Poll: Web conference requirements

[andydreisch]

Hi all, a quick question for you.

We're evaluating two web conferencing products for conducting the Sugar Dev-User Group sessions. We're not in a position to evaluate any others.

One solution supports only Windows for participants. The other solution supports Windows, Mac and Linux.

Each system has its plusses and minuses. I'm just curious about participation rates should we go with one versus the other.

Please respond to this poll indicating the system you feel we must support in order for you to participate.

Andy

[kpit]

I like the platform put out by http://www.marratech.com/

It works on Linux, Windows and Mac and provides phone and voip technologies. They also offer a 5 user for free for the small shops out there.
I am probably going to install the free version on my server to use for collaboration.

[chrisky]

If ....."The other solution supports Windows, Mac and Linux." .... then I would suggest you go with it; opposed to a solution which is limited to windows clients only..

In all fairness, there is doubtfully many if any one, out there in which uses or works with Linux that doesn't have a windows machine, let alone have access to a windows system..

It'd be nice to have Linux support for those of us that do spend alot of time on linux boxes; however, I doubt that the lack of Linux support would result in even one person not participating whom otherwise wished to.

On the topic of Mac's...
a) My personal opinions; b) myself not personally using, c) nor ever used a Mac.....
I'll go to bat for the [if any] Mac users out there..

There is a small percentage (minority) of computer users whom run Mac systems.. Okay..
From what I've seen, those few Mac-head's don't have access to a windows system, at least not
convientantly or nearby (i.e. in their home, etc.)

I'm sure that having to use a neighbors computer, travelling to work/office to use office computer, or travelling to a family members home to use their computer.....theoretically, just might result in somebody not being able to participate..

Ah well... When it comes down to it.... Figure & number wise (percentages)....
It wouldn't really matter, if you were to only allow Windows clients...

Anyways, you all have done a great job Andy!
Andy, I'm sure you're proud and happy to have accomplished so much, following your visions & goals..
Keep trekkin!

[stevec]

Any chance in finding out what the two products are in case we have any experience pro/cons with the two systems?

[andydreisch]

stevec, we've got access to Citrix GoToWebinar and WebEx MeetingCenter. Our Sugar University team is using GoToWebinar and we have most familiarity with it, especially when it comes to handling registrations and such.

In order to get this off the ground as quickly as possible without spending time to evaluate other options, I'm limiting the options to just these. Over time we can decide on other options.

chrisky, thanks for the input and the kind words. We're doing a lot here at Sugar to support your efforts. There's a lot more to do!!

Andy

[longreach]

I think the Goto product supports only Windows presenters, but Windows and Mac attendees? I guess Webex is the one with the wide platform support?

[kpit]

For me the OS does not really matter I just fire up vmware workstation and run windows and linux at the same time. But not everyone has vmware. My Concern is mostly for the Mac Users I have seen many postings by Mac users in the fourms. Mac OS X is based on bsd core and many of the underpinnings are unix based there are installations out there that are running on Mac machines.

Multi-platform is always a good pratice especially when your application is multi-platform capable. Give the user the option and dont force them to conform. Diffrent thinking helps creativity with a snowball effect.

[andrewjones]

I don't think that OS is any issue but the actual requirements can vary based on your system configuration and the features you choose to install.