Make the right call: audio or video conference calling for business

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Conference calling is nothing new. Making global business easy, conference calls allow businesses to keep in touch quickly and easily, reducing the number of face-to-face meetings required. However, without being able to see the person you are talking to, regular audio conference calling will always have a relatively impersonal feel. Make the right call: audio or video conference calling for business However, with technology developing and becoming more affordable, video conferencing is now easily available to even small enterprises. Providing a more personal and engaged feel to a call, this type of conferencing can effectively remove the need for travel to face-to-face meetings entirely. With businesses typically looking for more collaborative ways of working yet continually searching for ways to save money, the use of web based video conferencing calling has significantly increased over the past few years. So, with the increasing popularity of video conferencing server, does this mean that there will soon no longer be a need for traditional audio calls? Or is video calling simply a passing fad as people look for a new gadget to play with? Here's a quick look at the advantages and disadvantages of the two formats to see how they compare. Audio conference calling Advantages • Quick and simple to use, with cheap and free services available. • An established technology so people easily understand how to use it. • For a quick conversation there isn't always the need to set up a video connection. • Good for hiding on a bad hair day. Disadvantages • You can't read the body language of the person you're talking to and rely solely on tone of voice. • In larger groups, it can be hard to tell who on the call is talking. • Sometimes things can be missed on an audio call, especially if people talk over each other or the line isn't 100% clear. Cloud-based Video conferencing calling Advantages • It can feel more like an in-person meeting and provide more intimacy. • You can pick up on visual cues so it can be easier to tell what someone really thinks. • Sometimes it is easier to understand something when you see it, rather than just hear it. Disadvantages • You need to make an effort with how you and the place you are calling from look. • Although relatively cheap, it can still work out to be more expensive than an audio conference call. • It may be easy to use but it still requires more technology (webcam and screen) than simply dialling a number on your phone. As with most things, it really depends on the individual situation which type of call is best for you to use. Using a traditional audio call for quick catch-ups, or when you are on the move, and taking time for a video call for more detailed conversations when visuals would help understanding. What is clear is that with both audio and multipoint video conferencing calling being relatively cheap and easy to use they are both here to stay. Helping to increase collaboration while also reducing business costs and benefiting the environment at the same time. For detailed information, please visit