Video Conferencing Alternatives
In fall 2012 it was announced that the EVO video conferencing service would be transitioning into a private service requiring a subscription. (Previously, use of the system was free.) We contacted the new service provider SeeVough and they estimated that the cost for one year based on the previous year's usage for GlueX would be $5k.
This page collects some alternatives so we can decide how to proceed with video conferencing within GlueX in the future.
ESnet (H.323)
The ESnet system is in use by a large fraction of the collaboration already. It works well with the Polycom video systems used at JLab and several Universities within GlueX. It uses the H.323 protocol for communications so it is possible to connect to this via PC clients.
Desktop Clients
- XMeeting :Mac OS X: is a product that has been around for a while, but has not been updated since 2009 (website says 2007, but the actual download is a little more recent.)
- YateClient :Linux/Windows/Mac OS X: is product that supports multiple protocols including H.323
- Ekiga :Linux/Windows:is the product formerly known as Gnome Meeting.
Pros
- Couples to ReadyTalk (paid for by ECS so free for us)
Cons
- Does not have ability to share desktop
- Requires registration and approval for both user, then equipment
Adobe Connect
The Adobe Connect product has been tested at JLab by the IT division. ... more to follow
Pros
Cons
- Full support only for Windows Clients (Linux and Mac can join via Browser, but cannot share screens and cannot use advanced features like echo cancellation)
ReadyTalk
ReadyTalk is a Audio and Web conferencing service (no streaming video). JLab already pays for this service. It could be an alternative for folks not needing full video since it couples directly into the ESnet.
