Comments on: The search for good web conferencing http://www.zenofnptech.org/2007/08/the-search-for-good-web-conferencing.html Thoughtful and sometimes snarky perspectives on nonprofit technology Tue, 06 Jan 2009 06:59:29 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7 hourly 1 By: The search for good web conferencing, take 2 » Zen and the Art of Nonprofit Technology http://www.zenofnptech.org/2007/08/the-search-for-good-web-conferencing.html/comment-page-1#comment-5049 The search for good web conferencing, take 2 » Zen and the Art of Nonprofit Technology Thu, 31 Jan 2008 14:18:49 +0000 http://www.zenofnptech.org/2007/08/the-search-for-good-web-conferencing.html#comment-5049 [...] in August, I did a review of web conferencing tools, with a decidedly unusual slant - as a presenter, I had to be able to [...] [...] in August, I did a review of web conferencing tools, with a decidedly unusual slant - as a presenter, I had to be able to [...]

]]> By: Renzo http://www.zenofnptech.org/2007/08/the-search-for-good-web-conferencing.html/comment-page-1#comment-4999 Renzo Mon, 07 Jan 2008 23:26:45 +0000 http://www.zenofnptech.org/2007/08/the-search-for-good-web-conferencing.html#comment-4999 A completely different approach is the On-Premise appliance offered by RHUB. The TurboMeeting appliance plugs into your network -- you own and control it. It allows 4 different meeting types; interactive, seminar, remote support, remote access to a PC. If also features a cool mode that allows the user to join with just a browser -- no download. Even iPhones can join this way (I tried it on an iPhone and it worked well). Check out the appliance at http://www.rhubcom.com A completely different approach is the On-Premise appliance offered by RHUB. The TurboMeeting appliance plugs into your network — you own and control it. It allows 4 different meeting types; interactive, seminar, remote support, remote access to a PC. If also features a cool mode that allows the user to join with just a browser — no download. Even iPhones can join this way (I tried it on an iPhone and it worked well).
Check out the appliance at http://www.rhubcom.com

]]> By: Find Web Conferencing with Businesscom http://www.zenofnptech.org/2007/08/the-search-for-good-web-conferencing.html/comment-page-1#comment-4923 Find Web Conferencing with Businesscom Thu, 13 Dec 2007 03:05:43 +0000 http://www.zenofnptech.org/2007/08/the-search-for-good-web-conferencing.html#comment-4923 <strong>Find Web Conferencing with Businesscom...</strong> It can periodically get strenuous to divide the valuable Web Conferencing Meeting Online Webex reading from the unreliable.... Find Web Conferencing with Businesscom…

It can periodically get strenuous to divide the valuable Web Conferencing Meeting Online Webex reading from the unreliable….

]]> By: Change » Blog Archive » Web conferencing redux http://www.zenofnptech.org/2007/08/the-search-for-good-web-conferencing.html/comment-page-1#comment-4917 Change » Blog Archive » Web conferencing redux Sun, 09 Dec 2007 01:11:09 +0000 http://www.zenofnptech.org/2007/08/the-search-for-good-web-conferencing.html#comment-4917 [...] should probably check Michelle Murain’s references again, and double check to see if there’s an Idealware note or more recent info at TechSoup. [...] [...] should probably check Michelle Murain’s references again, and double check to see if there’s an Idealware note or more recent info at TechSoup. [...]

]]> By: Online Courses » Zen and the Art of Nonprofit Technology http://www.zenofnptech.org/2007/08/the-search-for-good-web-conferencing.html/comment-page-1#comment-4745 Online Courses » Zen and the Art of Nonprofit Technology Wed, 07 Nov 2007 00:32:47 +0000 http://www.zenofnptech.org/2007/08/the-search-for-good-web-conferencing.html#comment-4745 [...] online courses in the use of open source software. That was one of the big reasons I had been looking for good web conferencing a while back (I’m still [...] [...] online courses in the use of open source software. That was one of the big reasons I had been looking for good web conferencing a while back (I’m still [...]

