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Need of the software
Beside from the hardware that is needed to run a video conferencing system such as the camera itself, a monitor, control panel, etc., users also need software installed on their system that allow the videoconferencing software to run. Like hardware, there are multiple levels of software from which to choose from, ranging from extremely inexpensive and low quality to extremely expensive and the highest quality. More expensive videoconferencing software products will generally tend to have more controller options, better audio/video components and top of the line codes capable of compressing/decompressing a maximum amount of data. Some examples of videoconferencing software products are as follows:
• WebEx: WebEx is one of the leading providers of web based communication products. Serving more than 8, 000 customers around the globe, WebEx's high profile customers include Boeing, Kodak and Kyocera. WebEx offers a high quality business platform version of videoconferencing software capable of a great number of applications. WebEx is compatible with the following platforms: 1. Windows 95, 98, ME, NT, 2000, XP, Tablet PC 2. Mac OS 9 & OS X 3. Solaris 7/8, HP-UX 11.3, Linux 4. Palm OS, Pocket PC
• SmileTiger E Meeting Server: Designed for the complex internet/intranet environment, this web/video conferencing software product works extremely well with firewalls and proxies without having the need for any kind of difficult configuration. Features include (but are not limited to): 1. Audio/Video conferencing 2. High Bandwidth efficiency 3. MS Office integration 4. Multi-level access control 5. Strong encryption 6. Local file sharing
• IVisit: In business for over 10 years, IVisit offers the very latest in communication technologies. IVisit is another software program that integrates audio/video/chat messaging into one desktop program that works across both PC and Macintosh platforms. IVisit has users in more than 138 countries establishing an online international community for chat or business purposes. Capable with dial-up & broadband connections, IVisit is also compatible with both PC and Macintosh products.
The field of Web conferencing software is growing at a breathtaking pace. In the summer of 1994 there were exactly two products in this category, both of them rather primitive freeware packages. Today there are well over 60 commercial and freeware products, many of them quite sophisticated that support conferencing on the Web in one form or another.
With so many products available, the choice can seem overwhelming. But with a methodical approach, you'll probably find that you can quickly whittle the list down to just a few candidates.
• Examples of WELL-style Web conferencing software include:
Backtalk
Caucus
COW
Motet
Web Crossing
WELL Engaged
YAPP
• Examples of other centralized forum software for the Web include:
Allaire Forums
Big Mouth Lion
HyperNews
NetForum
Podium
Post-on-the-Fly Conference
TALKaway
WebBoard
WebNotes
WebThread
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