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VelmaMcKenzieFlag for United States of America

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Is there a better video and audio meeting tool than Webex?

I am looking to incorporate a meeting tool into a proposal for a client that wants to reduce travel cost and want to use technology to discuss projects with employees and clients.  Webex seem to have the features they want, but they are concerned that Webex disclaims any responsibility for the service they provide?
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Andres Perales
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http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/communicationsserver/default.aspx
Office Communications Server...will allow you to do secure IM within your organization, give you presence plus..Livemeeting internally or with customers / clients.  Supports Video and Audio conferences, and desktop control and the such!
It can be hosted throught Microsoft, or in house meaning setup using your servers...
A big question that you need to answer is what kind of a system are you looking for. Top quality systems include PolyCom and Tandberg systems with dedicated conference rooms and protocols that communicate with other systems that are similar. If you are trying to connect a few offices, having a system like this is each office will give you the best quality level.

These systems usually require a large initial investment, and then an IT dept, or person at least for ongoing maintenance and upgrades. Also you need to make sure that you location has a room for this, and the infrastructure is there to support it.

The Webex route is a hosted solution. The market leaders in this area are WebEx, Microsoft, Adobe, and GoToMeeting.  Don't rule out other smaller options that can be easier to use, and more cost effective though. Usually you get better training and support from the smaller companies as well.

As far as the responsibility for services. I can not speak for WebEx or any other company, but my own company guarantees our service on things that we have control of. Our servers will be up and working. A Live Operator will answer your questions on TeleConferencing anytime. Things of that nature. You will have everything you need that we can do for you, but we cannot guarantee the Internet, your connection to your ISP, your computer configuration, or things that are out of our control. The best way to be sure on what is covered is to ask your sales rep.

A good impartial list of things to look for in a hosted provider was made on OfficeArrow by Libby Huffman. I refer a lot of people that are requesting video and webconference information to it because it touches on key points people overlook.

http://www.officearrow.com/forums/business-services/816-tips-choosing-conferencing-service-provider.html

If you would like to go over any further information, you can contact me directly from my profile here on EE.

Good luck,

Anthony
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ASKER

Anthony,

I registered with OfficeArrow to read Libby Huffman impartial list but have not been able to find it.  I have emailed OfficeArrow for information about this subject as you described it.

My concern about Webex has nothing to do with maintain the things that you listed.  I am concerned because they disavow any responsibility for anything except to protect webex but no responsibility to its customers.

I will try to contact your directly.
Anthony,

How can I get a look at your company's service agreement?  
Don't forget that Cisco has products that you can bring in house as well, Just like Microsoft.  All controlled by you.
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Anthony Russo
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