I am looking at different web conferencing services. Could you tell me more about Dimdim web conferencing?

Review Summary: Dimdim is impressive for its open source and enterprise options with no application installation or download needed and full spectrum of web conferencing features.

Dimdim provides a free web conferencing service with no application download or installation necessary. Dimdim is packed full of features such as desktop sharing, slide shows, collaborative solutions, online chats, and web video and camera. It is flexible in its setup options, allowing you to pick between self hosted or fully hosted and open source or enterprise edition.

With the newly release version 4.0 of Dimdim, Macs are fully compatible with the web conferencing service. The new update version adds new features such as multiple presenters; recording, playback, and archiving or the web conferencing; built in teleconferencing; encrypted and secure meetings; and a faster connectibility with easier interface. Dimdim has been featured in Wired magazine.

Dimdim is featured because of its open source community edition, in which enthusiasts for online web conferencing solutions are able to add, modify, and improve the current version. The streaming and media technologies in the free open source version employ solution components that are open source. Keep in mind that the Dimdim Enterprise version is still going to be more stable, scalable, and more reliable since it is based upon commercial components with respect to media and streaming.

Dimdim is available in three versions: the Dimdim Free, Dimdim Pro, and Dimdim Enterprise. The most basic free version accommodates up to 20 users in a meeting room as a no-install, browser-based web conferencing service with sharing of audio, video, and desktop; recording and archiving; multiple presenters; private meetings; teleconferencing; full compatibility for Macs, PCs, and Linux users; and support through the community forums.

The Dimdim Pro version, which starts at a cost of $99 a year, adds the features of meeting room capabilities for up to 100 users, 2-way video chat, custom branding, and uptime guarantee along with a guaranteed response within 24 hours for support requests. The Dimdim Enterprise version, which starts at $1998 a year, adds on top of the Pro version features such as online meeting rooms able to handle up to 100 people, simultaneous meetings, onsite self hosted installation available, and a guaranteed response to support requests within 8 hours.

Dimdim’s integration versatility has been shown with its integration into services such as Zimbra, Moodle, and Claroline. Zimbra is a Yahoo! company that features a messaging and collaborative software that uses Dimdim for its real-time media collaborations for use inside of emails. Moodle works as a course management system for educators and schools. Using the Dimdim integration, Moodle is able to provide online classroom sessions. Claroline provides a platform for designing online courses and uses Dimdim to provide conferencing capabilities. With the Dimdim API guide, a proficient technical enthusiast will be able to create his or her own integration using Dimdim features.

How do I choose the best conference calling or web conferencing service?

We understand how you feel. With so many different conference calling, teleconferencing, and web conferencing services and solutions out there, it may seem to be a daunting task to choose the right company for your business or personal use needs. The first step to choosing the best web conferencing and conference calling service is to look at all the different service services out there so that you can gauge what types of services and features are available. With that information, you can better pick which conferencing solutions will fit your business and personal needs.

A good starting point is asking your friends, family, colleagues, and business acquaintances about their experiences with different conferencing calling and web conferencing companies and solutions. With their experiences, they can probably give you recommendations about the best conferencing services that offer easy-to-use services. Combining their experiences and recommendations with your own research and information about web conferencing and teleconferencing services, you can make a better informed decision about the right conferencing solution for your company.

Also, almost all if not all conference calling and web conferencing services and solutions will offer a free trial or special deals for new members. So pick a few of the solutions whose services might fit your needs and try them out for the free trial period. Even if a conferencing company does not offer any free trial, you might be able to get a free trial by talking to their customer service department. By using and trying out the conference calling and web conferencing services you can best gauge which solutions offer you the features you need.

Another good place to look for more information about conferencing services and companies is business rating services such as the Better Business Bureau or the BBB. With business rating services, you can see others’ experiences and check out particular company’s customer services, features, and customer satisfaction. Many of these business rating services offer convenient lookups online.

Looking at business review rating services highlights an important point about conferencing calling and web conferencing services — that customer service and customer satisfaction may be just as important if not more important than the features that a conferencing service offers. Conferencing service and prices are important, but if things go wrong or you need help, you will find a web conferencing and conference calling with good customer service invaluable.