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Collaborate on projects from anywhere in the world
Teleconferencing allows workers from different geographic locations to share a live video conference, videoconference, or computer-supported collaboration session (CSCS). The system is similar to the television broadcast industry where multiple stakeholders can see a live demonstration, conference or presentation. As everyone participates in the same online meeting software, they can discuss issues and problems with each other and work toward joint solutions. This collaborative environment allows workers from around the world to work together on projects from any location in the world.
: “Collaborate on” : “share a live”
And at the same time, participants can share files and other content in real time. This gives workers from remote locations the same capabilities as local workers with regard to documentation, project status and issues.
: “possibilities as local workers … as remote workers …” : “… collaboratively … with regard to documentation…” : “… shared files and other content … project status and issues”
It also allows project teams to use a richer set of communication channels by using more than just written transcripts. Participants can have the opportunity to share live visual cues and body language, which improves engagement and understanding among members of the project team. Note: This paragraph should replace that graphic in this section.
Reduce travel costs and time for team meetings
When someone travels to a remote location in the world to meet with other workers, they are spending money and time in transportation, food, and lodging. If workers are instead able to meet online for a teleconference or videoconference, it is possible for them to communicate with each other from wherever they are no matter where they live or work. This travel is avoided entirely as there is no need for employees to physically go anywhere. Instead, the workers are able to attend a meeting at their own convenience. The workers are no longer limited by their physical location, but can participate in the meeting from wherever they happen to be.
The average business is able to save approximately $150,000 annually when they replace travel across the country with teleconferencing or videoconferencing facilities. The number of employees that are able to attend a meeting online is significantly higher, as the cost and time lost due to traveling to the site has been eliminated entirely. When workers can meet online, it is possible for them to have a small meeting with a few people or a huge meeting with hundreds of people. The number of people that are able to participate in the meeting can be determined by the company’s needs and budget.
Easily share documents, ideas, and feedback with team members
In a traditional face to face meeting, one person is often limited as they are only able to show one participant a piece of paper at a time. In contrast, teleconference or videoconference software allows team members to share documents, images, videos and other relevant materials with each other simultaneously. As the users present and discuss their work in real time, everyone can view these materials and offer constructive feedback. This allows for a more interactive meeting that broadens participants’ viewpoints and creates a collective knowledge base to work from.
“”The idea of collaboration is something that, until recently, was very difficult to implement,”” said Kevin Chang, Business Development Manager at Lotus Notes and Collaboration. “One of the main reasons for this is because all document versions are saved on each user’s local machine. This means that the older versions can be hard to find when you need a specific version and the current version. Because Lotus Notes provides centralized location on a server so everyone can access their docs at any time, it provides an ideal platform to access all previous versions. Lotus Notes helps people share and collaborate on documents, spreadsheets, presentations and discussions through e-mail or the Internet.””
Connect with other professionals for networking and collaboration opportunities
In a teleconference or videoconference meeting, professionals can meet one another and collaborate with other workers from around the world on projects. They can ask questions of each other and exchange ideas and feedback. This is especially beneficial to businesses as it increases the number of people involved in a project, which allows for greater opportunities for collaboration and creative solutions. It also allows workers to build a network of contacts with each other, which they can build upon in the future. This benefit is especially useful for smaller businesses that have limited resources.
Employers can use teleconferencing to make it easier for their workers to collaborate in the future. It can reduce travel expenses which are very expensive for smaller businesses. It also creates a more productive working environment in which employees can get the work done more effectively.
Companies that use teleconference rooms universally see benefits such as increased productivity, decreased work hours and better quality of communication. The company can use this technology to train its employees as well. It allows the employees to ask questions and get immediate answers from experts and professionals in the field.
Teleconferencing also allows people who live in remote areas or who have social obligations that prevent them from leaving their homes, the opportunity to attend meetings with other professionals.
Take advantage of teleconference features like screen sharing, recording, and online chat
Television broadcast industry allows viewers to view live television programming on their favorite cable provider or television. If a viewer does not have a cable provider or television, then they can watch the same program via teleconferencing or videoconference software. This makes it possible for people to stay connected with other professionals internationally. People are able to share files and documents, while they may also have the ability to chat online with other participants in the meeting. This is beneficial for using the technology to work more efficiently.
According to “eMarketer”, there were over 8.3 million U.S.-based teleconferencing services available to consumers in 2013. This is compared to over 2.4 million in 2010. Businesses are now utilizing teleconferencing services as a means to share information and make themselves more productive by connecting with people from other parts of the world, especially when they are in different time zones.
Some professional organizations are now planning to “offer a wide variety of interactive services and support tools” as part of standard membership benefits. Members will have access to teleconferencing and videoconference. [http://www.teleconferenceworld.com/Content/Documents/MediaCenter_Article_BackgroundInformation_toUseAsKnowledgeNotToBeCopiedVerbatim.pdf]
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