Introduction

Successful Web Conferencing demands ease-of-use for presenters and quick, easy entry for audiences. Recognizing these needs, PresenterNet’s architecture ensures that platforms such as Macintosh and Linux work in the same way as Windows, requiring no downloads or software plug-ins. In the same way, PresenterNet ensures easy entry and operation for presenters and audience members using all browsers, such as Firefox, Opera and Safari, as well as Microsoft Internet Explorer.

To consistently address all user and audience populations, PresenterNet staff members regularly compile input to identify necessary actions that ensure seamlessness regardless of user platform or browser choices.

In our first survey, in July 2005, support for Macintosh and for Firefox immediately emerged as top priorities for all Web conferencing presenters. Requirements for special software, downloads of special plug-ins, support for multiple platforms, and support for multiple browsers topped the list of potential problems for audience members attending an online event like a Webinar. These potential issues have become especially important as Web Conferencing and Online Presentation emerge as major marketing tools to prospects of all technology and training levels.

Staff members compiled data in this report through multiple resources, including user surveys, analysis of system logs, and interviews of key corporate customers. Following are the primary questions pursued, and results of the study.

Question: What platforms do presenters use for Web conferencing?

	Windows	MacIntosh	Linux
Jul 2005	86%	12%	2%
Jan 2006	81%	17%	2%

Question: What platforms do audiences use?

	Windows	MacIntosh	Linux
Jul 2005	86%	13%	1%
Jan 2006	80%	19%	1%

Question: What browsers do presenters use for Web conferencing?

	Internet Explorer	Firefox	Safari	Opera
Jul 2005	80%	12%	5%	3%
Jan 2006	76%	16%	5%	3%

Question: What browsers do audiences use?

	Internet Explorer	Firefox	Safari	Opera
Jul 2005	80%	11%	6%	3%
Jan 2006	77%	15%	6%	2%

Question: Are users restricted from downloading new software or plugins?

	Unrestricted	Restricted - Company Regulations
Jul 2005	76%	24%
Jan 2006	64%	36%

Question: Are users willing to download new software and plugins?

	Willing to Download	Unwilling to Download
Jul 2005	91%	9%
Jan 2006	82%	18%

Question: Are audience members likely to have Macromedia Flash installed?

	Current Flash Installed	Older Flash Installed	No Flash Installed
Jul 2005	91%	7%	2%
Jan 2006	79%	20%	1%

Question: Do security issues such as firewalls restrict Web conferencing users?

	No Problems	Minor Problems	Significant Problems
Jul 2005	86%	9%	5%
Jan 2006	87%	8%	5%

Question: Do security issues such as firewalls restrict Web conferencing audiences?

	No Problems	Minor Problems	Significant Problems
Jul 2005	91%	6%	3%
Jan 2006	89%	7%	4%