What is Video Conferencing Software?

Introduction

Video conferencing software helps to conduct live conferences between participants at different locations by utilizing computer networks to transmit video, text, and audio data. Today, this tool is used by businesses of all sizes to communicate with employees and global partners, and to reduce costs and boost productivity. These platforms allow you to communicate, share, and collaborate on documents.

Video conferencing software solutions enable point-to-point (two-person) and multipoint (three or more people) video conferences:

Point-to-point video conferencing can be compared to a phone call with video of the other person. Each person has a web camera, speakers, and microphone on their computer, and as they speak, their voices are transmitted over the network and sent to the other receiver's speakers. The video camera helps to provide live images to the other participant.

During a multipoint conference, the software enables three or more people to enter a virtual conference room and talk to each other as in a physical meeting. Video conferencing tools with features for multipoint conferences have become popular with companies as they can reduce travel expenses and facilitate seamless collaboration between staff members in different geographic locations.

Features of Video Conferencing Software

Chat Software

Most video conferencing apps offer a chat tool as a backup in case bandwidth restrictions obstruct audio and video calls. The live chat facility enables participants to communicate securely as data safety is assured since only two people can engage in chat sessions. Another advantage is you can save the chat logs for later reference.

File Transfer

This collaboration tool allows you to send files to other video conference participants. You simply need an FTP server and clients for this feature. The server permits clients to connect and ask for required files. Since most video conferencing platforms have both server and client, you don’t need a separate FTP server.

Application Sharing

This is an important functionality for any product that facilitates collaboration including video conferencing software. It enables multiple persons to engage in discussions utilizing a program running on one machine. The feature enables participants to view documents even if their computer doesn’t have the software required to open the files. Application sharing thus improves collaboration among employees in the same way as face-to-face communication.

Electronic Whiteboards

This tool enables participants to draw or type on the board and also upload images and documents. Some products allow you to host extra pages that participants can effortlessly access. You can draw circles or highlight specific areas on images to make your point. Top solutions offer added functionalities like shape makers, pointers, and zoom control.

Benefits of Video Conferencing Software

Makes Telecommuting Easy

Video conferencing solutions are a boon for home-based staff members. They promote engagement among telecommuters and facilitate upward reporting and the exchange of understandable and adequate instruction.  

Gain Competitive Advantage

Product development teams can use video conferencing to offer fresh ideas to the market. The software helps to quickly share knowledge and make team members more informed. Plus, it can be used for more personalized customer support as reps can create closer relationships with consumers, which is not possible over phone calls.

Improved Communication

With video conferencing, you can boost collaboration as you can see other participants’ body language and facial expressions, which is not possible over phone calls. The software helps remote workers feel more engaged and involved as they can participate in meetings in real time. Moreover, it can also assist in conducting meetings with suppliers, which can help to boost production.

Enhanced Productivity

Traditional communication methods like instant messaging, phone calls, and email can breed misunderstanding, especially for global companies, as they do not facilitate face-to-face communication. Video conferencing helps staff members to stay focused, which improves productivity and enables faster project completion. You can keep participants on the same page always and provide them vital communication in an easily understandable manner.

Reduced Travel Costs

Video conferencing platforms allow you to talk to participants in different places from your desk. Thus, you can literally be in the company of your co-workers, customers, and partners from your office. Traveling for business conferences entails high costs. That is why video conferencing software has become popular among businesses. They can simply do video conferencing and save themselves the whopping costs of traveling for business conferences and meetings.