Depending on the technical design of the conference function, various service features can be implemented. Individual participants can be switched to mute, moderator functions transferred to individual persons, or recorded messages played to participants. Some systems even allow for sub-conferences to be conducted. Adding further participants is possible either via an add-on function which calls the conference participant, or via a dial-in function, enabling the participant to access the telephone conference independently.
The conference function supports a number of different cost models. By way of example, the costs can be allocated in full to the individual participants or the conference organiser, or shared between the participants and the organiser.
Thanks to voice-over IP telephony and the use of modern IP data networks, a telephone conference can generally be upgraded to a web conference without difficulty. In addition to voice communication, a web conference allows screen content and applications to be shared among conference participants. This facilitates presentations or the joint editing of documents. If video images of the participants are desired, a telephone conference can be upgraded to a video conference with the help of the appropriate technical equipment.