Hi there, If I might just add to Robert's comments there: There are still large portions of Canada that still rely on dial-up services and have no access to broadband (pretty much all of our rural and remote areas). So, I would really recommend testing any software used to see if it is actually useable by such areas. Many of them promise to work at lower speeds but functionally, do not (drop outs, frustration, yadda yadda). One other piece of software that Nunavut has been experimenting with is Moodle because its open-source and can be customized to whatever you might need. The jury is still out, though, as to whether its totally workable. We have "broadband" here (although its certainly not the fastest "broadband" in the world to say the least) and we found Elluminate and Moodle to work fairly well but for dial-up connections they are still pretty frustrating. Just my two cents! Darlene ________________________________ From: na-als-bounces@atlarge-lists.icann.org on behalf of Nick Ashton-Hart Sent: Mon 2/5/2007 2:56 PM To: lists@privaterra.info Cc: rajnesh@pacificit.org; alac@atlarge-lists.icann.org Subject: Re: [NA-ALS] [ALAC] Videoconferencing Software for At-LargeCommunity being Evaluated Not only do I not object, I'm very glad to hear views on such products from users - that was part of the appeal from Raj Singh suggesting Marratech - especially since he comes from a Small Island State (Fiji). Perhaps you, Raj, and myself can chat about this between the three of us? Even, perhaps, using Marratech in the first instance to do so? On 05/02/07, lists@privaterra.info <lists@privaterra.info> wrote: Thanks for posting information on the ICT tools that can be used to attend virtually. As an alternative to Marratech, might i suggest - Elluminate - which has been used with great success at many internet governance meetings. it is also Java based, and has some nicer features. its bandwidth requirements re far less, thus even dial-up can be used. Perhaps not an issue for those of us in the connected parts of North America, but wonderful for those in small island states as well as those in developing and least developed countries For virtual participation to be truly useful, one needs to incorporate remote participation into the agenda. I hope that is being envisioned as well. I hope you don't mind these comments from a "veteran" of using ICT tools to help bring remote participation to Internet discussions... regards Robert > Dear Community: > > As some of you are aware, recently we have been making an effort to > technologically 'connect' the community more effectively. The new > list environment is a part of this, as well as some first-steps we > took in Sao Paulo in providing simultaneous translation for At-Large > meetings (and many others actually), and we also provided inbound > access to ALAC meetings for two members of the committee via Skype > since they were unable to attend the Sao Paulo meetings in person. > Whilst this was much better than them not being able to participate > at all, it was somewhat less than ideal. > > For the upcoming meeting of Asia-Pacific ALSes later this month, we > will provide full videoconferencing access to the meetings for those > ALS representatives unable to attend in person. The software we are > using is a commercial product from Marratech (www.marratech.com) > which was recommended to us by Rajnesh Singh of the Pacific Islands > Chapter of ISOC, who are an actively participating ALS. (thanks again > Raj!). > > The software is available for us to trial for the entire month of > February. The information on how to connect up is below, and if you > are interested, Marratech are offering a 10-minute introduction to > the software using Marratech itself - just let us know at > staff@alac.icann.org if you want to do this. The software is very > easy to use but that doesn't make an introduction useless :) > > In particular we suggest that those who are planning to attend the > APRALO meeting on February 28th via videoconference get a run-through > of the system. You should also verify that you have the hardware > needed (which is quite simple) and run one of the three operating > systems supported (Mac OS X, Windows, Linux) > > > Begin forwarded message: > >> From: "Jon Scanlan" <jon.scanlan@marratech.co.uk> >> Date: 22 December 2006 11:34:50 GMT >> To: "'Nick Ashton-Hart'" < nashton@spamcop.net> >> Subject: RE: Marratech >> >> Nick, >> >> As we discussed I have created a private meeting area for you to use >> with your colleagues. It would be great if early in the new year we >> could meet in your room and spend 15-20 minutes covering the basic >> features and functions. >> >> There are 2 ways to enter the meeting room. >> >> 1 - Java Webstart (The preferred method) >> >> Click the following link which will automatically install the >> Marratech >> client: http://uk.emeetingportal.com/launch.jsp?sid=537 >> >> When prompted enter the user details: >> Username: spamcop >> Password: spamcop >> >> This will take you into the virtual meting room. >> >> 2 - Installed client >> >> Download the installation file from our website: >> www.marratech.com/download and install in the usual manner >> >> Open Marratech, select 'Marratech Meetings' / 'UK & France' >> >> Login on the left hand side with the above details and your room will >> appear at the bottom of the list under 'Private Rooms' - click to >> enter. >> >> If you have any questions please do let me know otherwise let's >> meet up >> early in the New Year. >> >> Regards >> >> Jon > > > > -- > Regards, > > Nick Ashton-Hart > ICANN At Large > Main Tel: +44 (20) 8800-1011] > USA Tel: +1 (202) 657-5460 > Fax: +44 (20) 7681-3135 > mobile: +44 (7774) 932798 > email: nashton@spamcop.net > Win IM: ashtonhart@hotmail.com / AIM/iSight: nashtonhart@mac.com / > Skype: nashtonhart > > > _______________________________________________ > ALAC mailing list > ALAC@atlarge-lists.icann.org > http://atlarge-lists.icann.org/mailman/listinfo/alac_atlarge-lists.icann.org > _______________________________________________ ALAC mailing list ALAC@atlarge-lists.icann.org http://atlarge-lists.icann.org/mailman/listinfo/alac_atlarge-lists.icann.org -- -- Regards, Nick Ashton-Hart PO Box 32160 London N4 2XY United Kingdom UK Tel: +44 (20) 8800-1011 USA Tel: +1 (202) 657-5460 Fax: +44 (20) 7681-3135 mobile: +44 (7774) 932798 Win IM: ashtonhart@hotmail.com / AIM/iSight: nashtonhart@mac.com / Skype: nashtonhart Online Bio: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashtonhart