Today the web conferencing service, Mikogo, announced the release of Mikogo Skype Extra, creating a complete free web conferencing solution. The service requires a single download, that automatically installs upon download and now allows Skype users to collaborate via 4 different communication mediums: voice, chat, video, and now screen sharing.

Mikogo Co-founder, Mark Zondler:

Regardless of whether it’s for business or private purposes, Skype users now have the complete Web conferencing package completely free. Free screen sharing combined seamlessly with Skype’s free calls, free chat, and free video, really give the Mikogo Skype Extra users the perfect means of Web collaboration.

While not as robust and comprehensive as other corporate web conferencing services, Mikogo Skye Extra is a complete solution for small web conferences, and best of all, it’s free. Mikogo free screen sharing, was created by BeamYourScreen, to allow users to host professional online meetings allowing them to collaborate easily with colleagues, clients, suppliers and friends and family.

The addition of Mikogo’s user friendly, free screen sharing services will make online communication more convenient and affordable. By eleminating travel costs and saving time for all parties involved, Mikogo could change the way people and businesses worldwide correspond and collaborate over the internet.

In the face of rising fuel costs, many companies are turning to online collaboration and video conferencing services to reduce travel costs and at the same time help protect the environment. This current push for video conference services have left many companies scrambling to find the appropriate IT solution for their company, and the Marriott Hotels are looking to provide the solution, or at least be a stop-gap solution for companies that need an immediate solution.

Marriott International Hotels are installing Hewlett Packard’s Halo telepresence centers in key hotels around the world. The Halo telepresence system is a complete video conference solution that has a physical semi-circle conference table, with large LCD television screens that make up the other half of the table. The result is what appears to be a round conference table, half with people physically present, and the other half at any other location that has a similar Halo setup. The technology allows very realistic conferencing, without the hassle and costs of conventional travel.

Marriott Spokesman, John Wolfe:

It’s an opportunity to open up a new line of business that we currently don’t have.

A study conducted by Orbitz Business and Business Traveller magazine found that 79% of corporate travel managers are feeling some pressure to cut travel expenditures and 42% are exploring alternatives to business travel, including web conferencing and video conferencing services.

Teleprescense systems like Hewlett Packard’s Halo can cost tens of thousands of dollars. The availability of these systems at key Marriott hotels will provide easy access to companies that only need to occassionaly use the technology, and for companies that plan to purchase the technology but would like to use it first. No date has been set on when Marriott and HP plan on rolling out the service.