There are typically four types of video conferencing software available for users that assist in the operation and management of video communications networks:

• Applications Software
• Control Software
• Scheduling Software
• Systems Software

This section describes briefly the role each type of software performs and its importance to a well functioning video network.

Applications Software
This is software that is designed for a specific communications purpose and it may be independent from a hardware platform. Examples include:

WebEx^®
PlaceWare^®
QuickTime^®
Real Networks^®
Windows Media^®

For example, WebEx and PlaceWare are video and data collaboration applications based on software platforms that operate independently of a user's personal computer or web browser. Their video conferencing software and associated services allow users to meet and conduct web-based seminars ("webinars") without the need for all participants to use the same hardware platforms. Similarly, streaming software such as QuickTime, Real Networks and Windows Media allow video and audio information to be continuously transmitted and played ("streamed") between servers and endpoint systems without the need for commonality between systems.

Control Software
Device control, management and reporting are possible with control software. Nearly all video conferencing system manufacturers offer an easy to use remote control or hand-held wand to control their systems. The most current video conferencing systems also provide web enabled control ports that allow users to remotely control systems via a personal computer. Polycom^® and Tandberg^® provide control software that enable easy manipulation of their systems with a web browser. Most industry manufacturers are moving towards browser based control systems.

There are 3rd party control software products that integrate management of systems from multiple manufacturers into one easy to use interface. Forgent^® Networks' control and scheduling products perform this role effectively for video conferencing systems. Forgent's video conferencing software also integrates scheduling into the control of systems so video conferences can be launched at predetermined times without technical staff making each video connection.

Scheduling Software
Timing video conferencing calls is an issue that can be solved with good scheduling software. To conduct a video conference, satellite broadcast or webinar, attendees at points around the world must be notified of the schedule for the event in their local time. Additionally, the nature of the communications medium may require setup and take down times between meetings for room cleanup and network reconfiguration. Most manufacturers of video conferencing systems offer some form of scheduling system with their hardware or software. Forgent Networks' Global Scheduling System (GSS^™) is a high quality product that works in most environments for scheduling events that include video communications. GSS allows for convenient scheduling of video and even non-video resources that may be needed for a meeting (such as catering, podiums, whiteboards, etc.)

System Software
Video Conferencing systems are composed of both hardware and software. Most manufacturers upgrade hardware only occasionally. Between hardware revisions many software revisions may be issued. With each new software revision, some action must be taken to install the new version of software on the hardware and then to keep track of the version numbers. Upgrades and updates to a video system's software can offer new features and capabilities with each revision but there are administrative and technical costs to installing the software and verifying it works properly. TKO recommends changing system software only when new features are needed. It is often possible to skip minor revisions in system software and thereby save needless risk of installing new software that may introduce bugs or other unwanted issues into a video network.

About TKO
TKO Video Communications an industry leader in video communications, offers conferencing software and equipment (Initia AccessSwitch, Raadvision, Sony Tandberg, Polycom, Cisco Systems and more) including testing, installation and service plans. TKO also offers satellite broadcasting, audio conferencing, audio and video streaming, telecommunications and video conference training.

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