and recording - shine through in these instances as well.
What should I look for in a teleconference solution?
Chances are, your organization may already be using some form of teleconference software, but it
might not be performing as expected or meeting all of your requirements. When reevaluating your
solutions, ask these questions:
- Performance: Is audio and video quality consistently acceptable and realistic enough to make your teleconferences useful, especially as alternatives to in-person meetings?
- Usability: Can users join without jumping through a lot of hoops? And can they seamlessly participate across their different devices?
- Cost: Am I getting good value for my money? In other words, am I saving time, finding new opportunities, and making it easier for people to be connected?
- Security: Are my meetings secure? Is my data and privacy protected? You want a solution that provides an unwavering commitment to both your security and privacy.
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