Simple and straightforward Web conferencing for small businesses

Occasionally, you come across a technology solution that can be described as "game-changing" - YouTube comes to mind as an example of this. I recently came across a couple of different products that, while perhaps not "game-changing" to the level YouTube is, have opened my eyes to better ways of doing business, for me and for my clients.

One of these products is called iLinc, from iLinc Communications in Phoenix,  Arizona. They've taken the concept of Web-based collaboration, added excellent customer service and combined it with an excellent cross-platform interface. Oftentimes, tools such as Web collaboration platforms are targeted at large corporations; however, small businesses can leverage such tools, too - from an entrepreneur offering Web-based coaching and learning to an organization with geographically-dispersed staff who can get together for regular online meetings. iLinc has recognized this and offers their application to the small and medium business sector as well as to larger enterprises.

With the almost universal proliferation of Webcams and computer speakers, and with the addition of a microphone, it's entirely possible to enjoy a multi-user Web-based videoconference. The facilitator can recognize participants who raise their (virtual) hands, ensuring that multiple people aren't speaking over each other. It's even possible to take over a user's desktop, or just a portion of it, to demonstrate the topic under discussion.

The same technology can be used in providing 1-on-1 support, assisting the remote client by resolving a problem for them, demonstrating how a particular application should be used or just in sharing a document that you're collaborating on.

iLinc have the confidence in their product to the extent of offering free 30-day trials of the software. These trials are fully functional - every feature offered in the software is available, so you are able to give the software an extensive test drive to determine if it is something you can use regularly in your business.

Those of us of a certain age may remember the old shaver ads - "I liked it so much, I bought the company" - I liked iLinc so much when I took part in a Web training session that I signed up as a reseller. It's an excellent tool that may just be the component of your business that you've been missing.