Product summary

Pros: The quick and simple interface allows for a mistake and delay free presentation. The system allows you to pre-load slides then access them from anywhere on any computer. Content is displayed with exceptional clarity with video stream speeds of up to 20fps.

Cons: The simple text based set up is not as flashy as some other products.

Overall: This easy to use web conferencing tool is perfect for the small business looking for a lower cost option that provides all of the functionality of the higher price point competitors.

Editor’s Review

Reviewed by: Andre Spitz

Reviewed on: 1/09/2009

Rating: A

WebConCentral offers all of the tools necessary for professional online business conferences with a simple and reliable design that sets it apart from its competitors. The newest release, (version 3.3), combines the functions of the previous releases along with new updates that improve the interface and simplify the preparation. Many newer features that have begun appearing as optional add-ins on other web conferencing tools come standard as part of WebConCentral.

The program window allows for viewing of the presentation as well as a side bar which includes a chat function that is controllable by the presenter. Along with group chat, additional features include private chat tabs and a new Q&A function that allows the presenter to receive questions that remain hidden until answered. The tabbed design of the chat function eliminates text clutter and gives control to the presenter to limit distractions.

The slide show accesses slides that are preloaded in the user account, which makes them accessible from any location and easily transferable to members of the conference through the download tool. The speed Slides tool allows a presenter to prerecord narration or add sound clips to an image and then choose between manual or an automatic presentation that changes slides after the completion of the sound clip. WebConCentral does not present many of the lag problems noted in other programs, despite this the upload/download rate is extremely high, allowing for video viewing of up to 20fps as compared to 8-10 with similarly priced products.

Inside the presentation the group interactivity allows for a fluid conference while at the same time retaining control of all functions in the hands of the presenter. Standard tools such as slide drawing, shape insertion and member poll/voting are available but the new tool that stands out is the form completion tool. The creation of forms involves a drag and drop of the various box types, making it easy to create mid presentation and results are exported to an Excel sheet for simple sorting.

When selecting the program to project in the window, the WebConCentral interface allows the presenter to choose between three options of display. The desktop view will follow the presenter as they toggle between programs while the program selection list will allow the presenter to choose from a list of all open programs, giving them the ability to keep some hidden. The new browser function allows the presenter to open a web browser in the program, which is initially controlled by the presenter but can then be used by members of the conference to complete tasks.

Setting up meetings is as simple as filling out a few options and forwarding the provided link to those invited. The login appears on a customizable screen, allowing the user to insert their company logo or conference design, adding to the professional feel.

Though WebConCentral offers the functionality of the more expensive web conference tools, the subscription service offers a price point much less expensive. Flexible pricings models are designed fit around your business and offer a quarter of the monthly price per number of registered users when compared to the high end products. WebConCentral is the perfect online conference tool for the small business looking to stay connected in today’s world.