Desktop Video Conferencing

Important Note: Some Schools and Centers have standardized on the use of specific video conferencing applications, and may have licensed or negotiated discounted services for their faculty and staff. Information Systems & Computing (ISC) strongly suggests that faculty and staff speak to their local support provider to determine which product(s) are supported in their School or Center.

As broadband has become pervasive and and with video cameras becoming increasingly prevalent on notebook and desktop computers the use of desktop VoIP and videoconferencing has become more common. Particularly for those communicating with others internationally, these solutions can help lower or avoid costs and even provide additional features that traditional telephony lacks. As a starting point for faculty, staff, and students investigating options for desktop VOiP and video conferencing, this document discusses some of the leading technologies available.

These services generally fall into two categories:

• Voice and video software, such as Skype and iChat
• Web conferencing software, such as Adobe Connect Professional, GoToMeeting, and WebEx

Skype and iChat are consumer-focused programs that offer instant messaging services in addition to their voice and video capabilities. While Skype is multiplatform and focused on communication within the Skype network, iChat is a multi-protocol Mac-only program that communicates on various networks. Both are free, and allow free or inexpensive voice and video chat between clients.

Adobe Connect Professional, GoToMeeting, and WebEx are more focused on the corporate market, providing services such as desktop sharing and videoconferencing. All three can be used within an Internet browser and may require browser plugins. Adobe Connect Professional, GoToMeeting, and WebEx are typically licensed.

Skype

Skype is a proprietary software application which allows users to make inexpensive or free voice calls over the Internet. Skype also supports video conferencing for as many as 10 users. Be aware that Skype is a peer-to-peer (P2P) application that may create additional security risks. If you are planning to use Skype be sure to review the Using Skype At Penn document and to configure your Skype client based on the recommendations in that document.

iChat

Apple's iChat is a proprietary software application which allows Mac OS users to communicate via instant messaging. iChat also supports video conferencing for up to four users. Using iChat for video conferencing requires all particpants to be running Mac OS 10.4.11 or above.

Adobe Connect Professional

Adobe Connect Professional is a Web-hosted service. It is remote meeting software that enables a user to meet with colleagues via the Internet in real-time. Using Adobe Connect Professional for video conferencing requires a current web browser and a current version of Adobe Flash Player.

GoToMeeting

Citrix's GoToMeeting is a Web-hosted service. It is a remote meeting and desktop sharing software that enables a user to meet with colleagues via the Internet in real-time. Using GoToMeeting for video conferencing requires a current web browser.

WebEx

Cisco's WebEx is a Web-hosted service. It is a remote meeting and desktop sharing software that enables a user to meet with colleagues via the Internet in real-time. Using WebEx for video conferencing requires a current web browser.

Other Resources

ISC's Penn Video Productions provides higher-performance video conferencing services for Schools, Centers, and Departments.

Support

Primary computing support is usually located in the schools, units, and residences, close to the faculty, staff, and students being served. Contact lists are available for:

• Faculty Support
• Staff Support
• Student Support

To look up your local support provider, select your University affiliation above. You also may call First Call at 215-573-4778 to request a referral if you are not sure who to contact.