|
Table of Contents » Introduction » Research Methodology
Research Methodology
My approach to testing and reporting about Web conferencing and live presentation systems has not been a formal, rigid, structured process. I have acted as a real customer wanting to try out and test each one of the tools selected. In this role I have downloaded, installed, inquired and exchanged with most of the providers of these tools, getting a larger and deeper "view" of each company, by way of my actual, practical interest in trying-out and buying their offered tool.
My interest in testing and finding out which tools are most effective, easy to use, and reliable was a genuine one, as I myself need to demonstrate, showcase, demo and train other people what I discover during my research efforts. My very job is one of testing and trying out tools that can serve individuals regain their choice to act, network and exchange. Web conferencing tools represent a turning point for human exchange and communication as they open up an array of interlocking communication channels that replace the slide carousel, the projector, telephone, email, browser and fax to allow for rapid, real-time meetings and distance workshops that have never occurred before in human history.
For this purpose, I have opened up several paid accounts with many of these providers to obtain full, unrestricted access to all functionalities of a Web conferencing system and since many have proved to be useful and handy in supporting my own activities as evangelist and independent reporter, I am still using a few of them.
I have devoted more attention to verifying the specs in action than to collecting a list of these as supplied by vendors. I tested each system and verified how usable, effective and reliable it was.
I have accessed all help manuals, FAQs, forums and online reviews available for each tool. If there was something bad to know about anyone tool, I did find it out.
In many cases I had to interact directly with the companies behind these tools. As a natural consequence I had many opportunities to test and verify these companies' customer support and responsiveness.
I reported to each company what didn't work properly in their tool or on their Web site and took careful note of how each one reacted, responded and followed up on this.
All the times, I carefully checked their effective price policies and their fine print.
Finally, I have set out NOT to leverage the business opportunities made available by some of these Web conferencing providers to those customers who would resell or recommend their systems to new potential buyers. As an owner of some of these systems, I am entitled to resell the system and make a profit and even to enjoy a smaller commission for all sales done by people that I have sold the system to (your "downline"). However, even when expressly prompted by a visitor or new contact to sell them what I advised as the most "fitting" system for their needs, I have opted to refer to my own sponsor (who sold it to me) or the direct company channel (direct purchase URL).
I am thoroughly convinced that in order to keep a high credibility no reporter can afford to resell and make a profit out of the very tools he or she speaks about.
|
Introduction