Genesis Media Labs - The Benefits of Audio Conferencing

Audio conferencing is a way for two, three, or more people to talk to each
other across infinite distances. Oftentimes, along with audio interchange,
audio conferencing involves photo or video conferencing, so that people can
see each other moving and talking.

Furthermore, audio conferencing can also utilize personal computers to allow
users to work on the same document or other software application at the same
time. Whatever on one user's screen will also show up on all of the other
screens in the conference. With the use of a digital whiteboard and a
special pen, users can even draw pictures and diagrams for each other to
demonstrate visual ideas.

Audio conferencing uses one of two main types of oral communication tools: a
regular telephone or a computer telephone. With regular telephones, each
user dials in and everyone can hear each other on the line. With computer
telephones, special software called VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is
installed in the computer. The user dons a microphone-and-earphone headset
that is plugged into the computer's USB port. The user's voice is carried
along the Internet to the other users, and vice-versa, just as if it were a
conventional telephone (but costing a fraction of the usual long-distance
charges.)

Audio conferencing is not just for large corporations; almost any kind of
group can benefit from it. City councils, fire departments, and transit
authorities have been known to engage in audio conferencing. NASA uses audio
conferencing to stay in touch with hundreds of scientists for such sensitive
projects as remote exploration of Mars.

The benefits of audio conferencing are numerous. First and foremost, audio
conferencing can lower transportation costs. Commuters spent $60 billion
dollars on gas driving to business meetings and other work-related
appointments in 2003.

Secondly, with audio conferencing, a meeting can be set up in only a few
minutes. In the real world, planning can sometimes take months.

Most importantly, audio conferencing promotes frequent and effective
communication. And with today's constantly evolving technologies, audio
conferencing is becoming more and more customizable.

-- 
Genesis Media Labs - www.genesismedialabs.com