Choosing a Web Conferencing Solution: Why Should You Try It Before You Buy?

Web conferencing technology offers a real-time, multipoint, internet-based communications solution that supports simultaneous interaction between two or more participants who are physically based in different locations.
It’s a vital tool for intercompany interactions which enables its users to host or attend one-on-one and group meetings online with fellow employees, business partners or clients.

Benefits of implementing this software in a company include enhanced workplace collaboration and productivity, better employee time management and efficiency, affordable long-distance or international communication, elimination of geographic barriers and minimized travel expenses.

Here are some of the frequent uses of this solution:

• Communication with remote employees and teams in global or regional offices.
• Business to client sales pitches, product demos, presentations, etc.
• Internal company meetings and collaboration with any cross-departmental needs.
• Direct customer support.
• Online staff education and training.

However, small businesses, technology startups, mid-sized companies, and Fortune 500 enterprises all have very different needs in terms of technical considerations, support options, and budget.
There are many competing web conferencing options on the market, and every company offers its unique mix of technological features, functionalities, and capabilities coupled with its own set of pros and cons.

Basic built-in features like online video and audio communication, moderation tools and collaboration features such as live text chat, interactive audience polling, Q&A, desktop and file sharing, annotation tools as well as others are very common among many providers.
Advanced capabilities like meeting recording, enhanced security, whiteboard, and co-web browsing are also available with some companies.

So how can you determine which platform is ideal for your specific company’s internal communication demands?
Since there are many alternatives available, the best thing you can do is try some out for yourself and obtain independent insights on which SaaS product deserves your hard-earned money.

The no-obligation testing period allows you to review all of the components of a given system in a hands-on way and get a feel for how it works.
It helps to form an independent opinion about the service, discover its strengths and weaknesses, and reach a research-based conclusion, whether a long-term paid subscription is worth it or not.

How to Make the Most of a Web Conferencing Service Trial Period?

Using the initial trial period allows you to try out commercial online meeting software for free before committing to a monthly or annual subscription and without spending a penny.

It’s a great way to verify that the service provider you consider delivers on everything you’re looking for before actually putting money down.
Research, reviews, and customer recommendations are extremely useful, but it’s not the same as actually taking a cloud-based platform for a test drive.

Unlike a demo version or a freemium, free trial accounts come with significantly fewer limitations or restrictions, and in some cases, none at all.
Additionally, users will get complete access to the entire system for a certain period and enjoy the same benefits and privileges of a paid subscriber.

This time window enables you to fully explore the system’s features, evaluate its ease of use, assess its value for money, and experience the provider’s customer service and support departments.
You get all of this paying nothing at all and with no obligation to join the service as a paying customer.

After starting your free trial, play a little bit with the system and experiment its capabilities.
Host an online meeting with a group of other participants, test the audio and video quality, and use the collaboration features of the software.
Test the entire process from both the presenter and attendee perspectives and from different devices (PC, smartphone, etc.).

Ask yourself: do you like using this system? What kind of user experience does it offer? Can you conveniently invite people and host virtual meetings with it?
If you’re happy with what you saw and experienced, feel free to purchase a paid subscription.
However, if the platform did not meet your expectations or needs, simply cancel the trial and look for better web conferencing alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Trying out and comparing a number of potential online meeting software options is a vital step before choosing a provider and selecting a relevant plan.
Here’s a list of common questions (and answers) that often come up during this process.

• Why Should You Sign Up? Benefits of Using Free Trials before Choosing Any Paid Service
  
• “Credit Card Required”: Why Do Some Free Trial Offers Require Users to Enter-In Their Credit Card Information?
  
• Risk-Free Offer Models: What’s the Difference Between Free Trials, Freemium and Money-Back Guarantee?
  
• Common Free Trial Scams: How Do They Work and What Can You Do To Avoid Them?
  
• Tips: How Do You Cancel a Free Trial You Signed Up For?