Back in August, I did a review of web conferencing tools, with a decidedly unusual slant – as a presenter, I had to be able to share my Linux desktop. It was, perhaps an odd perspective, but in any event, I figured it was time to revisit this, and review what I’ve found.
Earlier, I’d found that the only tools that would work with presenters using Linux were ReadyTalk and WebHuddle. ReadyTalk is proprietary and not free (as in beer). WebHuddle is free, and open source. There does seem to be an active (but small) user community. There is, however, only one developer, and there hasn’t been a release in a while, so it’s unclear how long-term viable WebHuddle is.
I had been encouraged to look again at Yugma, because they said that Linux desktop sharing would happen before the end of last year. Well, it seems that it still is “coming soon.” But interestingly, Yugma is now integrated with Skype, which totally changes the whole audio on a separate channel issue. It does mean that everyone who is involved in a webinar needs to install Skype – but that seems to be a minor issue, to my mind. But, you can’t use the Skype edition on Linux yet, either.
I went back to look at DimDim – and lo and behold – DimDim went GPL! They now have a community edition, and there seems to be an active community of users. In addition, DimDim has an integration with Moodle (PDF)! And also an integration with SugarCRM. Now things are getting interesting. Perhaps if DimDim were also to release a version that integrated with Skype … I can’t figure out from looking around their site whether it is cross-platform enough to share desktops, but I signed up for the beta, so I guess I’ll test it out.
In doing a bit more research (which I guess I hadn’ t done this summer) it turns out that Webex seems to allow desktop sharing with Linux. I’m hoping to test it out soon, as well.
This is what I want: The community edition of DimDim that integrates with an open source VOIP system and Moodle. That can share my Linux desktop. That would be the holy grail. But at least it does appear that there might be increasing numbers of options out there for the likes of me.
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This may not solve all your concerns, but you may want to look at ooVoo. It can be found at http://www.oovoo.com
They’re an online video telecom service that’s can have up to six people talking at once. And, as a competitor to Skype, ooVoo is much lighter on your system it’s quite easy to use.
Here’s an example of some activists using it:
http://agcommunications.wordpress.com/2007/10/11/the-afrosphere-is-making-headlines-and-oovoo-is-keeping-us-connected/
And, yes, I’m doing some work for ooVoo.
I don’t think that oovoo is really in the running, here. You don’t even have a mac version yet, let alone a Linux version. And it doesn’t do desktop sharing. But I guess it might be useful for some.
A couple of interesting things about Yugma. Linux people can actually join any Yugma session (including those hosted by a Skype user/skype version) by “joining” from the yugma website (just click join on home page). I’ve used that alot. Give it a try. I also really like the new view only option they intro’ed a month ago or so. super lightweight. even works great in spotty wifi areas. Other thing is that I noticed that they seemed to recently get certified by Skype… for both their PC and Mac versions. I think that’s very cool. I think they are the only skype extra that has been certified by Skype for Mac.
Great America Networks Conferencing has a WebConferencing tool called QuickVisuals that lets you share your desktop, PowerPoint, video files, webcam from a PC/Mac/Linux platform easily. It is also VOIP enables and your attendees have nothing to configure, install, or sign-up for to attend your conferences either no matter which platform they are on. Also we offer free training of the tool and will work with you to make sure whatever you are trying to accomplish will be able to get done and look good.
You can see the software interface and sign up for a free 1 on 1 trial or a full featured demonstration free as well.
Compare to other popular products here: http://www.ganconference.com/web.html
View the software here: http://www.ganconference.com/quickvisuals.html
Sing up for a free trial here on the right side of the page: http://web.ganconference.com/
Have a free guided tour of the software here: http://www.ganconference.com/demo.html
Fell free to contact me directly and I would be glad to go over options and details with you.
Good luck,
Anthony Russo
Conferencing Consultant
Great America Networks Conferencing
arusso@ganconference.com
http://www.ganconference.com
Phone: 312-432-5377
Fax: 312-492-2577
Skype: anth.russo