European Companies are Catching On

Recent studies suggest that many European companies are looking at web conferencing solutions as a means of saving money. Naturally, the reasons are the same as those of their US counterparts. The trend is gaining so much momentum that in the opinion of one research company, the market is expected to grow at a rate of 26.2 percent annually. This will bring its value to $657.1 million by 2014.

Familiar names like Microsoft and Cisco are already said to be heading across the pond to take advantage of this trend. Beyond the most obvious benefit of cost savings, utilizing web conferencing tool is just a better way of doing business. Even small businesses in the US are utilizing products from providers like RHUB Communications and improving their bottom lines.

France and Germany are said to be at the forefront of this drive towards web conferences. Other European nations such as Spain and Italy have been slower out of the blocks. Even in these countries consumer awareness is showing signs of gradually increasing in relation web conferencing.

Low Costs, High Efficiency

Web conferencing solutions have been a boon to many companies looking to maintain efficiency and save money. Reaching out to customers and partners is not only good for business, these days it is an absolute necessity. For this reason, travel is an essential part of doing business. Whether it is to strike allegiances or to keep company divisions in sync, web conferencing is a communication tool like no other.

Many companies have been extolling the virtues of this humble communication option for saving them money. Meetings that used to require extensive preparation can now be pulled together quickly. Buying airline tickets has become a thing of the past for some, or at least greatly minimized. Meetings can be held online professionally, with less paperwork, and improved data dissemination.

The success of web conference companies trying to break into European markets will depend on existing telephone and internet infrastructure. They will also have to deal with current local players in the market. Government regulations could favor local companies, and they may be able to offer solutions at a lower price. There is no denying quality, however. Consumers will be able to distinguish between webinar software like RHUB’s TurboMeeting 4.1, and more basic options.

Using a Webinar to Expand your Company’s Reach

Strategies for using webinars for company promotion will vary. These are impacted by the type of product or service, and how readily they lend themselves to being promoted by this format. Companies should not overlook the possibility of using a webinar to generate word-of-mouth buzz. Here are a few steps for effectively utilizing all that a web conference can offer in order to satisfy existing customers and gain new ones:

• Establish a company e-newsletter, and encourage new customers to sign up for product updates, new products and services. It is also important to promote the newsletter to get prospective customers to subscribe.
• When offering anything new, present it in a webinar which will allow the attendees to see benefits firsthand, and ask questions if necessary
• Use the newsletter to inform subscribers about the date and time of the webinar and any other relevant information. It can also be used to send reminders.
• Plan the presentation so that the information is concise but still offers all that the audience will need to know
• Make sure that the web conference doesn’t run for too long as time for both the attendees and the company is important

Why are Webinars Effective?

Hosting a web conference today is cheaper, and does not present the kind of technical problems it used to. Like in-person group meetings, hosting webinars or meetings in the past could be logistical nightmares. The industry has responded by increasingly providing more efficient options. One of the latest such offerings in the news was the release of RHUB’s TurboMeeting 4.1.

Whether a company uses this or any other software on the market, they usually create an environment where the webinar host and audience can:

• View information as it is being shown on the presenter’s screen in real time
• Use their computer speaker for audio conferencing via telephone lines
• Save video of the webinar or web conference to watch at a later time
• Have a virtual show of hands to respond to questions or make queries
• Make use of questionnaires
• View streaming media

Naturally some web seminars may be limited by the scope of the software being used. Others like RHUB’s TurboMeeting 4.1 allow for remotely providing support to users even without them being involved in the web conference. These features and the ability to package content to suit demanding audiences help to make the webinar such an effective tool.

Companies that design software can use these webinars to promote upgrades or new offerings and offer remote assistance. Likewise any business that deals with technology can effectively use webinars or web meeting to reach new customers and keep their company in the spotlight.

The remote support concept was originally associated with call center operations. With the growth of the Internet and the birth of web conferencing the concept has evolved greatly. With the multitude of benefits offered by web conferencing such as PC control and video presentations, initial remote support problems were overcome. These include:

• Customer frustration due to long waits
• Lack of follow up after initial contact
• The high cost involved in assigning staff for this purpose or using a call center
• Inexperienced and untrained call center staff

How Does Remote Support Software Work?

Remote support can be offered in any number of ways, such as by telephone, live chat on a website or by email. Remote support software is generally designed to perform a number of functions, and boost communication capability. Typical features of this software include:

• Remote computer access
• Remote desktop support
• PC control
• Audio conferencing

The software allows the company’s representative to remotely connect to other computers to resolve problems or access files. Companies like RHUB Communications Inc. provide remote access software that is compatible with both PCs and Macs. This is an important consideration, as companies must try to reach as many of its customers as possible. With help desk software customers can interact with the company directly for technical support or to answer questions.

PC remote access is also related to remote support software and web conferencing solutions. As the name implies it allows for remote computer access. As the feature is usually provided by an appliance, it also offers options such as audio conferencing and webinars.

The functionality of remote support software varies depending on the company. Finding the right one and using it correctly can eliminate the need for a call center. Instant feedback provided by this type of software can improve operations and help businesses to improve the quality of their products and services.