Multi-Media Collaboration Choices

FlatWorldSystems can help make the right choices and execute the strategies.

The good news is that there have never been so many choices for collaborative tools and services. Just google and you will be presented with thousands of options. Making smart choices is key.

There are fewer and fewer parts of the world where internet connection capable of at least a minimal media-collaboration is not available at reasonable cost with good reliability. Consider that the services commonly available in North America are no longer the best nor cheapest and are out-done even by countries we used to consider third world.

How should you make your choices? That will depend on your unique needs, your motivation and budget.

Let’s start with some basics. Any collaboration has at least two parties and in the case of larger teams they may not be available at the same times or at the same locations day to day. Each may have different methods to connect, view, present and share. As a business you have to look at a number of considerations:

  • Will the collaboration be within the business where the equipment, software and connections can be controlled or outside of control with an undetermined mix of capabilities?

  • What core capabilities matter for your collaboration?
    • Audio
    • Live video
    • Shared views of applications and desktops
    • Shared browsing and applications by way of synchronization rather than view
    • Controls for a moderated and protected collaboration
    • Multiple presenters
    • What maximum number of presenters and observers?
    • Can the moderator allow an observer to become a presenter?
    • Can Remote Control be provided allowing others to take over a presenter’s application with mouse and keyboard?
    • In case of drop off from the session by either a participant or the moderator will the session continue for all others and allow re-connection?
    • Can sessions be recorded? By the moderator? By observers? Does it include audio? What formats and playback options?
    • What are the invitation and access schemes? Links via a browser? Email of a link?
    • Is it just for MS Windows based PCs or must you support MAC, Linux, Unix etc.?
    • Is a minimum of a Pentium 4 acceptable?
    • Can it be locally hosted or an ASP service or both?
    • Security considerations and interactions with firewalls, VPNs, hierarchy of users, detailed logging of use and attempted use, etc.
    • Licensing strategies
    • Does it require a special software application for the presenter? For other participants?

  • How does multi-media collaboration fit within your business process?
    • Sales and marketing
    • Administration
    • Support
    • Development
    • Liaison with clients, allies, vendors
    • Management
    • Tracking
The above has a lengthy list of considerations. Look at those which are very important to you either as a need or a source of risk. Does your current business process and current resource already fit all your needs now and for the future? If so then you have peace of mind and need not explore further otherwise check out the sections for “Getting it done” and “Cost & Business Case” too.


Multi-Media Collaboration: Overview | Choices | Getting It Done | Cost & Business Case | Can We Help? | Resources
IP Telephony: Overview | Choices | Getting It Done | Cost & Business Case | Can We Help? | Resources
Media Mangement: Overview | Choices | Getting It Done | Cost & Business Case | Can We Help? | Resources
e-Business: Overview | Zen Cart | SugarCRM | OpenAds
FlatWorldSystems WIKI | B2B Crossing | Contact Us | Home

Copyright© 2006-2007 LearningCrossroad Corporation Inc. All Rights Reserved
Website by Netscapades Inc.