Web-conferencing

Convenient The advantage Web-conferencing has over traditional videoconferencing is that it can be done at participants' desktops and for a fraction of the cost. The quality isn't as good, but the convenience and cost of Web-conferencing often make it the preferred choice in many situations.

Easy to use A number of service providers such as Raindance Communications and WebEx provide scheduling expertise and behind-the-scenes meeting management to ensure conferences are problem-free. Services typically charge by the minute and according to how many are participating in a meeting.

Improved features Marrying your Microsoft PowerPoint presentation with sound, and even video, isn't particularly difficult with today's Web-conferencing software. Most users can be up and running in an hour.

Collaboration tools In addition to running PowerPoint presentations, Web-conferencing participants can, depending on the program, take advantage of advanced collaboration features that allow users to simultaneously view and edit documents, as well as interactive features such as polling, instant chat and guided Web-browsing.

On-demand viewing Another advantage of Web-conferencing is the ability to archive a presentation on a Web site so someone who missed the meeting can access it via the Internet and view it at any time.