Microsoft Communicator + Live Meeting

Well with the rest of the university shutting up shop for summer (I hasten to add this is most certainly not the case for the faculty of Health), it's time for ILS's annual roll out of up to date software.

What the dickens is Microsoft Communicator? 
Microsoft Communicator is a corporate communication tool which pretty much ties in every form of electronic communication into a nice little package, in its simplest form this it can be instant messaging, right up to web chat and collaboration via desktop sharing.

So like MSN or Skype? 
Yes and no, initially I wasn't convinced there was a need for communicator when almost everyone and his nan uses MSN messenger, however the key point there was almost, with Communicator everyone who has a UOP login has an account, and every lease based computer will have the Communicator client installed on their computer (more on this later).  Unlike Skype with Communicator being Microsoft it allows a greater degree of integration with your Microsoft operating system and programs. For example allowing you to connect to a fellow persons computer and view what they're working on (with their permission obviously),  this could be used for you both work on that computer as though your side by side working on a piece of work.

So what else does Communicator do?
With Communicator being Microsoft based its best mates with all your common programs and websites, these most notably being Outlook and Tulip... have you ever noticed the little coloured icons next to people's names whilst using these packages?

These indicate if that person is online and signed into Communicator, so say for example seeing that person's name prompts you to ask them something, by seeing if their online you can decide upon your best method of attack, such as if their offline there more than likely not going to be at their desk so a quick web/text chat would be out the window and similarly so would a phone call (if their not at their desk), thus leaving an email to be your best option. And likewise if their online you get the full range of options, something informal why not start up a quick text chat (these can be saved for reading later unlike a phone call), or wanting something a little bit more personal (if what you have to say is of potential conflict to their views etc) then why not start a web chat.

Other things communicator does:

• Web Chat (video, audio and text)
• Text Chat 
• Voice Chat (if you don't have a webcam but do have a mic you can use this)
• Desktop Sharing
• Meeting Requests
• Saves chats to your hard drive

Why should I use Communicator?

There's no reason why you should be forced to used Communicator, however the aim of technology is to make our lives easier, by using Communicator you can achieve tasks which would normally require you to meet face to face. Such as a standard meeting with another member of staff/student can be conducted via web chat at your own computer, which will mean your 20min meeting will only take 20mins of your time as opposed to 10min travel 5min to find a room/cafe/get your coffee (mines a black no sugar) 20min to have your meeting then another 10min to get back to your office. Obviously this can all be done previously via the telephone but with web chat your able to judge body language and the wellbeing of the person your talking to, imagine a student on placement who claims they're ok but from the video you can tell they've not been sleeping and you will be able focus in on the students wellbeing. 

As discussed earlier Communicator isn't all about web chat your also able to share your desktop with the person your talking to... not only can this be useful from a support perspective (i.e. 'Steve can you quickly show me how to do this?'), it could also be used to collaborate on any documents your working together on. 

Great how do I start using it?

Like MSN or Skype Communicator consists of a small programme on your computer. All University of Plymouth computers have this installed by default (if not then its under "run advertised programs") so if your using one then you just need to sign in.

Mac users just need to download and install Messenger for Mac this package handles both personal messaging via MSN, and Corporate via Communicator.

Once Signed in you'll be greated with a list simular to the following:

Windows

Mac

As you can see this lists your contacts if you've not used Communicator before the list will be blank to get started simply type a name in at the top where it lists "Type a Name", find the said person (much like writing an email).

To use Communicator on a Mac you need to download MSN for Mac and sign into the corporate account (using your University Credentials).

If your using a none leased PC you can request access for Communicator client via support desk, or if your a Student you can access communicator via the web access which can be found here (ensure your using Internet Explorer for full functionality): https://cwa.plymouth.ac.uk/ this however doesn't allow use of webcam's.

Live Meeting?
Live meeting is essentially all of the above but for groups (but not exclusively). It identical to DimDim except its Microsoft based, you can upload and view presentations, collaborate on a white board view the presenters webcam or any elected participants (at their will) and most importantly you don't have to create a login.

The most obvious thing with LiveMeeting is that its very similar to the Web Studio's this is a tough one on which tool is best for the job, Ray Jones set up the Web Studio's as a place which is easy for those of more technophobic tendencies to feel less intimidated. They were also set up as there was no other alternative at the time. The their set up allows for students to go into break out groups (something which communicator doesn't directly allow). However they do require you to leave your house where's Live Meeting can all be done from the comfort of your house, and they're also created by Microsoft which is a good thing as there's going to be LOADS of support out there if your confused!

I feel I've not dived deep enough into Live Meeting to do it justice however and worried this post is going on a bit. If you would like to have a go at Live Meeting feel free to just dive on in there or if you would like to demo it I'll be happy to oblige and give you a quick walk through etc!  Its worth noting that Live Meeting, Meetings can indeed be recorded!