What are the differences between Web-based & room-based video conferencing

 There are several popular types of video based business conferencing systems in use today, both use similar types of technology and their names are often mixed up by users, but they have quite  different operating methods and uses.

Conferencing systems come in two main types, those that are web based with online events that are mainly for sharing essential content with a web browser entrance point using a link to a nominated event, these are called web conferencing or webinars.

The other type is video conferencing system is a full, real time audio/video session between at least two people and often many more. People in these video conferencing systems can be in the same room or some or all of them can be remote participants.

In a video conference, each participant can see as well as hear every other participant and interrelate according to the rules defined by the organisers and the particular requirements and mode of the video conferencing system being used. Often, each participant can send and receive messages and content to the other members of the video conference.

Video conferencing systems always require the installation of special client applications, permissions and equipment to access. They require servers that can control multipoint conferencing sessions and are able to operate without a web connection.

They can incorporate a range of options including webinars or other arrangements with or without web access by using a local computer network. These can be simple systems using linked PC’s with microphones and cameras or they can become very technical with advanced features including BlueTooth, speaker-phones, high quality speakers, smartphones, video surveillance systems and other video conferencing solutions and systems.

Web conferencing always requires a web connection as it is designed to be used by remote users who can access the event using their browser from any location.

Often web conferencing is cloud-based, although it can be from on-premise platforms using an external access option. These types of conferences can have a variety of features supported by different app’s and tools

Web conferencing is usually used for distance learning, to show presentations and a substitute for business meetings or trips. It’s ideal for large scale conferences with lots of participants such as a corporate seminar or discussion where a live feedback is desired for all participants.

Usually, video conferencing systems require accounts for each user; these have an administrator overseeing the operation. For people to participate they are required to log in using approved credentials through the client application server.

Web conferencing or webinars are normally used for organised events that do not require live feedback, although often they have chat enabled for comments. They are usually used to broadcast to a wide audience, often with one or more speakers. They are easy to use and often only require the right link to participate in and there are no user accounts involved.

Business conferences are an ideal way to communicate with a group of people especially during this unfortunate time of the Coronavirus. Video conferencing systems are essentially where you want the participants to be able to give live feedback and share information. Web conferencing or webinars are where you just want to broadcast your message to a large number of people without instant feedback.