I’m a long time user of HearMe.com Video and Voice Web Conferencing Software) for Business users as it’s perfect for an Internet based business person like myself (I do all my business online).

I have contacts all over the world, many of which I’ve never met in person (no water cooler chat unfortunately) and as we all know getting to see and speak to a person you work with/for makes life so much easier.

It can be so easy to come across as an arrogant arse hole by email (well it is for me anyway), but speaking face to face via video web conferencing and misunderstandings are mostly avoided, not to mention it’s soooo much faster talking to business partners face to face than trying to explain a complicated business proposal by email to half a dozen people, it lacks the too and fro of a face to face meeting!

As you can see I’m a strong advocate for using video web conferencing software in business and without it I don’t think I’d be doing as well as I do especially as I’m disabled and can’t travel to meetings etc… Without this sort of software/service I’d rarely ever get to see anyone I work with (I work from a home office).

HearMe.com Feature

Desktop Video Conferencing

Live Web based video conferencing via Internet Explorer
H.264 video technology – highest available quality
Multi-user video – now you can view all participants in separate desktop windows
12 frames per second provides real time motion
Bundled video & voice conferencing – one flat fee

Web Based Meeting Rooms

Conduct unlimited meetings from your desktop
Collaborate with people down the hall or across the globe
Always on & available for impromptu or scheduled meetings
Meeting rooms support 2 to 1,000 simultaneous participants
Free for participants to join meetings

HearMe’s Web Meeting Software can be used for:

  • 1. Virtual Presentations
  • 2. Application and Desktop Sharing
  • 3. Distance Learning
  • 4. Demos and training
  • 5. Webinars 6. Team meetings with participants from different locations
  • 7. HR processes and interviews
  • 8. Project Reviews
  • 9. Employee evaluations
  • 10. Contract negotiations

Application/Desktop Sharing

Share files, documents & applications securely
Share any application on your computer
Broadcast and share pre-recorded video
Transfer files to individual meeting participants
Send private text messages to meeting attendees

Audio Conferencing Included

Speak and hear directly through your computer
Full duplex audio utilizing our patented VoIP technology
Bundled audio – no incremental teleconferencing costs
Hands-free speaking with voice-activated audio controls
Multi-channel mixing allows up to 3 simultaneous speakers (creates more natural, interactive conferencing experience)

I only use a handful of the features to be honest, (pretty much stick to the video conferencing) so some of it’s a bit of overkill, but guess it’s good to know it’s there if I ever need it and it’s not expensive when you consider the savings made in international calls: I’d hate to think what I’d have spent if instead of using video conferencing over the Internet (one monthly fee no matter how long online)I did all my business over the phone!

They do a trial of their software/service, so if it’s not for your business it was at least free to test out.

PalTalk Video Chat

They also run a video chat based service through the site PalTalk.com. I’ve been using this service for about 6 months to chat with online friends and it’s quite addictive.

They have a lot of interesting chat rooms including some self help ones, was talking to a friend earlier who swears by the Voices of Nicotine Recovery chat room, says it helped him quit smoking and gave him the strength to stay smoke free for over 18 month! Who needs nicotine patches when you have video chat rooms :)

I’ve not really got into it that deep (too busy working for a living :)), but it’s nice to take a break from work and chat with a friend for 20 mins online without spending a small fortune on the phone bill.

Highly recommended for online video chats with online friends.