Is Video Conferencing the Same as Web Conferencing?

Are you wondering if video conferencing is the same as web conferencing?

Video conferencing and web conferencing are two different ways to communicate with people online. Both have pros and cons, but which is best for your business?

While the two technologies may appear the same, they are pretty different. In this blog post, we'll look at the key differences between video and web conferencing. By understanding the differences, you can make an informed decision about the best technology for your needs. So, let's get started! 

Video and web conferencing are two of the most commonly used tools that foster worldwide collaboration amidst the COVID’19 restrictions. With little or no technological knowledge, many people use video and web conferencing interchangeably. Is video conferencing the same as web conferencing? It is high time we understand the difference in these rising virtual meeting tools.

What is Video Conferencing?

Video conferencing is a technology that allows people to communicate with each other using video and audio transmissions. This can be done in real-time or asynchronously. 

Many different video conferencing platforms are available, each with its own features and capabilities. Some platforms allow multiple participants to join a single session, while others allow individual sessions between two people. 

It can be used for various purposes, such as business meetings, educational lectures, or personal conversations. The technology has been beneficial during the COVID-19 pandemic as it allows people to stay connected while social distancing. 

Video conferencing platforms have become increasingly popular in recent years, and they are expected to continue to grow in popularity.

What is Web Conferencing?

Web conferencing is an online meeting that allows participants to interact with each other in real-time via a web-based platform. During a web conference, participants can share documents, presentations, and images and engage in audio and video communication. 

Web conferencing can be used for various purposes, including online training, webinars, and team meetings. In recent years, web conferencing has become increasingly popular as businesses strive to improve collaboration and communication among employees in different parts of the world. 

Thanks to web conferencing, companies can now connect employees working remotely with those based in offices, making it easier for them to collaborate on projects and share ideas.

The Rise of Virtual conferences

In recent years, virtual conferences have become increasingly popular. With the rise of technology, virtual conferences offer a convenient and cost-effective way to connect with people worldwide. 

There are several reasons behind this trend. First, virtual conferences are more cost-effective than in-person events. Second, they are more convenient for attendees and presenters, as there is no need to travel to a physical location. 

Third, virtual conferences can reach a global audience, as geographic boundaries do not limit them. Finally, virtual conferences offer a unique opportunity for networking and collaboration, as attendees can interact with each other in real-time via chatrooms and forums. 

The use of virtual conferences rose during the covid pandemic as businesses shifted to remote work models. These virtual meetings facilitated their teams by allowing them to communicate and collaborate without being in the same physical space. 

The virtual conference allowed for a greater degree of interaction than traditional teleconferencing and businesses to save on travel costs. In addition, virtual conferences are more flexible than in-person meetings, allowing companies to schedule them at times convenient for their employees. 

As the world continues to adapt to the new normal of remote work, virtual conferences are likely to become an increasingly important part of business communication.

Perks of Virtual Conferences

Worldwide Accessibility

Previously, organizations only had a handful of human resources present inside the physical premises to decide the future course of action. With the advent of virtual conferences, organizations gained access to diverse employees. Such inclusion and diversity boosted employees' decision-making skills and improved organisational strategies.

Before virtual conferences became a norm, training held at one branch of the organisation only benefited a particular number of employees. Today technology enables organisations to conduct fruitful training sessions all across the globe. If you are an organisation looking for a platform that facilitates training programs worldwide and simultaneously gives an insight into the participant activity, join Oreed today. 

We ensure a complete understanding of the engagement rate and activities to allow organisations to make evidence-based decisions for the next virtual training session.

Analytics at your Fingertips

Unable to gauge the performance of your conferences? It’s high time you shift to virtual conferences that provide quick insight into your event performance. Previously, in-person conferences required businesses to manually register their attendees, store their data in decentralised warehouses, and measure success on subjective criteria. As organizations entered the virtual realm and switched to online conferences, the flow of information improved drastically.

What seemed like a temporary solution to the pandemic emerged as a silver lining to the whole pandemic situation. Businesses could measure the performance of their conferences as virtual event platforms such as Oreed to gather participants’ data, engagement throughout the event, and past activities for the hosts’ convenience. We generate actionable insights through data centralisation under one roof. These insights will channel your next virtual conference in the right direction.

Skyrocket your Engagement Rate

Virtual conferences can now execute in a short span of time, which seemed unachievable through hours of long conferences. Long mundane traditional conferences often cause attendees to zone out and miss out on important pieces of information. On the other hand, virtual conferences boost audience participation throughout the event by introducing immersive features. 

Businesses are now keen to explore virtual conferencing platforms that facilitate higher engagement. Oreed brings an end to your never-ending quest. We increase your event participation rate through our engaing features such as interactive sessions, gamification, and recorded videos post-event. 

