Desktop video conferencing a time saver?

As businesses continue to tighten their belt in this economy, and one of the largest line items is typically travel expenses. While some businesses cannot cut this out a great way to lower it can be desktop video conferencing. While it has been around for a while the cost is coming down substantially and while simultaneously the quality is getting better. While being in person is something that cannot be replaced sometime the expense is simply not justifiable.

What is Desktop Video Conferencing?

Desktop video conferencing allows you to share your desktop with other attendees on a video conference. This allows you to show graphs or explain complicated ideas with out having to be in person. Some of the video conferencing services allow you to look attendees in the eyes from your webcam (assuming you have one installed). For businesses faced with expensive travel bills this can cut those expenses significantly while boosting productivity. It can also give you an advantage over other businesses by making it much easier to squeeze that last minute meeting with an important client.

What Hardware Is Required?

Good news here, chances are if you have a laptop made in the last few years you already have everything required. First of all you are going to need something to record the audio depending on your preferences there are a few different options.

1) Built In Microphone – Most laptops and a large number of desktops now have built in microphones to record the audio, while the quality will vary dramatically this is typically the least expensive option.

2) External Desktop Microphone – This is a great solution if you truly are doing only desktop video conferences and not typically mobile. The mic will set on your desktop next to your monitor and record your audio. You can find these priced anywhere from $20 from Logitech to $150 The Blue Yeti and well beyond, however unless your singing to your clients this range should be plenty.

3) Headset Microphone – If your constantly on the go and need to have meetings when your away from the office a headset mic is a great option. This is what I use even though most of my meetings are at a desk. Sometimes you will also have better audio because it will be in the headphones so all echo will be eliminated. The downside is you have a large object on your head and it can take something away if you are on camera. These range in price from $30 made by Logitech to $150 made by Sennheiser

While it is completely optional it is recommended to have a webcam so you can communicate face to face in the video conference. Again as with the microphone most newer computers have a built in webcam that should work for this purpose. If you were left without one theses are all very close in price the Logitech HD Pro at $64 has great reviews.

Desktop Video Conferencing Services

These can vary dramatically in price depending on your needs. Some companies won’t even disclose the costs without talking with a sales person. A few features to look for when choosing a service are:

Browser Based – Meaning do you have to download a program to run it or does it just run through a browser. Having this option could make it easier for others to attend.

HD Quality Video – Depending on your equipment this may not be necessary but if you want to put your best face forward this may be something to consider.

Share Documents – If you have a proposal that you would like to share with all attendees this can speed things up instead of sending in through email.

Screen Sharing – This is almost a required feature simply because this is the easiest way to convey your message. It is how you walk someone through how your software works or explain a complex topic in an easy to understand manner. Make sure you have this.

Video Email – This is a new feature that only few companies are offering, in essence it allows you to record a quick video and email it to someone. Some businesses that have started using this option instead of direct mail have seen over 275% higher ROI. It allows sales people to engage with prospects during the follow up process on a level that is simply not possible through traditional email.

Any Promising Desktop Video Conferencing Companies For 2012?

While they have been around since 2007 a company called WowWe is really pursuing small to medium sized businesses, in addition to their already successful enterprise level division. Offering all of the latest features at a fraction of the price of some of their competitors, is what interested me. I love the white board feature so I can draw out diagrams when explaining marketing strategies with clients. They also offer a free video email account it you want to just use that feature. Make sure to see the video about desktop video conferencing and the other blog post Desktop Video Conferencing

Hope that helps clear up what desktop video conferencing is, leave your thoughts below!