What: Zipcast is a Web conferencing product that allows users to connect online and share business-related content and ideas using audio, video, chat, and slide decks. The social meeting tool is also integrated with Twitter and Facebook, so users can share conversations and invites over those platforms. In addition, it serves as a means for making meetings more viral.
How: Launched by online presentation-hosting service SlideShare, Zipcast can be used by communications professionals to hold a video conference, audio conference, or a chat. The service can be accessed through a Web browser and does not require a software download.
"These Web meetings could be done publicly to establish the PR professional as a thought leader and drive new business, or they could be done privately to pitch new business, lead internal agency meetings, or meet with clients remotely," says Ross Mayfield, VP of business development at SlideShare.
Public conferences or meetings on Zipcast are free, while private meetings are priced on a tiered structure, which starts at $19 per month.
Why: Communications teams are often spread out geographically. As such, Internet and phone conferencing prove most helpful for bringing groups together to educate one another and share ideas.
Zipcast provides a simple and easy-to-access platform. Mayfield explains that the service can be particularly useful for people looking to hold a Web meeting on short notice.
Who: Zipcast is designed for any business professional who wants to hold a live Web meeting. More specifically, the service can be useful for marketing, communications, and sales professionals, as well as those outside the communications industry, including those working for educational institutions and nonprofit organizations.
