Web Conferencing vs. Video Conferencing

Are web conferencing and video conferencing the same thing?

If not, what are the differences? Is one better than the other for use in business meetings? If you are new to the online collaboration world, then you might not be able to succinctly answer these questions. That’s okay, because that is what we are here for. I am going to walk you through the differences, pros, and cons to help you narrow down which solution is best for you and your business.

Web Conferencing:

Web conferencing is often used as an umbrella term for all web-based collaboration between two or more people over the Internet. As such, it may encompass webcasts or webinars depending on the context. But more specifically, web conferencing usually refers to interactive collaboration in work groups, such as brainstorming sessions between employees working on a new business strategy or product design. A typical web conference involves a relatively small number of participants but everybody is expected to contribute to the flow of ideas and information.

Pros:

• Hosting quick impromptu meetings
• Web conferencing usually costs less than video conferences
• Delivering a one way flow of information to a group (for training or educational purposes).

Cons:

• The bandwidth for a successful connection can be very expensive
• You may need to purchase additional equipment to improve overall sound quality (headsets, microphone, etc…)
• Some collaborations platforms limit the type of devices you can join from (can only connect on computers).

Video Conferencing:

Video conferencing connects people through video streams. According to our friends at PGI, ” the goal of video conferencing was simply to bridge distance, recreating the experience of meeting in-person through web cams or even large, room-based video conferencing systems to facilitate group meetings”. Video conferencing can be used in both board rooms and home-offices as users are able to connect through laptops, desktops and mobile devices.

Pros:

• Establishing face-to-face communication
• Easily upload and share videos during online meetings
• Record and share meetings with anyone anywhere using a variety of platforms, including mobile devices

Cons:

• Very few features other than video streaming are involved
• In-house video conferencing equipment can be very expensive
• Video Conferencing often requires specialized equipment on both ends for a successful connection

The Bottom Line:

Simply put, if you are looking for a good collaboration solution, it all comes down to the provider. Don’t get stuck with a complicated solution that makes remote meetings difficult and time-consuming. Momentum Conferencing offers great video and web conferencing platforms that will exceed your expectations. But don’t just take our word for it, try it for yourself! Click here to sign up for a free trial today.