I’m trying to find a study rather than anecdotal evidence that web meetings/web conferencing is on the rise. I know it is because I see more companies entering the realm but also because in my daily life I use it more frequently for meetings.  Plus in all fair disclosure we have a number of customers using GIPS’ technology to support web meetings, such as WebEx and Citrix. I never did understand the concept of dialing in via the telephone and logging online to participate in a web meeting – especially as you can utilize HD voice via your PC.

There is one issue that does come to mind though on the topic of web meetings and that is etiquette.

There has been no guide book written on web meeting etiquette but I feel I should propose a few common sense guidelines – especially as a few of my meetings have caused some annoyance.

No Typing!

For one simple reason – everyone else can hear your typing and it is very distracting to all parties. If you really need to type – put yourself on mute.

No children or animals.

While it’s a well-worn quote, ‘Don’t work with children or animals’… in the background at least. It’s worthy advice, especially during a business call. I had the pleasure recently of listening to dogs barking (incessantly), parrots squawking and two little children taking lumps out of each other. Rather funny, but not ideal for a conference call.

Avoid Being a Conference Hog

OK, we’ve all been there. We’re sitting in a conference room meeting and someone is a conference hog and seems to loves the sound of their own voice (and it’s just not that loved by others!) While you’re in a room it’s much easier to get the conference hogs attention but on a call it’s much more difficult. With HD Voice there aren’t the scrambled confused voices overlaying each other – so give time to everyone to speak.

To Mute or Not to Mute

One recent conference call, I heard a background conversation of one of the participants. Whether you are using a headset or your computer’s microphone beware that the technology really does pick up side conversations. For one it’s distracting but you also don’t want an embarrassing episode either.  Just think when video comes along what could happen!

Only last month Global IP Solutions sponsored the HD Communications summit in New York. While attendance was relatively small, much like introducing a blend of quality cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and merlot grapes to a wine press – the audience was a great mix that should produce a successful push for high-definition voice.

GIPS is strongly pushing for change and the momentum is growing among businesses and consumers who experience high-definition (HD) voice. As the core fundamentals of HD voice rest in GIPS VoiceEngine technology, it’s only natural that we tout the benefits – come on it’s in our company’s DNA.

A number of customers have said to us that GIPS is their secret sauce, a high compliment indeed – but their success is also because they started with the right building blocks and it’s their vision of how they develop and market their products that ultimately produce success.  So you can drive a BMW, Lexus or Ferrari but if you’re running a Yugo engine underneath the hood – it’s not going to be long before the driver realizes they are in control of a dud.

There has been a growing interest in HD voice from the mobile sector and we are continuing to spread the word about GIPS VoiceEngine, which is why we’ve signed up with US Telecom to provide more information through an upcoming webinar . We’ve invited Elliot Gold to join – an analyst and industry pundit who has been providing an authoritative source for teleconferencing news and analysis for more than 25 years.

So while FM radio launched, a man stood on the moon and television has evolved from black and white to color to high-definition over the last 72 years – telephony has remained the same…yawn.

1937                   1980                   2009

NO CHANGE

Carriers could be caught unaware if they don’t rise with the tide and offer HD voice services, as it will be the first and second mover’s advantage that will really impact the market.

There’s a great opportunity for the telecommunications’ industry and understanding the essential requirements for the future will enable carriers, hardware manufacturers and service providers to provide the HD communication experience that consumers want to call. Because the last thing we want to hear is that HD voice is all gone Pete Tong.