]]> By: Diego http://www.zenofnptech.org/2007/08/the-search-for-good-web-conferencing.html/comment-page-1#comment-4736 Diego Sun, 04 Nov 2007 16:37:17 +0000 http://www.zenofnptech.org/2007/08/the-search-for-good-web-conferencing.html#comment-4736 Hi guys. Is there a way to integrate video conference capability into a Joomla website? I'd like it for a portal we're making for school. I have chat and private messaging for the users already and video calls are all that's needed. Hope you can help me out! thanks! Hi guys. Is there a way to integrate video conference capability into a Joomla website? I’d like it for a portal we’re making for school. I have chat and private messaging for the users already and video calls are all that’s needed.

Hope you can help me out! thanks!

]]> By: nrims http://www.zenofnptech.org/2007/08/the-search-for-good-web-conferencing.html/comment-page-1#comment-4723 nrims Thu, 01 Nov 2007 15:03:02 +0000 http://www.zenofnptech.org/2007/08/the-search-for-good-web-conferencing.html#comment-4723 Have you tried elluminate (http://www.elluminate.com/vroom/) I have also been looking for a web-conferencing application with similar criteria to yourself. elluminate/vroom is free, cross-platform (i have verified this on Windows, Mac & Linux), does live audio and video etc. in fact, cutting and pasting from their website they offer: * Two-way audio * Interactive whiteboard * Direct messaging * Application sharing * File transfer * Synchronized web tour * Live webcam * Breakout rooms The only problem I encountered is that video transmission is only supported for Windows and Mac - not Linux/Unix. If you are on a Linux/Unix box, you can see video from others, but you can't transmit your own. Audio works fine for all platforms. The other potential problem for some users is that the free version limits the number of web-conference participants to 3. it's easy to set up. you then email the other conference attendees a weblink. they don't have to download anything (it's java-based) and it should pop-up the conference room no probs. that said, because this conference tool offers so many features, i can imagine some users would feel overwhelmed. as a conference moderator, i would prepare a short document to send first-time users that guides them through some important steps (e.g. controlling audio etc). elluminate has some nice little quick reference guides at http://www.elluminate.com/support/training/ FYI: i just heard from Yugma that they anticipate launching desktop sharing on Linux in December 2007. Have you tried elluminate (http://www.elluminate.com/vroom/)

I have also been looking for a web-conferencing application with similar criteria to yourself. elluminate/vroom is free, cross-platform (i have verified this on Windows, Mac & Linux), does live audio and video etc. in fact, cutting and pasting from their website they offer:
* Two-way audio
* Interactive whiteboard
* Direct messaging
* Application sharing
* File transfer
* Synchronized web tour
* Live webcam
* Breakout rooms

The only problem I encountered is that video transmission is only supported for Windows and Mac - not Linux/Unix. If you are on a Linux/Unix box, you can see video from others, but you can’t transmit your own. Audio works fine for all platforms.

The other potential problem for some users is that the free version limits the number of web-conference participants to 3.

it’s easy to set up. you then email the other conference attendees a weblink. they don’t have to download anything (it’s java-based) and it should pop-up the conference room no probs. that said, because this conference tool offers so many features, i can imagine some users would feel overwhelmed. as a conference moderator, i would prepare a short document to send first-time users that guides them through some important steps (e.g. controlling audio etc). elluminate has some nice little quick reference guides at http://www.elluminate.com/support/training/

FYI: i just heard from Yugma that they anticipate launching desktop sharing on Linux in December 2007.

]]> By: Big Names and Small Crowd the Web Conferencing and UC Landscapes - Caller IP http://www.zenofnptech.org/2007/08/the-search-for-good-web-conferencing.html/comment-page-1#comment-671 Big Names and Small Crowd the Web Conferencing and UC Landscapes - Caller IP Wed, 05 Sep 2007 17:31:48 +0000 http://www.zenofnptech.org/2007/08/the-search-for-good-web-conferencing.html#comment-671 [...] willing to look for it, there still is an entrepreneurial element to the world of Web conferencing. This commentary at Zen and the Art of Nonprofit Technology looks at the selection of a service from the users’ point of view. Michelle Murrain decided, [...] [...] willing to look for it, there still is an entrepreneurial element to the world of Web conferencing. This commentary at Zen and the Art of Nonprofit Technology looks at the selection of a service from the users’ point of view. Michelle Murrain decided, [...]

