Web Conferencing in Communications Server 2007

Organizations can offer in-house Web conferencing services similar to Microsoft’s subscription-based Live Meeting service by deploying Communications Server 2007. In-house Web conferencing could appeal to organizations looking to consolidate IT infrastructure costs or those deploying Communications Server 2007 for other purposes, such as instant messaging (IM) or Voice over IP (VoIP). However, deploying and running Web conferencing services in-house in a way that makes full use of Communications Server 2007’s capabilities could be complex and expensive, and some organizations may be better served by Live Meeting or the other hosted Web conference services currently available.

Communications Server Supports Web Conferencing

Web conferencing is a catchall term for real-time meetings or conferences in which participants use PC-based applications and an IP data network, such as the Internet or an organization’s corporate intranet, to communicate and share data. Web conferencing offers capabilities beyond the familiar multiparty audio of teleconferences, including tools and services that can simplify the distribution of presentation materials (such as PowerPoint presentations), help presenters manage question-and-answer sessions, allow recording and playback of meetings, and improve interaction between presenter and audience (allowing participants to view and interact with a running application, for instance).