Once upon a time internet web conferencing was limited to large corporations and government establishments that could afford the obscenely expensive video conferencing hardware (the prices of the past seem crazy today because now there are so many alternatives available). Today, the effect of video and internet web conferencing on communication can be seen almost everywhere.

The reason for this is because web and video conferencing has become much more affordable partly thanks to the development of powerful computer processors and the proliferation of high-speed internet lines. Companies no longer need to spend 50,000 dollars to set up internet web conferencing hardware and now can do so at a fraction of this cost. This of course means that small businesses as well as individuals can use the power of videoconferencing technology.

Some areas where internet web conferencing is currently making an impact are live distance learning, business meetings, sales presentations, job interviews and something you may not have heard of, tele-medicine. Hospitals, especially in the developing world, are starting to make use of videoconferencing to treat patients in remote and inaccessible areas.

Companies are now beginning to realize the value of internet web conferencing in hiring personnel. They are finding that they can now find quality staff much faster, and at a very reduced cost. The same can be seen in sales presentations. It used to be just a pipe dream to hold a professional quality meeting out of anywhere but a big office. Now it has become possible to reach out to a much larger audience from the comfort of your own office. The presentations are now more standardized, hi-tech and easy to conduct.

Education is an area that the impact of internet web conferencing is being felt the most. Schools and especially colleges are realizing the true value of videoconferencing in delivering education. Lesson plans are currently being redrawn, and students are being encouraged to get involved in lesson development as they really have a pulse on the effectiveness of internet web conferencing. Distance education is similarly beginning to change gears, and are now moving to live video-based delivery to distant and remote sites.

Affordability is no longer the only reason for the growing popularity of internet web conferencing. What is amazing is the interactivity that the medium brings. Company heads now have a two-way communication with their sales staff based in distant places. Organizations can regularly announce quarterly results to scores of correspondents and shareholders in real time and judge reactions instantly.

What’s even more important is the communication is not only one-way. Participants are able to ask questions on a one-to-one or one-to-many basis depending on how the business wants to conduct the videoconferencing event. There is also the ability of sharing documents and files thus making videoconferences a collaborative learning experience for all.

The start up of several small and medium videoconferencing companies has given a further push to the availability of videoconferencing. These smaller providers help many first-time users conduct videoconferences across multiple sites and take advantage of the power available. Besides hardware and software support they provide extras such as moderators who can help you conduct a videoconference smoothly.

With the all its features and advantages plus the growing number of smaller providers it is not surprising to see several organizations turn to internet web conferencing as an important communication tool. Be sure to look more closely at how it can help you.