Web conferencing allows for conferencing events to be shared across geographically dispersed locations in near real-time. It began in the late 1980s with real-time text chat and evolved to include capabilities like slide presentations, video, audio, and screen sharing. There are three deployment models - hosting services, software, and appliances. While it enables real-time communication and access to remote individuals, there can be issues with bandwidth, compatibility, time zones, support, and administration. Major providers of web conferencing software and services are listed.