Would You Like to Try a New Desktop Conferencing Product?
by
Steve Giesel
If so, read on.
ETCS is
investigating Adobe Acrobat Connect as a possible replacement for Centra
when our renewal comes up at the end of 2008. The licensing model we
are reviewing is a little different from Centra. It allows unlimited
seats in a conference room where each room is managed by one “Host.”
Only one Event can be held at a time in a room, so concurrent sessions
are not possible, but days and times are unlimited.
This model may make
more sense for the way many of our active users currently employ
Centra. Let’s say someone has a weekly need for a conference event. He
or she could set up and populate their event, add content, and invite
users to the event without needing to go through ETCS each time for
setup. Even though only one “Host” is allowed, it’s still possible to
have multiple presenters, or co-leaders.
Such an approach
would allow ETCS to purchase “rooms” for the most active users, but
still allow us to host additional rooms for less active ones. We have
yet to develop guidelines as to what constitutes an “active user,” so
we’ll probably base them on feedback we get from you all.
Many of the tools
and controls are similar although the interface is quite different.
Subjectively speaking, our initial tests indicate that voice quality and
server turnaround times are superior to Centra. If you have an existing
PowerPoint that you use for a Centra Agenda, you may use it with Adobe
Connect also. No re-creation is necessary.
If you feel
adventurous and would like to try Adobe Connect for you next conference
event, please contact me. Go ahead and use the current scheduling form
found at
http://etcs.ext.missouri.edu/Documents/Centra%207%20Scheduling%20Form.doc,
then attach the form in an email to me at
giesels@missouri.edu.
In the subject lines on the form and your email please write ADOBE
ACROBAT CONNECT TEST to alert me to your interest.
We are interested in hearing from you
and would like feedback about having your own “room” to host as well as
what you think after you actually use Adobe Connect.
Back
Last Revised:
07/25/08
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