How to find and evaluate cheap teleconferencing services

Written by lifang May 05, 2008 11:30

Companies large and small wish to achieve their annual sales and productivity goals and many do so through teleconferencing which enables employees at different locations to conference timely with each other. However, some of the costs of a teleconferencing service, which can also include web and video options, are highly inhibitive to a small or medium-sized company's budget. While teleconferencing saves time and money in training and travel, locating cheap teleconferencing services in a user-friendly provider is the key to keeping expenses in line and making the most of these calling services.

Searching for the cheapest plan

A provider who requires single use or pay-as-you-go services allows affordable and flexible teleconferencing. Without a restrictive contract, SunConferencing users can quickly initiate calls without a reservation and without operator assistance. They can also keep costs in check by not paying for any services which they do not use.

However, if the company knows that they will need teleconferencing services at least once a week for the month, they may want to find a provider who will offer them a fixed rate plan, which is an inexpensive option. In this case, companies purchase a license for each meeting organizer, not for each attendee, who can arrange for an unlimited number of conference calls.

For example, Citrix Systems' GoToMeeting feature has companies pay a $39 monthly fee for each online meeting license that can accommodate up to 25 people. The only other costs involved are standard long-distance phone rates applied to each meeting participant that calls the provided toll-based number.

Finding the right teleconference service provider to meet the company's conference needs is crucial for achieving that company's sales and technology goals. But the best test of the provider's effectiveness is observing how often the employees use the teleconferencing services to make their jobs more productive.

Simple is sometimes better

According to IDC Inc., a technology-research company, three quarters of surveyed companies that have adopted online conferencing still don't make this service available to all employees. And while the tools are available, they are often left idle because employees find them too complicated. In this case, finding a more cost effective and simple conference calling service is justified. Generally, a flexible service provider will be one who offers a calling plan including both basic and more technologically innovative services. SunConferencing of SUNSAR Telecommunications along with its Citrix Systems, Inc. technology is an example of a full service teleconference provider that will meet the needs of its cost-conscious clients.