]]> By: Albert Kim http://www.zenofnptech.org/2007/08/the-search-for-good-web-conferencing.html/comment-page-1#comment-561 Albert Kim Mon, 27 Aug 2007 10:47:21 +0000 http://www.zenofnptech.org/2007/08/the-search-for-good-web-conferencing.html#comment-561 Hi Michelle, I just stumbled upon your blog. Since I myself also developing a web conferencing service, your insight was very helpful. We recently launched a Flash based free video conferencing service called “PalBee.com” (http://www.palbee.com) It provides unlimited number of free ONE hour conferencing session for up to 4 attendees. We support all video & audio with whiteboard for sharing images and power point slides. While we provide the service free for only 5 people, we also provide free recording option. Every time you record the meeting, the recordings will be stored in your “MyPage.” You are not only able to re-play them but also embed the meeting on your blogs, wikis or other social media sites. You can share the recorded webinars as you do with YouTube. Thus, you can use Palbee for small group video meetings but also, you can use it for presentation, teaching, or any other information delivery. I think instructor’s video with whiteboard format is a good format for knowledge sharing. Let me know if you come across any trouble while using Plabee.com. Thanks Regards, Albert P.S. At the moment, we don't have desktop sharing :-) Hi Michelle,
I just stumbled upon your blog. Since I myself also developing a web conferencing service, your insight was very helpful. We recently launched a Flash based free video conferencing service called “PalBee.com” (http://www.palbee.com)
It provides unlimited number of free ONE hour conferencing session for up to 4 attendees. We support all video & audio with whiteboard for sharing images and power point slides. While we provide the service free for only 5 people, we also provide free recording option. Every time you record the meeting, the recordings will be stored in your “MyPage.”
You are not only able to re-play them but also embed the meeting on your blogs, wikis or other social media sites. You can share the recorded webinars as you do with YouTube. Thus, you can use Palbee for small group video meetings but also, you can use it for presentation, teaching, or any other information delivery. I think instructor’s video with whiteboard format is a good format for knowledge sharing.

Let me know if you come across any trouble while using Plabee.com.
Thanks

Regards,

Albert

P.S. At the moment, we don’t have desktop sharing :-)

]]> By: Shawn Murry http://www.zenofnptech.org/2007/08/the-search-for-good-web-conferencing.html/comment-page-1#comment-540 Shawn Murry Fri, 24 Aug 2007 21:44:35 +0000 http://www.zenofnptech.org/2007/08/the-search-for-good-web-conferencing.html#comment-540 Michelle- Shawn Murry from ReadyTalk here. Interesting post, thanks for clarifying our list rates vs. NP rates. I should mention that ReadyTalk has been the official webinar provider and sponsor for NTEN http://nten.org/events/webinar for the last few years...congrats on your recent appointment to the NTEN board, btw. We offer special NTEN rates for any memebers out there. I'm very involved in the sector and understand that the average NPO needs a vendor/product that works, doesn't waste funds, and, most importantly, doesnt create any additional work. Yes, Freeconferencecall and open source screensharing options are good for some orgs-- but sometimes "duct taping" together different solutions ends up costing more time/money than a true integrated audio/web solution. Keep up the good work... Michelle- Shawn Murry from ReadyTalk here. Interesting post, thanks for clarifying our list rates vs. NP rates.

I should mention that ReadyTalk has been the official webinar provider and sponsor for NTEN http://nten.org/events/webinar for the last few years…congrats on your recent appointment to the NTEN board, btw. We offer special NTEN rates for any memebers out there.

I’m very involved in the sector and understand that the average NPO needs a vendor/product that works, doesn’t waste funds, and, most importantly, doesnt create any additional work. Yes, Freeconferencecall and open source screensharing options are good for some orgs– but sometimes “duct taping” together different solutions ends up costing more time/money than a true integrated audio/web solution.

Keep up the good work…

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