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Virtual conferences were once a very expensive proposition. The equipment used to facilitate them was bulky and expensive, so holding such a conference was not feasible for most large businesses, let alone small ones. But web conferencing has turned the tide, and almost anyone with a computer can meet with others online.

It is now even possible to hold an online conference for free. Many online conferencing software providers have made limited versions of their software available at no cost. But although this may seem like a good option for a small business owner on a tight budget, it has several disadvantages. Here are a few of them:

* Free conferencing software usually has severe limitations. The purpose of vendors giving away limited versions of their software is usually to get people to become paying customers, so vendors are not going to make the free version as functional as possible. It may allow fewer participants or fewer options for interaction. It might have time limits for conferences, or you might only be able to use the software for two weeks or a month.

* Some free software providers are unscrupulous. They might include viruses, trojan horses, or spyware with their software. These programs could infect your computer, but that’s not the worst of it. The malware could also spread to the computers of your conference’s participants, causing them problems and damaging your credibility. It’s just not worth the risk to use free conferencing software that you aren’t sure about.

* Free conferencing software is often supported by third-party advertising, or at least shows ads for the software vendor. That means that your participants will be exposed to ads for other businesses during their conference with you. This looks very unprofessional if your conference is strictly business. The advertisements could also distract participants, or even entice them to click away from the conference to look at something else.

That’s not to say that free conferencing software is completely useless. It does serve a couple of very important purposes. Free trial versions of conferencing software can help businesses determine whether the full version will meet their needs before they buy. These are best tried out during small conferences with participants that are within your company. Free conferencing software is also suitable for conferences with friends and family.

If you are serious about your business, it should show in your choice of conferencing software. Complete versions of quality programs are not that expensive, and their functionality and dependability are worth the price paid. So go ahead and try free trials for small conferences, and use the experience to determine which one is worth purchasing for regular use in your business.