There is. Thanks to the Net, logging on is the next best thing to being there. In today's NetProfit, we'll look at two options that allow for Net based virtual meetings. By using your net connection and, in some cases, a phone line, you can create an online presentation that will wow 'em in Kalamazoo, or Poughkeepsie, or pretty much anywhere around the world.

NetMeeting

Yes, as with pretty much anything to do with microchips and computers, one of the options is from Microsoft. NetMeeting is a little extra that comes bundled with Windows 2000. If you don't have it, you can download it from http://www.microsoft.com/windows/netmeeting/. Don't let the fact that it's free fool you. This is a powerful little communication tool that could just be the thing you were looking for to help you reach out across the Web.

NetMeeting allows you to do video and audio conferencing over the Internet, collaborate on graphics, transfer files, have text based chats and even take control of a remote computers desktop and start using their applications. Short of sitting on somebody's desk and leaning over their shoulder as they work, NetMeeting is the next best thing for bringing far flung colleagues together.

Audio and Video Conferencing

Hook up the video camera to the appropriate video card, your microphone to a sound card and you're ready for your close up, Mr. DeMille (realize those that get the reference immediately date themselves). NetMeeting's video and audio conference will give you passable video quality (limited of course by the speed of your connection) allowing you to meet face to face or hold items up to the lens.

NetMeeting will automatically adjust microphone sensitivity to make sure that everyone's voice does get heard. Also, you can send video and audio to recipients that don't have video hardware. The originator of the meeting can change sizes of broadcast windows or make the decision between faster performance and higher quality.

One other note. NetMeeting allows you to place calls from your computer to a phone or teleconferencing system, so the person on the receiving end doesn't even need a computer!

Cyber Doodling

The Whiteboard gives you a shared graphic workspace, with a limited selection of graphic tools. You can drag and drop graphics into the whiteboard space, cut and paste from any Windows based application and even prepare a number of whiteboard pages in advance for your online meeting. Participants can each edit or mark up the graphic and you can assign a different color marker to each user, so you can keep it all straight.

Chatting Up a Storm

NetMeeting gives you a simple text based chat interface that allows you to talk one to one with a colleague or involve everyone in a group chat. The Whisper mode allows you to single out someone in the group for confidential messages. You can also save the entire chat as a text file for future reference.

File Transfer

If you have a file you want to send, NetMeeting allows you to send it to one or all of the members of the online meeting. Each recipient has the option of accepting or declining the transfer.

Share and Share Alike

With NetMeeting, any member of the online meeting can choose the share a program with other members. The shared program appears in a frame and everyone has access to it. The provider of the shared program can specify use by one user at a time, or grant or restrict access as they see fit.

Take the Wheel

NetMeeting even lets a meeting member take control of a computer remotely. You could take your prospect through a click by click demo on their own computer and all they have to do is sit back and watch.

Sounds Great…But…

It had to come. One of the few drawbacks with NetMeeting is that your potential client has to do some prep work before they're ready for your online sales pitch. This is not the tool to use for cold calls. First, they should have NetMeeting installed, although other standards based software can accept NetMeeting calls. Then, they'll need a network address where you can call them. While NetMeeting's help section makes this seem simple, you'll find it will take a few test runs before everything goes smoothly. Theoretically, you can place calls using e-mail addresses, computer names or IP addresses. NetMeeting also offers a Net Directory feature.

Based on my experience, make sure you test run NetMeeting in a number of different situations before you try talking a potential client through the set up process. You don't want your attempt to dazzle them with your hi tech know-how to go down in flames as you fumble around trying to make an online connection.

WebEx

WebEx is a net based meeting center that has gone to great lengths to present all the functionality you'll find in NetMeeting in a format that's a little more conducive to real time business needs. For starters, WebEx makes it much easier for your clients or potential clients to join the party. Secondly, WebEx goes beyond the online meeting to offer a host of options, including online seminars and training sessions, virtual office services and interactive customer tech support.

Of course, unlike NetMeeting, all this comes at a price. For a simple meeting, the pay-per-use charge is $0.45 US per minute per participant, with additional charges for teleconferencing (more on this later). A 30 minute meeting with 6 participants will cost you $81.00. While steep compared to NetMeeting, it's an absolute bargain compared to the cost of getting 6 people from across the continent together for a 30 minute meeting. You can also subscribe to the service for a monthly charge that depends on the type and number of services used.

The WebEx Meeting Center

Like NetMeeting, the WebEx Meeting Center provides a platform that allows meeting members to share documents, applications and take control of desktops remotely. Video and audio conferencing can also be integrated, if you have the proper hardware. But WebEx adds a few extras that could make it worth the pay per use charge, depending on your needs

WebEx Extras

Browser Synchronization

One feature that's pretty cool is the browser synch option. Here, you could take control of all meeting members browsers and lead them through a step by step online presentation. You lead the way and they'll follow!

Ease of Sign On

Because WebEx is browser based, it's relatively easy for anyone to sign on and take part in an online meeting. You set up the meeting and choose the participants. Once the meeting is initiated, each participant will receive an e-mail and a link to the online meeting room. One click and they've joined the party!

Post an Invitation on Your Website

Because the sign on procedure is quite easy with WebEx, it's possible for you to include a quick link on your site that allows visitors access to your meeting room.

Play it Again Sam

WebEx allows you to record your entire online meeting and replay it at any time. This could be great for training or future presentations.

Telephony and Voice over IP Integration

You can add real time voice conferencing either over the Internet, if bandwidth provides, or through standard phone lines.

Independence Day

The real plus of WebEx is that it's browser based, Java architecture makes it available to anyone, regardless of operating platforms or software they may have installed locally. Unlike Microsoft's NetMeeting, you can be pretty sure that it will work on both ends the first time without a trial run. Of course, that said, nothing can be taken for granted with the Internet. I would still suggest one test meeting just to take WebEx for a spin before betting the third quarter revenues on it. Look at it as a chance to get in touch with your old college buddies.

Meet Me Online, Anytime!

The communication capabilities of the Internet make it a great way to make long distance meetings practical without actually being in the same room. As bandwidth increases, so do the options for realtime communication with colleagues or potential customers. NetMeeting and WebEx are just two of the options you have to carve out a little common ground on the Web.