* Converging conferencing
As we continue down the path toward convergence, conferencing is facing some particularly interesting challenges.
A few years ago, simple audio conference bridging was a big business. Conference bridges were a major option on PBXes, and having a conference call with free (800 number) access was at least a quarter a minute per caller.
Several developments are changing the face of conference calling. First, for IP-only conferencing, some of the PC-based applications have the ability to do audio conferencing, albeit only within the confines of their own system. For instance, we have successfully tested multi-party audio conferencing with Skype.
Now comes the next step: combining IP-based conferencing with PSTN-based conferencing. At least two interesting options have emerged.
While still a bit restrictive and not truly a dial-in bridge, it appears that Skype has the option of creating conferences consisting of both users of the PC-based application and callers whom the conference originator adds using the Skype-to-PSTN feature. (We plan to test this in the near future.)
Taking this a step further toward standardization, we also received a press release from Junction Networks promoting its capability to host conference calls between SIP-based callers and callers dialing a toll-free (or toll) call from the PSTN. During the beta phase of this program, there is no charge for the service – including the 800 calls. Again, we plan to test this in the near future.
But we’re not sure how important the ability to provide toll-free dial-up conferencing is. When toll calls cost 10 cents per minute – and we can even remember when calls cost 25 cents per minute – providing a toll-free number was a major convenience to the invited participant. However, with today’s proliferation of low-cost and unlimited long-distance plans, we’re not sure that having this capability is nearly as important as it was in the past.
Let us hear your opinion about whether it’s important to have 800-number access to conference calls, and we’ll share your feedback – plus some additional interesting options we’ve uncovered.
