Desktop Sharing Web Conferencing Feature

According to a 2003 study by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, 84 percent of American workers use computers at home. More and more workers are also working at home or on the road. In 2004, about 20.7 million Americans did some or all of their work at home. Web conferencing enables work or professional collaboration among co-workers and clients even if they are geographically apart.

Web conferencing enables document, file, application and even desktop sharing. Web conferencing can use a downloaded software or just access a URL and use a password or access code to join the group conducting the web-based conference. Web conference lessens the company funds spent on travel and also the time and effort invested on travelling.

File sharing, conducting presentations, orientations, product roll-outs and consultation can be done – in real time – through the internet. Desktop sharing is one of the most important feature/component included in web conferencing packages. Desktop sharing enhances the ability to interact and communicate with colleagues despite of being away from each other.

With desktop sharing, workers can access their work computers from any device that has internet connection, including home computers and laptops. Desktop sharing makes it easier and more engaging compared to teleconferences. With desktop and application sharing (another feature of web conferencing), one can use the applications without buying, downloading or installing any software.

According to Dave Roos (author, How Desktop Sharing Works), desktop sharing works by sending packets of information from a host computer to a remote computer. Data travel through the internet. Data maybe in JPEG and GIF format, while other data may arrive as individual pixels assigned to a particular X and Y coordinate. Data is compressed before sending it out to minimize the bandwidth used in the transfer process.

With desktop sharing, remote login or control is possible. With remote login or control, it is necessary to have a downloaded software for the sharing, internet connection and secure desktop sharing network. To share a desktop, the host computer allows a remote user to view the contents of the host computer’s desktop.

The host computer can also hand over the control of the mouse and keyboard to the remote user. Handing off the control will enable the remote user to manipulate the mouse and keyboard of the host computer.

Desktop sharing has been frequently used by technical support representatives to trouble shoot technical and software problems without physically visiting the clients. Desktop sharing provides a better customer experience. Complications brought about by providing too many instructions over the phone are lessened by remote login and access.

During a web conference, the host or presenter may allow other attendees to view his desktop to show the presentation or data that he’s encountering some problems. Attendees, then, can have control over the host’s equipment and further explain the other steps the host can take.

Desktop sharing also enables workers to enhance their collaboration and cooperation towards productiveness. If an employee is sent to a another location to conduct seminars or to do a very important presentation, this employee may contact his co-workers and ask for their opinion about his presentation. Co-workers can access the employee’s computer and provide some input about the presentation without physically going and visiting the employee who is away.

Through desktop sharing and web conferencing, working and professional relationship are improved. Conducive and productive working atmosphere is developed inside the workplace.