Page 172 - DLIS408_INFORMATION_TECHNOLOGY-APPLICATIONSL SCIENCES

Unit 14: Web Portal

14.6.2 Current Technologies Notes

As divergent computer-based interaction technologies have evolved, the notion of a “computer
conference” has to some degree taken a backseat to other concepts that describe a particular kind
of program or interaction, e.g., chat programs, collaboration suites, or video conferencing over
the Internet. Hence, it is now common for people to engage in some form of computer conferencing
without perceiving it or identifying it as such. To be sure, in business settings there are still innumerable
conferences in the more traditional sense—whether by computer, telephone, satellite, or in person—
but there are many important business communications achieved through derivatives of conferencing
software that are no longer labeled “conferencing.” For purposes of this discussion, computer
conferencing includes all of these activities.

14.6.3 Group Lists and Listservers

A rather primitive form of computer conferencing—although technically it’s not conferencing at
all—can be achieved by using group e-mail lists and list servers. This method simply automates the
process of sending the same email message to each recipient on a list, which can be centrally
maintained. Thus, managers can create lists, for example, of all the staff under their supervision.
Listservers are mostly used for Internet-wide discussion groups rather than internal communications,
but this may be useful to some companies. If a company lacks a technology infrastructure for a more
sophisticated computer conferencing system, a series of meaningful group lists, such as by work
group, can provide some of the benefits at little or no cost.

14.6.4 Chat Tools
Some of the simplest computer conferencing tools are chat programs, which at their most basic
involve typing text messages that are displayed on a running screen, akin to reading a printed
dialogue. Typically inexpensive or free, chat programs may be used for private one-on-one discussions
as well as with large groups. Most chat software is not well suited for visual and audio communications
or for document sharing. It is most useful for quick and relatively informal discussions among
coworkers. Chat functions are often offered in web browser suites and other multi-use software
packages. Publicly accessible chat rooms are hosted on numerous sites for various purposes, though
often for socializing rather than for business.

14.6.5 Whiteboards

Like their real-life namesakes, whiteboard programs allow multiple participants to share diagrams
and text via computer. This function is usually a component of a larger application suite rather than
a stand-alone program. Information drawn on the whiteboard screen can be saved to an image file
or printed. Whiteboards are best for information exchanges that involve spontaneous illustration or
brainstorming.

14.6.6 Audio and Video Conferencing

Programs that enable audio and video conferencing over computer networks are under active
development by many firms, but few have managed the transition from novelty to essential work
tool. Some large corporations have implemented computer-based video conferencing, for instance,
in employee training programs. Similarly, audio programs can be used in place of conference calls,
possibly saving long-distance phone charges. When a corporation conducts conferencing within
its own network and has a fast enough system to support it, these technologies are increasingly
valuable and cost-efficient versus their conventional counterparts, conference calls and satellite
hook-ups. However, if a company relies on communicating over the Internet, the results may be
disappointing, particularly with video. Still, ongoing advances in data compression and expanding
bandwidth hold much promise for the future of these conferencing options.

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