| |
|
Web collaboration is a process that allows companies and individuals to work together on a project, regardless of their physical location, and in real time. Real time communication is the equivalent to instant messaging software- the person you are chatting with sees what you type instantly.
Organizations may use web collaboration internally, in order to allow more than one person access to project files and information by storing everything in an environment online that each person can access and make changes to.
Companies may also use web based collaboration as a way to interact with their customers and other businesses that are located at a distance.
A typical use of online collaboration is between the main office of an organization and the sales team or customer service team that travels from one location to the next. They are able to collaborate with the main office via the internet, reporting and sharing information in real time.
Web based collaboration is a result of software and programming tools that are used within web sites and accessible via the internet or through company networks. It can exist in an Internet environment, or could be set up to work within a companys' existing telephone system in order to more effectively automate customer assistance.
Web collaboration can use presentation tools, like the online equivalent to a chalkboard, called a "Whiteboard", that allows a presenter to draw in real time for participants to get a visual demonstration; voice or text based chat - either one way so that only the speaker is heard, or in a conference type environment where everyone has capabilities to speak and interact; and many online collaboration environments also make use of video capabilities.
Primarily, conferencing in an online environment can save money over traveling to different locations for face-to-face meetings. Additionally, you save a considerable amount of time that is often wasted in the commute, since you only need to turn on your computer and connect to the conference when it's time for the meeting, rather than prepare and travel.
Many types of conferencing is conducive to an online environment. Interviewing prospective employees, answering customer questions, and sharing demonstrations of web based or software products with clients.
Web collaboration software would allow clients to test the program and ask questions as they're interacting with the demo a company set up- so questions can be answered in real time, while customers are viewing the demonstration and attempting to use the new software or web based application.
Training employees is a perfect use of online collaboration technology. Whether you have employees located around the world or in one building, making use of a web based collaboration training environment is cost effective, time efficient and enables trainers to update the materials quickly and easily as new training is required.
Many companies use web conferencing
 technology to hold seminars, rather than booking hotel conference rooms and spending thousands of dollars preparing for in-person seminars. The online seminars can include video, audio, and other presentation tools that enable participants to see exactly what they would see if they were in a room full of people listening to a speaker. Companies can conduct several seminars in a single day, to reach people in any time zone and you aren't limited to the size of the conference room as to how many people can attend.
Pros & Cons of Web Collaboration
The advantages of web based technology are many, including reduced costs, more efficient use of time, and the ability to reach and collaborate with people on projects no matter where the individuals are physically located.
Using online conferencing is a great way to stretch your marketing dollars. Seminars and other events held over the internet greatly reduces the amount of money spent per lead acquisition, meaning you can reach more potential customers for the same amount of money you've been spending on traditional marketing efforts.
Disadvantages of web collaboration seem to be most evident when trying to use the technology to close a sale. Most sales people agree that there is still nothing like a face-to-face meeting when it comes time to make a sale of a product or service, and that something is lacking in the online collaboration in regards to closing sales.
Additionally, as with any new technology - it takes time to learn how to use online conferencing and web collaboration software products. Your organization may learn it effectively, but in order to use it with potential customers they also will need certain equipment or technical ability in most cases. These disadvantages will decrease as more people become users of the technology.
| Web Collaboration Related Articles |
Online Collaboration - 2 Main Approaches For Every Business
To choose the best option in online collaboration, you should consider the many different features offered through electronic conferencing and communication, as well as collaborative management tools.
How Collaboration Software Improves Your Business Productivity
Collaboration software is designed to help people involved in a common task achieve their goals and is the basis for computer supported work, such as email, calendaring and text chat.
Which Free Web Collaboration Provider Will You Choose?
This is a way to join forces on a project using a Web Space. There are many providers to help you get it up and running, but TWIKI is our recommended choice.
An Overview Of Web Based Collaboration Tools That Anyone Can Use
Web collaboration tools have developed as a consequence of the World Wide Web which has created communities consisting of people from all over the world. A collaboration tool is everything from wikis, mailing lists, file sharing programs and more.
How Online Project Collaboration Speeds Up Completion Of Your Projects
Online project collaboration involves using an internet program or service to host documents being developed and used by people in different locations.
Business Collaboration - The Key To Present And Future Business Success
Business collaboration is the process of assisting and cooperating with colleagues and contacts to further some aspect of shared business.
Box.net - A Great Tool For Storing And Sharing Your Files Online
With the Box.net Widget, you can publish your photos, documents, audio, or video from anywhere. In addition to these social networking features, the Box Professional feature adds additional functions that make it the perfect solution for businesses of any size.
Yugma.com: Enhancing Communication, Bridging the Gap
Yugma is a special kind of web based collaboration service. It allows people to connect and communicate with one another instantly, no matter where they are in the world.
Back from Web Collaboration to AllConferenceServices.com - Home
|
|
