The term webinar may not have existed before the 1990s, but this web conferencing offshoot has certainly come into its own. A webinar combines all the features of a standard seminar with net meeting software. Any type of presentation, product demonstration, workshop or lecture can be effectively made available to participants. What makes this medium particularly effective is the ability of the audience to interact with the presenter. Additionally this can be done in a manner that is less disruptive to other participants than it would with a standard seminar. The presenter can utilize net meeting software to upload information quickly, and just as quickly get feedback from all participants. How Companies Can Benefit from Webinars When anyone considers the amount of work involved in putting together a seminar, it can seem daunting. Getting a venue, notifying participants, preparing materials; these are all things that can be simplified with the best technological tools. With a webinar, there is no need to wait for everyone to be seated, and no disruption caused by someone coming in late. This is the ultimate training environment that almost eliminates the need for printing of information. A company’s sales team for example can benefit from making use of netmeeting software during a webinar. They can be instantly updated on the company’s new products, sales techniques or anything pertinent to the job at hand. A webinar will allow a company to quickly conduct polls, whether the aim is to gauge worker morale or decide on snacks for the vending machine. Another advantage is that the technology allows even employees who are away from the workplace to participate. Choosing Netmeeting Software For any business hosing a webinar the software choices and vendors are many. In some cases one is as good as the other, but certain features must be expected. High quality video streaming, broadcast functionality, access security and customizability are all worthwhile considerations. RHUB Communications made waves in the sector recently with the unveiling of its TurboMeeting Version 4.0. While the company’s CEO touts the application as “…a powerful tool for dispersed work teams to quickly collaborate and share details in a fast and simple way,” it is clear that other vendors are also refining their products. The proof of the software’s efficiency will lie in its ability to deliver on all that it promises. This company and other vendors in the marketplace are still seeking ways to improve the quality of webinars. Many of them in the highly competitive environment have won a number of awards. Clients may be hard pressed to choose the right netmeeting application in this context. Whatever feature-rich application is chosen, it must be able to support both Mac and PC platforms. Being able to own the appliance and wipe out monthly webinar fees should also be another deciding factor in the final decision. Also RHUB’s 4-in-1 Appliance includes not only webinar capabilities, but interactive web conferencing, remote support, and remote access.