Web conferencing | Solutional Webdesign Antwerp

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Web conferencing refers to the online service that allows for real-time meetings, presentations, and collaborations over the internet^[3]. This multifaceted technology^[2] allows participants to engage in digital meetings, typically using a combination of audio, video, and text communication. The software used can either be web-browser based, requiring no downloads, or it may need to be installed on the user's computer^[4]. It's often used for webinars - a blend of the words 'web' and 'seminar' - and for webcasts, which are similar to traditional broadcasts but over the internet. However, the lack of standardization in web conferencing technology can sometimes lead to interoperability^[1] issues. Various deployment models exist, including hosting services, software, and dedicated appliances. Over time, web conferencing has evolved, with a variety of platforms now available, each offering different features and capabilities.

Terms definitions

1. ↑ interoperability. Interoperability, in the realm of technology and systems, is the capability of different systems or products to work together and exchange information seamlessly. It comprises various types such as syntactic interoperability, which ensures common data formats and protocols, and semantic interoperability, allowing meaningful data interpretation. Cross-domain interoperability facilitates data exchange across multiple entities. Interoperability standards aid in the creation of products that can cooperate effortlessly. Post facto interoperability is significant in competitive landscapes where dominant products set market standards. Challenges include data encumbrance and lack of open standards, but solutions lie in improving infrastructure interoperability and promoting open standards. Industry-specific interoperability, like in NATO forces or eGovernment services, is crucial for effective collaboration and efficient service delivery.

2. ↑ technology. Technology, derived from the Greek words meaning craft and knowledge, is a broad term that refers to the tools, machines, and systems developed by humans to solve problems or fulfill objectives. Originating with primitive tools like stone axes and the discovery of fire, technology has evolved significantly throughout human history. It has been instrumental in different eras, from the invention of the wheel and advanced irrigation systems in ancient civilizations to the birth of universities and printing press during the medieval and Renaissance periods. The Industrial Revolution in the 18th century marked a significant shift in mass production and innovation, giving rise to modern technologies like electricity, automobiles, and digital communication platforms. Today, technology is integral to various aspects of life and society, driving economic growth and societal change, while also raising concerns about security, privacy, and environmental impacts. The future of technology is expected to bring even more advancements, with the rise of artificial intelligence predicted to have significant implications for the job market.

Web conferencing (Wikipedia)

Web conferencing is used as an umbrella term for various types of online conferencing and collaborative services including webinars (web seminars), webcasts, and web meetings. Sometimes it may be used also in the more narrow sense of the peer-level web meeting context, in an attempt to disambiguate it from the other types known as collaborative sessions. The terminology related to these technologies is exact and agreed relying on the standards for web conferencing but specific organizations practices in usage exist to also provide term usage reference.

In general, web conferencing is made possible by Internet technologies, particularly on TCP/IP connections. Services may allow real-time point-to-point communications as well as multicast communications from one sender to many receivers. It offers data streams of text-based messages, voice and video chat to be shared simultaneously, across geographically dispersed locations. Applications for web conferencing include meetings, training events, lectures, or presentations from a web-connected computer to other web-connected computers.

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