How To Set Up An Internet Conference Call

Setting up an Internet conference call is easier then most people realize. Just follow a few simple steps and anyone can conduct a seamless Internet conference call regardless of how much experience they have.

Step 1. Setting up the computer

Most of the computers available on the market today come equipped with just about everything needed in order to start up an internet conference. The only things needed separately are usually a high-speed Internet connection and depending on whether real time chat will be used, a telephone. If live video is going to be enabled a web cam is needed as well, but most computers to day come with web cams as a part of the standard package.

Step 2. Choosing an online conferencing provider

Check the Internet for web conferencing or conference calling service providers to see who can offer the best rates (always look for a provider that charges a flat fee). Find out how the attendees will connect to the conference. Is it a toll free number with a pass code? Or is it operator assisted? Also what type of software will each attendee need to download in order to join the Internet conference call?

Step 3. Send out the invitations

Using the software provided, it is now time to schedule the Internet conference call. By scheduling a time well in advance, all those invited will be able to make sure they meet the necessary requirements in order to join the conference call. Also it will give the attendees a general idea of the topics to be discussed during the Internet conference call.

Step 4. Connect and begin

At the scheduled date and time, to begin the conference call a few simple steps need to be followed. Connect to the online server using the conferencing software. Choose to start Internet conference call and wait as the attendees begin logging in. In most cases a display will show who is connected and whether they are participants or just attendees.

These few steps are universal for the most part and are helpful with just about any software provided for an Internet Conference Call.

Different Types of Conference Calls You Can Use in Your Business

For companies that use conference calling services, there are a variety of options available. Regardless of the options, there are a few things most conference calling services have in common. In this article, we will discuss five main types of conference calls.

The most common form of conference call is a reservationless conference call. Reservationless conference calling services don't require much set up before use. You simply enter a phone number and access code. In order to receive calls, you must also provide those who will call you with a separate access code. Thus, the entire procedure involves you having to enter a number and access code and have the other participants call and enter an access code.

The operator assisted conference call involves an operator to record and monitor the conference call. This kind of conference call can be more expensive and often requires you to schedule your call time in advance. The amount of time available for operator assisted conference calls varies by service provider.

The easiest type of conference call to initiate is the operator dialed conference call. Operator dialed conference calls allow you to dedicated more of your time and energy to the topics of conversation rather than to configuring calls. The operator takes care of calling and adding each participant to the call at the scheduled times. The operator dialed conference call is the easiest when any participants are new to conference calling.

The newest type of conference call is Internet conference calling, which is sometimes referred to as web conferencing. This type of conference calling can require a lot of setup and varies a lot from one service to another. It may require special software to be installed in each participant computer. It may also require that participant be thoroughly familiar with using the software used. Often a support technician needs to be available to solve any unexpected problems that come up.

One simple type of conference call to note is three-way calling. Businesses often find this simple type of conference call to be the most economical if they only do a few small conference calls a month. Three-way calling, which can in some cases include more than three parties in a call, is typically set up through the phone company and has a nominal monthly charge as well as a small usage charge.

Hopefully this article has taught you a little bit about the conference calling options available to businesses. If you're in charge of a business, you now know what to look for and what the sellers are talking about when you shop for the right conference calling plan for your business. If you simply work at a business that is implementing conference calling, you should now have an idea of what to expect and how things will work.

Conference Call Facilities

A conference call is a call in which three or more parties interact simultaneously. Always a cost effective way to reduce travel expenses, conference call technology has advanced to provide a more interactive user experience. Today's conference calls not only include telephone communication, but also video and web communication. One of the most popular services allows clients who do not have video conferencing equipment to connect via the web, thereby participate using only their web browser.

Conference calls can be used for entertainment or for social purposes like party lines. People call to a specified telephone number that allows them to talk to others, and perhaps subsequently meet new people. Conference calls are most commonly used by businesses

Another conference facility that is widely used is the Conference Bridge. The Conference Bridge allows users to allow a company to set up and participate in a conference with anyone who has a telephone. It is easy to use and is competitively priced. It has to be scheduled as a conference call by calling an operating with details like contact names, phone numbers, conference date, starting and ending time, total number of lines need, an agency code and a conference code. Conference bridge can be used for conferencing three or more people, and the cost is approximately four cents a minute, plus long distance charges.

Some services provide toll-free numbers that can be reached only within the US and Canada. If you use the Executive 800 service, there is a long distance dial-in telephone number for callers who are outside the US and Canada.

In today's fast-paced, global business environment, an in-house conference system is no longer a luxury, it is a strategic requirement to manage information effectively and remain competitive. From weekly sales meetings to customer end user training, conferencing offers fast and inexpensive alternative to travel.