Web conference vs. Video conference

People expect a lot from their video solutions, and in the working world they are getting it. In fact, a recent survey of nearly 5, 000 video conference users revealed that video is their go-to tool for increasing efficiency and productivity, having more engaging conversations, making decisions faster, and reducing travel costs.

So how do you know which solutions are essential for fostering collaboration and which are better at building relationships through face-to-face communication? To answer these questions and more, we’ll look at the three primary types of video solutions dominating the corporate landscape today: video conferencing, web conferencing and wireless screen sharing.

1. Video conferencing

Video conferencing involves using a shared camera with a large screen in a conference room setting, but people can also connect via PC or an app on their mobile device. This solution is ideal anytime you have a group of people in one location, so that they don’t all end up huddled around a single computer screen.

Video conferencing is ideal for:

• Establishing face-to-face communication
• Building relationships with individuals and teams
• Fostering collaboration
• Obtaining feedback
• Ensuring the message communicated is understood

When shopping for video conferencing solutions, be aware that a few legacy providers still push expensive hardware with complicated interfaces. However, with all of the advances in video technology, you don’t have to settle for costly and complex when simple and brilliant will do. In this day and age, no one should have to read a 500-page manual just to understand how to use their video conferencing system effectively.

2. Web conferencing

Web conferencing enables people to connect to a meeting via their computer or mobile device. In today’s flexible workplace, it’s a great way to host meetings with multiple attendees located in many different places.

Web conferencing is ideal for:

• Communicating face-to-face with individuals in different locations
• Building relationships with teams
• Hosting quick impromptu meetings
• Delivering lots of information one way to a group, i.e. webinars; online courses; seminars, etc.