ReadyTalk Opens Public Beta for New Video Conferencing Offering

DENVER, Jan. 30, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- ReadyTalk today announced the availability of video conferencing, adding to the suite of technology services—audio conferencing, web conferencing, webinars and web events—that the company currently provides.  The addition of video conferencing enables customers to host more collaborative and productive meetings and training sessions.

Analysts at Forrester predict that utilization of video conferencing and collaboration solutions will expand in the next few years and that nearly half of information workers will have some type of personal video solution in 2016, up from just 15 percent today.

Using video conferencing during virtual meetings allows companies to:

• Increase engagement among meeting participants
• See and share non-verbal cues
• Improve personal interaction between remote colleagues

"As a frequent meeting facilitator, there are many ReadyTalk features I appreciate—recordings, slide share and annotations. But, nothing delivers the same value as video conferencing," said Tiffany LaReau, certified workforce manager, Human Numbers. "I work remotely, so having the ability to deliver my video message along with my PowerPoint deck puts me in the cube next door. This real-time, face-to-face interaction makes my meetings more effective. Plus, the streamlined interface is easier to use than other conferencing products I've tried."

Beginning today, customers will be able to use a beta version of the video conferencing software. While it doesn't contain all of the features and functionality that will be available at launch, it does allow new and existing customers to begin incorporating video conferencing services into their daily meetings and provide feedback to ReadyTalk.  

"Our goal is to bring a video conferencing product to the market that makes it easier for customers to more effectively conduct remote meetings, interview potential employees and host small training sessions," said Paul Carollo, product marketing manager at ReadyTalk. "At ReadyTalk, we put significant emphasis on customer input and feedback. Opening up the video conferencing beta to a larger audience gives us additional opportunities for input prior to launch and the ability to ensure that our products make our customers' jobs easier."

The current service provides customers with intuitive controls to start video conferences directly from a ReadyTalk web conference.  The technology is entirely web based so no additional downloads are required for participants or meeting hosts. As many as 25 participants can view four simultaneous feeds. In addition, meeting hosts retain the ability to:

• Share slides, specific applications, or their entire desktop
• Highlight key points with annotation tools
• Promote meeting attendees to co-presenter status
• Start meetings quickly from the web, desktop or Microsoft Outlook
• Let colleagues edit documents by granting control of desktop or applications (and vice versa)

The video conferencing beta is free and available for all ReadyTalk web conferencing or webinar customers. Visit the ReadyTalk blog for details on getting started with video conferencing:  http://ow.ly/heWMC.

To learn more about ReadyTalk's audio and web conferencing offerings, including professional services and support for webinars, please visit www.readytalk.com, or on Twitter and Facebook.

About ReadyTalk

Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Denver, Colo., ReadyTalk delivers audio and web conferencing services that empower customers to successfully conduct audio and web conferences of all sizes – from ad hoc meetings to large webinars.  ReadyTalk combines ease of use with sophisticated marketing tools to increase audience engagement, event ROI and meeting productivity. Unlike other services, ReadyTalk gives customers a full suite of tools for training, collaboration, webinars and more. You'll always have access to the right features when you need them, no need to upgrade to another product. Please call toll free 800.843.9166 or visit www.readytalk.com for more information.

Media Contact:

Bo Bandy    
ReadyTalk    
303-209-1593    
[email protected]

SOURCE ReadyTalk