Webconferencing software

Webconferencing software (also known as web conferencing software, particularly, web conferencing system, webconferencing system, webconferencing platform, or, more broadly, conferencing platform; hereinafter, the Software) is a software application or system that supports web conferencing. Videoconferencing software is a subset of the Software since videoconferencing may not necessarily include video. For instance, web conferencing can be conducted using phone calls only.

Features

Chat support, desktop sharing support, recording capabilities

Comparison of popular applications

Application	License	Capacity	OS	Video	Whiteboard	Upload	Co-browsing	Mobile Device Support	Break-out Sessions	Security Access	Encrypted communication	Host from Mobile	Attend from Mobile	Cloud-based no download	VoIP	Embeddable	Dial-in by phone
Adobe Connect	Proprietary	<1500 (80 000 w/webcast)	Linux, MacOS, Windows	VGA, HQ, HD	Yes	PPT, PDF	Yes	iPhone, iPad, Android	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	iOS, Android, RIM	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
BigBlueButton	LGPL, GPL	<80	Linux, MacOS, Windows	VGA, HQ	Yes	PPT, PDF, DocX	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Coming soon	Android	Yes	Yes	Yes	Unknown
Cisco WebEx	Proprietary	<3000	MacOS, Windows	VGA, HQ, HD	Yes	PPT, PDF, DocX	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	256-bit AES,PKI, End-to-end (Transport layer: 128-bit SSLv3)	iOS, Android, BlackBerry	Yes	Yes	Yes	Unknown	Yes
LogMeIn GotoMeeting	Proprietary	<1000	Linux, MacOS, Windows	VGA, HD	Yes	No (available only in GoToTraining)	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes (with reduced features)	Yes	Unknown	Unknown	Yes
Google Meet	Proprietary	<25 (30 for GSuite users)	Linux, MacOS, Windows	HD	No	PPT, PDF, DocX	No	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Unknown	Unknown	Enterprise Edition only
OpenMeetings	Apache License	<125	Linux, MacOS, Windows	VGA	Yes	PPT, PDF, DocX	Yes	Unknown	Unknown	No	Yes	Unknown	Unknown	Unknown	Unknown	Unknown	Unknown
Skype	Proprietary		Linux, MacOS, Windows	VGA, HQ, HD	No	PPT, PDF, DocX	No	Yes	Unknown	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Unknown	Unknown	Unknown
Skype for Business (formerly Microsoft Lync)	Proprietary	<1000	MacOS, Windows	VGA, HQ, HD	Yes	PPT, PDF, DocX	Yes	Yes	Unknown	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Partial	Unknown	Unknown	Unknown
TeamViewer	Proprietary	<25	Linux, MacOS, Windows	VGA	Unknown	PPT, PDF	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Unknown	Unknown	Unknown	Unknown	Unknown	Unknown
Zoho	Proprietary	<5000	Linux, MacOS, Windows	Unknown	No	PPT	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Zoom Video Communications	Proprietary	<500 (10,000 webinar)	Linux, MacOS, Windows	HD	Yes	PPT, PDF, DocX	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Unknown	Yes

Comparison of open-source applications

   Apache OpenMeetings.
   OpenMeetings is one of the most popular open source web conferencing tools online today. In addition to video conferencing, it features instant messaging, document sharing and editing, whiteboard, and a variety of other useful apps, such as the Red5 Streaming Server that allows you to stream and share remotely. The platform provides webcam, microphone, screen sharing, and recording support, as well.
   BigBlueButton.
   This open source web conferencing tool is hosted at Google code and is comprised of more than 14 different open source components. This makes it easy to use, flexible, and scalable. eLearning moderators have the ability to control the audio tools for the entire audience, and can even give online learners and collaborators the chance to present their ideas and opinions to the rest of the class. Annotation tools are also included, thanks to the integrated whiteboard that enables you to zoom in, highlight key ideas, and draw notes directly onto your virtual presentation.
   VMukti.
   VMukti is certainly not short on features. In fact, it has one of the most impressive lineups of integrated tools, especially when it comes to open source web conferencing platforms. Real time audio and video, presentation synchronization, whiteboard, document sharing, image sharing, and screen sharing are just some of the notable highlights. You can also co-author with other members of your eLearning team and conduct polls during your webinars, as well as keep an eye on Cloud tabs and host a virtual classroom.
   MConf.
   This open source web conferencing platform is actually built around another top open source pick: BigBlueButton. However, it is an invaluable tool all on its own, thanks to the fact that it’s fully customized. MConf features Mconf-web, which is a web portal that doubles as an online collaboration platform. You can share documents, communicate with other members of your team, and schedule events in advance to boost online attendance rates.
   WebHuddle.
   WebHuddle is a great multipurpose open source web conferencing tool that allows you to hold virtual conferences and create interactive presentations. In fact, you have the option to add it to your current teleconferencing service or use the WebHuddle voice over IP for all your web conferencing needs. The tool also enables you to record your online presentations or webinars and then play them back on any web browser, so that absent learners don’t have to miss out on the eLearning experience. There is no need to install any software, as the WebHuddle client runs directly through your web browser. You can simply sign up and get started with your first virtual meeting.
   Jitsi.
   Jitsi features HD audio with Opus, full security encryption, desktop sharing, and integrated chat support. You can also transfer files and send professional webinar and video conferencing invites to your attendees thanks to their customized URLs. A few other perks of using Jitsi are: video relaying, an active support community, and an integrated media library. It runs on all operating systems, including Mac and Linux. If you run into any issues, their site provides a comprehensive FAQ that covers a number of useful topics, which is a notable benefit for those who are new to the world of online video conferencing.