Very good points ash_j. Those are definite benefits for a company that is in those circumstances looking for WebConferencing. If you are on a metered dataplan from your ISP, require security beyond 128bit SSL encryption and can perform the occasional IT maintenance of an applianced system, then that might be the best solution.

As a representative of Great America Networks Conferencing, which is a hosted service, I'd like to mention some of the benefits of using a hosted solution.

The overall expense on a hosted solution is by far less than an applianced system. We, and other providers usually have rate plans starting at $40 per month with unlimited usage.

Also there is almost no technical knowledge needed outside of general computer usage. If you can use your office applications, you can configure and run a Webconference with our hosted solution.

Most ISP offer unlimited dataplans and if you are on such a plan, then our Unlimited usage Monthly license would definitely be beneficial as running as many conferences as you desire would incur no additional costs.

We offer a secure server for more privacy to our financial and legal clients that require 128bit SSL encryption for compliance issues. It is still over the Internet, but for most uses, this is very sufficient for security needs. If you absolutely must remain off of the Internet for your conferences, I would definitely recommend the applianced solution.

Something to be aware of that ash_j mentions is being locked into a contract where you are paying monthly for something that you only use occasionally a few times per year. Beware of long contracts when you have low usage plans. On the other hand, per minute charges can quickly add up to more than a monthly plan, so do the math accordingly.

For many companies, a hosted solution is the simplest, most cost effective way to have WebConferencing capabilities. My company, Great America Networks Conferencing also holds your hand through the entire process so even if you have never experimented with the medium, we do all we can to make your webinars a success.

Feel free to contact me directly for a personal demonstration of our service, or visit our website for more information at http://www.ganconference.com.

Anthony Russo
Conferencing Consultant
Great America Networks Conferencing
arusso@ganconference.com
www.ganconference.com
Phone: 312-432-5377
Skype: anth.russo