Conference call

Generally, two methods are used to set up a teleconference. In the dial-in method, the conference participants call a previously notified conference number at an agreed time. In the dial-out method, the teleconference participants are called and connected to each other. Depending on the underlying tariff model, the caller, the called or the organiser of the conference bear the costs partly or completely.

Generally, the following features are provided as basic functions during a conference call:
 

• Adding more participants
• Protecting the conference with a PIN
• Playing recorded messages
• Allocating moderator function
• Muting participants
• etc.

Due to the digitisation of telephony and the integration of the telephone into the IP world through VoIP, teleconferences now offer new options and possibilities, and are becoming more and more popular. Thus, conference calls can include video conferences or web conferences. This renders it possible to not only transmit the voice but also the video image of the participants. By means of web conferences, applications and screen contents can be shared as required. The desktop of the moderator thus becomes a kind of conference desktop. The moderator can show the contents of his/her desktop to other participants or activate the desktops of the other participants. Even the joint tasks within an application, such as editing a text document or a presentation, can be performed without any problem. 
Today web conferences can be conducted at any location thanks to mobile devices with internet access such as smartphones, tablets or laptops and intelligent cloud telephone systems with conference functions.