I learned from a post on the Megaconference listserv about this work that was just completed in Australia. Quoting their website:
The Desktop Video Project Group (DVPG) was formed to evaluate desktop based video conferencing solutions to be used in Australian Universities and Research institutions. This group believes that there is no “one‐size fits all” when it comes to desktop video conferencing. … This group has completed a review of a broader range of “off‐the‐shelf” applications that are grouped into particular “types” that have been evaluated to offer a broader and greater relevance for institutional users and support teams.
Tools
Their project evaluated the following tools:
- Mirial Softphone
- Polycom PVX
- Xmeeting 0.4P2
- Emblaze-VCON’s vPoint HD
- Kedacom PCMT
- EVO
- Vidyo
- Tandberg Movi 2.0
- Microsoft Office Communicator
- Polycom Converged Management Application
Definitions
The project also includes some very helpful definitions of different types of conferencing. Given the blurring of lines between room, desktop, H323, nonH323, etc. and the growing casual undefined use of the term telepresence, these definitions are very helpful.
The project includes lists of different scenarios of use for desktop videoconferencing -the scope and range of the list is very comprehensive!
Checklist
- The checklist used to evaluate each product is very helpful and can be used adapted by any organization.
The full report is online here in PDF.
A picture of the workgroup testing is posted on twitpic:
Hi Janine and thanks for the mention. I’m the NREN facilitator of the group and need to pay special thanks to Arno Besse as the chair (University of Ballarat). We have had a great deal of response to the report so far. Would certainly like to know whether you can spread news of this to the VC specialists in Europe as well as they are no doubt struggling with the same questions. Keen to know of other work in this area as it comes to life. Keep up the good work. Cheers, Jason
Hi Jason – I’m not exactly sure about VC specialists in Europe. I can see I get some hits from there, but am not sure if there is a listserv there it should be posted on. When I try to get international reach, I usually use the Megaconference listserv – which you did. Maybe someone else will comment with some ideas of how to share further…
Thanks for the comment & additional credits to Arno Besse!