VoIP Conferencing… What Is It, And Should You Use It?
Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) conference software comes in two basic varieties: free and commercial. Based upon feedback and reviews from users, the majority found that the free VoIP conference software packages are generally more difficult to setup and use (i.e. need to take learning curve into consideration). And the commercial VoIP conference software packages are most often easy to learn, install and use (i.e. not much of a learning curve), however, they come with setup fees and recurring costs for conference room access.
Here are some main features to look for with VoIP conferencing:
Monthly Fee - $17 - $25 seems about average, with unlimited service packages. Those offering timed packages run 200-500 minutes ranging from $10 a month to around $20.
Web Conferencing Lite - Some companies offer a “lite” package for no charge or a lesser rate. It usually doesn’t have all the other features as a “full” package.
Recording Download - Some packages come with recordings available for free download. Others charge for them.
Dial-in Playback –Most have this feature and you pay for it per minute, averaging 3.9 to 6.9 cents per minute per line.
Multiple Sets of Conference Codes – Some services give you multiple codes to use throughout your subscription. Others require that you have a new account for each set of codes.
Participant Limit – This seems to vary between 125 and 225 per conference call.
Live Call – Most offer this feature of hosting live calls versus recorded ones.
Management online – There should be a system of numbered management, like press #3 to mute callers.
Toll-Free Rates – Some offer toll-free numbers for you to use, and the per-minute rate might be higher accordingly. Could be worth checking in out!
Reservations Required –Some ask for this and you need to schedule your conferences. Others don’t require reservations.
Outdial – This can be helpful if you need to dial out during the conference, like to hook up with an absent member.
Custom Greeting – Most offer this feature to allow you to set up a greeting for our callers.
Lecture Mode – This is a must-have feature, so you can block out sounds from other callers while the speaker is talking, uninterrupted.
Canadian Rates / Alaskan Rates / Hawaiian Rates – Check into these packaged with the USA plus check into international rates if you’ll have international callers. A 3.9-cent per minute rate for the USA and Canada is excellent.
Setup Fee – Most have no set up fees or they offer deals with rebates or charges waived.
Contract – Many will have some type of deal where you are required to pay a fee if you cancel within a year, so read carefully before signing up.
Cancellation Fee – Some have fees if you cancel within a year, varies between $39.95 and $59.95.
Minimum Usage – Most have zero minimum usage requirements.
So remember: you can get free VOIP conference software, but sometimes commercial VoIP conference software is better. Which option you choose depends upon your budget and time for learning systems. So take at least a little time-out to see which would work best for your needs.