The Technology
There is an endless supply of companies that can provide remote meeting technology, including -
- Go To Meeting
- WebEx
- BeamYourScreen
- Microsoft Netmeeting
Your requirements will drive which provider you choose. In looking for a provider however there are some things you may need to consider -
- Security of connection
- Ability to record session (voice and screen)
- Download requirements of end participants
- License model
- Ability to interact via corporate firewalls
- Ease of use for participants
The more participants, and the more sessions you run (such as product demonstrations, or remote training) the more features you may need in order to help manage the service, such as -
- Ability to invite participants to sessions
- Charging of participants
- Survey tools
- Moderator \ panelist tools
- VOIP and PSTN services (or both)
- International and national dial in numbers
- Participant registration tools
- Participant follow up tools
Its worth understanding what your long term plans for the software may be, before committing to a investment.
My preference is always to look at a SaaS model. They generally provide good value for money, and let you leverage of the skills and knowledge of dedicated providers in a chosen market. As far as presentations are concerned I have used a SaaS model for quite a while and have never encountered down times, slow connections, etc.
