DMS Web Conferencing

What is Web Conferencing?

Web Conferencing is a technology that allows two or more users to collaborate in real time over the Internet. Web conferencing can be used to communicate with others in a variety of ways and with many features. Examples include:

• Synchronous distance education
• Meeting with geographically dispersed colleagues
• Remote helpdesk/troubleshooting
• Webinars
• Virtual office hours
• Remote Speakers
• Text Chat
• Live audio and video
• Whiteboarding
• Screensharing
• Polling
• Session recording
• Voice over IP
  

What resources are available for web conferencing at Duke University?

There are several different web conferencing solutions being utilized throughout the Duke community. Digital Media Solutions continuously researches hosted web conferencing. Each solution is evaluated for ease of use, full featured functionality and cross platform compatibility among other criteria. General information and links to specific information about our currently researched solutions can be found below. We will continue to test and pilot new solutions and add updte information on upcoming pilots here.

Important Note: Since OIT will no longer be internally hosting these services, any information of a confidental nature, including, but not limited to HIPPA or FERPA protected information should not be transmitted or recorded using any of these services.

Adobe Connect

• Flash based client
• Highly customizable layout
• Excellent video quality
• Great solution for one-to-many webcasts
• Integrated phone teleconferencing through Premiere Global Services
• Supports up to 100 users per meeting

For more information please see our Adobe Connect web page.

Elluminate

• Java based client
• Designed with a strong virtual-classroom focus
• Robust platform for collaborative meetings
• Licensed by concurrent users / participants

NOTE: Elluminate will be transitioning from an internally Duke hosted, centrally funded and managed solution to a solution hosted by Elluminate Inc. beginning September 1st, 2008.

For more information please see our Elluminate web page.

Adobe ConnectNow

As part of Adobe's free online word processing tool, Buzzword, Adobe ConnectNow offers free video and audio teleconferencing (including international calling capabilities). It is limited in functionality as compared to the commercial version of Connect, such as being limited to only (3) participants. More information on the limitations of ConnectNow can be found here.

Webex

Webex is Cisco's Java based web conferencing tool which offers multipoint video (up to 6), voice over IP and integrated audio teleconferencing functionality with 24 x7 live support via telephone. Webex can also be purchased on a per minute/per use basis either directly through WebEx or via Premiere Global Services branded services ReadyCast which requires no advanced sign up or set up.

Information on Webex and HIPAA

dimdim

Dimdim is a Flash based, free, easy and open web collaboration software with a robust set of features. Dimdim scales to thousands of meeting attendees, provides great availability and comes in multiple hosted and onsite configurations including downloadable open source and a free hosted version. Dimdim does not require attendees to install any software and is an way to share documents and desktops, chat, talk and view others online. It's feature set is somewhat limited compared to commerical alternatives (single video, no desktop sharing for Mac and LINUX), but it is free. Check out the list of features for more information.