Is Video Conferencing the Same as Web Conferencing?

Although falling under the same technological umbrella, video conferencing and web conferencing have completely separate identities that fall prey to misinterpretations. To choose the right communication platform for your business, it is essential to know the nitty-gritty details of both of them. 

Video Conferencing vs Web Conferencing

Video Conferencing

Video conferencing facilitates two-way communication between remote attendees and hosts. Cameras and microphones are present to support video and audio sharing during the video conference, and attendees can form visual contact. Along with supporting face-to-face communication in real-time, video conferencing enables participants to share information.

If you plan to hold a video conference, make sure to install client application software for efficient functioning. Client application software transfers data over the internet. Today, various mediums such as laptops, smartphones, tablets, and PCs support conducting video conferencing.

Web Conferencing

In web conferencing, hosts share presentation slides over the web with minimal or no interaction from the presenter's side. Participants engage in debate and discussion through the features present on the web conferencing platform. In early March 2020, at the onset of the pandemic, we witnessed a 100% surge in the use of web conferencing tools in the USA. This dramatic increase in web conferencing signals the reliability of such platforms.

Unlike video conferencing, web conferencing is usually a one-sided presentation that transmits information and statistics to the attendees. Online courses, webinars, and seminars are examples of web conferencing. The hosts can incorporate a listen-only feature that facilitates a smooth conference without external interruptions.

Factors to consider when choosing between Video vs Web Conferences

Although both video and web conferences have their individual benefits, choosing the right type of conference for your needs can be difficult. 

When it comes to business communication, there are a number of factors to consider when choosing between video and web conferencing

We'll outline the factors you should consider when making your decision. By considering them, you'll be able to make an informed choice that's best for your business. 

1. Objective or Purpose: One of the most important factors is the purpose of the meeting. If the purpose of the meeting is to give a presentation or conduct a training session, then video conferencing may be the best option. This is because video conferencing allows for real-time interaction and two-way communication. On the other hand, if the purpose of the meeting is simply to share information or collaborate on a project, then web conferencing may be the better option. This is because web conferencing allows for asynchronous communication, which can be more convenient for participants who are in different time zones or have busy schedules.

2. Budget:  Video conferencing requires more bandwidth and hardware than web conferencing, so it may be more expensive to set up and maintain. However, web conferencing may require participants to purchase additional software or licenses, so it is important to compare costs before making a decision. 

3. Participation Rate: Video conferencing supports unlimited engagement from the participants' sides which is limited in web conferencing

4. Integration: You can incorporate video conferencing into any business system, unlike web conferences that support calendars only.

5. Practical Application: Web conferencing covers educational lectures, seminars, and training programs. Day-to-day business meetings and discussions are held using video conferencing.

6. Privacy: Video conferencing requires authorisation from the administrator to allow participants on the platform, whereas participants only need a link to access a web conference. If your goal is to conduct a confidential session, it is better to opt for video conferencing, as data privacy is not compromised at any costs.

Video Conferencing or Web Conferencing: The Better Alternative

Are you puzzled by the number of choices available in the market? 

Now that you are aware of what each conferencing tool offers, it is time to reveal the alternative that suits you best. People tend to switch between the two quite often as the selection relies entirely on their business requirements.

If your goal is to host a speech or a non-interactive session for an audience present in different areas, web conferencing is your go-to option. Choose web conferencing when the aim is to broadcast a one-sided message only. 

How to conduct a web conferencing session with Oreed?

To join a web conference, participants use a link and enter through a web browser. However, video conferencing is the preferred alternative when businesses aim to conduct a virtual meeting to generate creative ideas through engagement and communication because it supports seamless communication without pixelated videos and audio distortions. 

Oreed has a built-in LMS system to streamline recorded video sharing and business operations.

Individuals or organisations often fail to recognise that an option ideal for one scenario can be a drastic choice in another. Whatever options you choose, Oreed is here to support your virtual business meetings most efficiently. 

Oreed supports seamless communication between participants and ensures that the platform aligns with clients' brand image. By partnering with our platform, clients can automate their registration process. After registration, participants can make their payments online using our digitised payment system. 

Once your virtual session is over, Oreed generates certificates and accreditations for participants to authenticate attendance. After the event, gain an insight into the event performance through data analytics. 

Membership Packages

• Free
• Paid
• Private

Contact us to get a personalised quotation that matches your business requirements. Join Oreed today and access all these exciting features and much more.

Conclusion

While there are some similarities between video and web conferencing, there are also some distinct differences. We believe that video conferencing is a better option for virtual meetings and conferences because of its enhanced communication. If you’re looking for a reliable, easy-to-use platform to host your next online meeting or conference, we suggest giving Oreed a try. You won't be disappointed with our user-friendly interface and crystal clear audio and video quality.