Multi platform, multi-vendor video conferencing networks are common in both business and government. As product lines evolve it is likely that products from more than one manufacturer will find their way into use within large organizations. This presents a key problem for the team responsible for scheduling and managing the video network, rooms and systems. Most organizations leave management of these video conferencing systems to either the end users or to a centralized group of administrators. Neither group can easily manage the technical and scheduling challenges that naturally arise from this mixed environment.

Video Network Platform
The Global Scheduling System^™(GSS^®) is a Forgent^® Networks video conferencing software product that provides both scheduling and device control for exactly these mixed video conferencing networks. GSS scheduling software combines with control capabilities of what is called a Video Network Platform (VNP^™) to allow users to manage vast networks easily. GSS with VNP is currently the best cross platform scheduling and control software available.

TKO uses the GSS software internally to schedule all rooms and video conferences, meetings, and recurring events including catering, and both setup and take down times. The VNP control platform and the GSS scheduling platform can be demonstrated and used over the Internet.

Forgent's Global Scheduling System(GSS) is a web-based video conferencing software solution designed to simplify, streamline and standardize your scheduling process. It enables departments within business, government or in education to schedule video conferencing rooms and resources without the conflicts typically experienced when trying to coordinate meetings. The imbedded time-zone calculation allows the end-user to schedule conferences locally, nationally or globally without schedule contradictions.

Flexible Software
The GSS video conferencing software solution is flexible and customizable to the needs of our customers. The software allows individuals to view conference room availability and the peripherals within each room. Video conferencing systems including equipment, VCR, document camera or scan converter may be detailed in each of the room descriptions, giving the end-user the ability to decide which rooms best meet their needs for a specific conference. In addition, resources such as catering or technical support may be scheduled in conjunction with the room itself.

Schedule Video Conferencing Rooms
Multiple video conferencing rooms may be scheduled simultaneously and recurring meetings may be set up to occur on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. The duration of a meeting may be specified, as well as additional time, if required, to set up and break down each meeting. Participants are automatically notified via email and are able to confirm their attendance by replying to the sender, or the individual who initiated the conference. GSS may be integrated with Microsoft Outlook^®, allowing attendees to receive video conference invitations and meeting confirmations. Documents and presentations may also be attached to an email to be previewed by attendees prior to a meeting.

Monitor Costs
Another valuable feature of Forgent/GSS is the advanced reporting capabilities interfaced with Seagate Crystal^™ reports. This feature enables administrators to monitor costs associated with each video conference and the ability to manage department budgets or invoice clients when necessary.

We understand that specific needs and meeting requirements change over time. With this in mind, GSS has the capacity to add customized features to further meet the changing needs of each individual end-user.

About TKO
TKO Video Communications also provides training in video conferencing and telecommunications, conferencing equipment (Sony, Cisco Systems, Initia, Radvision, Tandberg, Polycom) satellite broadcasting, audio conferencing as well as streaming audio and video services.

Comparisons | Sony | Monitors | Cart | Conference Tables
Meetings | Polycom | Group Meetings | Tandberg