How VIA3 Compares
All Web meeting systems are not created equal—they vary considerably in features, functionality, ease of use, and cost. These questions have been put together to guide you in selecting a system that will best meet your needs.
- Can you initiate a meeting with others instantaneously, without having to send out advance invitations? Is there a single-click way to start a meeting with people in your contact list, or with someone with whom you're conversing via instant messaging?
- Are all meeting components such as audio, video, and information sharing integrated into one easy-to-use interface?
- Is there a way for you to know automatically when someone in your contact list is online and possibly available to meet?
- When attendees want to speak during an online meeting, do they have to use a "push to talk" button?
- Can more than two people use audio and video in an online meeting?
- In addition to a computer and an Internet connection, what are the hardware requirements for using the system?
- Does the system provide a way to securely store and share files with others before and after meetings?
Can you initiate a meeting with others instantaneously, without having to send out advance invitations? Is there a single-click way to start a meeting with people in your contact list, or with someone with whom you're conversing via instant messaging?
Why this matters:
Setting up and starting an online meeting should be quick, easy, and free of unnecessary and time-consuming busy work. However, some systems won't let you meet with others without first filling out a lengthy form with the time, meeting title, passcodes, permissions, a list of attendees, and still more information.
How VIA3 stacks up:
Yes, and yes. With a single click, you can convert a VIA3 instant message session into a fully interactive online meeting, where you can see and hear the other participants, and work on documents, presentations or graphical images.
Are all meeting components such as audio, video, and information sharing integrated into one easy-to-use interface?
Why this matters:
Some solutions require you to arrange a separate telephone conference call for the audio portion of your meeting; others oblige all attendees in each location to assemble in a special room where conferencing equipment is housed. These constraints add unnecessary hassles, complexity, and cost.
How VIA3 stacks up:
Yes. VIA3 provides everything you need—audio, video, information sharing, and airtight security—in one complete, intuitive package. This enables you to meet with anyone, anytime, anywhere without ever leaving your desk. There are no extra modules or costs.
Is there a way for you to know automatically when someone in your contact list is online and possibly available to meet?
Why this matters:
With most online meeting systems, you have to phone or e-mail your contacts to find out whether they're online. It's much more efficient for everyone if the system can show you this information at a glance.
How VIA3 stacks up:
Yes. At all times, VIA3's presence detection feature shows you who's online and available for a quick question, discussion, or fully interactive online meeting.
When attendees want to speak during an online meeting, do they have to use a "push to talk" button?
Why this matters:
Some systems operate this way, which is unnatural and irritating, given that everyone is used to button-free telephone use. Full duplex is the technical name for simultaneous transmission and reception of audio so that your conversations won't cut in and out when someone is speaking and another person tries to interject. So you can simply ask, "Is the system's in-meeting audio full duplex.?"
How VIA3 stacks up:
Yes. VIA3 does not have irritating "talk buttons" and the integrated audio is full duplex.
Can more than two people use audio and video in an online meeting?
Why this matters:
Some systems limit the number of audio and video streams in online meetings—making simultaneous, secure audio and video impossible for more than two attendees at a time, or not workable at all. Other systems are still more restrictive, imposing a limit on the number of people that can meet securely.
How VIA3 stacks up:
Yes. With VIA3, all attendees can use both audio and video simultaneously. And the system can securely accommodate any number of participants.
In addition to a computer and an Internet connection, what are the hardware requirements for using the system?
Why this matters:
Aside from the basics you'd expect—a computer, a Web camera for video, and a microphone/headset/speakers for audio—some systems require that you set up and synchronize a telephone conference call for the audio component of your online meeting. This doesn't just add complexity and inconvenience, but extra charges as well. Similarly, some systems compel you to first buy expensive video conferencing equipment, and then pay supplemental usage fees. To minimize costs and headaches—and ensure that online meetings become an everyday office tool—look for a system or service that keeps things simple and affordable.
How VIA3 stacks up:
With VIA3, all you need are the "basics"—a PC plus a standard Web camera and microphone/headset/speakers to go with it. There's no extra equipment to buy, rent, or coordinate, and never any separate or additional charges.
Does the system provide a way to securely store and share files with others before and after meetings?
Why this matters:
Many systems don't provide a means for storage and shared access of meeting information for subsequent use. Other systems do, but without the security necessary to keep the information safe and protected from unauthorized intrusion.
How VIA3 stacks up:
VIA3 provides secure access controlled workspaces where meeting-related and project-specific documents can be stored, shared, and jointly edited. Alerts, meeting history, discussion forums and document versioning are included.
