The other day I found myself wondering - what's the difference between a webinar and a webcast. I realized that web event terminology is not always clearly defined and can be cause for some confusion.
To clarify, I went to one of our enhanced services gurus, JR Ormsby. Here are his answers to my questions.
What is a web meeting?
A web meeting is an easy, on-demand way to add a visual component to your conference calls and simply requires the Internet. Features include desktop sharing, chat, file presentation and more.
What is a webinar?
A webinar allows presenters to "push" out content to their viewers via slides. Visual components are available through the Internet and audio is heard over the phone. Registration services including an automated confirmation are included. Enhanced options such as archive features are available, if needed.
What is a webcast?
A webcast is typically used for formal presentations or those that will reach a large audience. Streaming media technology is used to distribute static and interactive content from one source to viewers. The Internet is used to broadcast live or pre-recorded audio and/or video and users do not have to download a plug-in. Interactive features like polling and Q&A are available and archives are included. Presenters are able to engage the audience and gather real-time feedback.
Web conferencing is often used as a general term in reference to any or all of the above.
I hope this helps! Let me know what you think.
Let's start with my opinion: ACT's web conferencing solution (ReadyConnect Web) is way, way better than most of the other web conferencing services I've used lately.
Have you ever missed half of an important meeting while waiting for the web conferencing software to load? That's what happened to me last week. While I shouldn't mention which popular web conferencing provider I had to use, let me tell you -- it's tons of fun to sit on the phone with a group of people who are trying to make small talk and asking you every thirty seconds if you can see the conference yet.
You get conversations such as:
Host: We'll get started just as soon as Jeff can see the web meeting.
Me: Sorry everybody. I'm starting a different browser. Apparently you have to use Internet Explorer.
Host: So... (mumbles something about the weather)... Jeff, can you see the conference now?
Me: No. It's wanting to download something.
Host: No problem at all. (Long awkward silence) And how's it coming?
Me: It's installing and then needs to restart. I'm going to take a quick nap while we wait.
Perhaps I didn't say that last part... but I was definitely thinking it. And sadly, I could have done it. (I finally got into the web meeting 10 minutes after the scheduled start time.)
How come several of the top 5 web conferencing solutions make you download all their software just to get into a meeting? And better yet, why does anybody accept that as the way it has to be? ACT's ReadyConnect Web Meeting doesn't require any downloads for participants. You just enter the conference number, click "Join", and the meeting opens.
I'm starting a campaign to rid the world of annoying web conferencing experiences.
Get a free trial of ReadyConnect Web Meeting and keep your participants happy.