Content Comparison

Below are Web based conferencing solutions licensed with the university and a direct comparison on the products offered.

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Web Conferencing Licensure

Tool Name	URL

Purpose

Core Features	Access	Contact
Blackboard Collaborate	blackboard.syr.edu	Web conferencing

Lecture

Available to all campus users participating in a Blackboard Course or Organization
Session Moderators can

generate

create a web link that allows non-SU users to join without logging in	ITS Help Desk
Google Meet (formally Hangouts)	meet.google.com	Web conferencing

Chat

	Available to all campus users via G Suite login Session creator can generate a web link or meeting code that allows non-SU users to request approval to join without logging in	ITS Help Desk
Microsoft Teams	teams.microsoft.com	Web conferencing

Chat

Campus (NetID)
Desktop client may require distributed staff intervention for campus owned devices.
Limited use for non-SU users

Characteristics	BLACKBOARD COLLABORATE ULTRA	GOOGLE MEET (FORMALLY HANGOUTS)	MICROSOFT TEAMS
Core Features	Video and Audio Sharing Screen, Application, and Application File Sharing Electronic Hand Raising Presentation ToolsReal-Time Chat Dial-in Audio Conferencing Recording Breakout Groups Easy Participant Response Polls	Video and Audio Sharing Screen, Application, and Application File Sharing Real-Time Chat Record & Playback ability	Real- Time Chat Record & Playback ability	Collaboration tools	Breakout Groups Dial Dial-in Audio Conferencing Content Management	Screen Sharing Polls	Dial in Audio Conferencing Discussion Threads Screen Sharing	File Sharing Dial File Sharing Real- Time Chat Dial-in Audio Conferencing Screen Sharing Recording
Meeting Participants	Max. 250 participants, 500 participants by special request	Max. 100 participants	Max. 250 participants Live Events up to 10,000 attendees (more info)
Audio & Video	Settings	Settings	Settings

Characteristics	BLACKBOARD COLLABORATE ULTRA	GOOGLE MEET (FORMALLY HANGOUTS)	MICROSOFT TEAMS
Audio	Computer audio fully supported. Users control their own microphones Moderators can mute the microphones of others. Supports six simultaneous active mics. Join-by Phone.	Computer audio fully supported. Users control their own microphones Campus participants can mute the microphones of others. Join-by Phone.	Settings

Video


Video	Video camera available for all users. Video display follows the most recent speakers. Presenters and Moderators can share applications, files, and screens.	Video camera available for all users. Video display follows the most recent speakers. Participants can share applications, files, and screens. Participants continue to see presenter video while sharing screen or files.	Settings
Platforms

Cloud, SaaS,

Cloud, SaaS,

Cloud, SaaS,

Desktop Web Browser Mobile- iOS Mobile- Android Installed-Mac Installed-Windows
Browser Compatibility	Chrome (Preferred) Firefox Safari	Chrome (Preferred)

Edge

Firefox Safari	Chrome Edge (Preferred) Firefox Safari
Accessibility Options	Windows 10 - Firefox with JAWS v17: Provisional macOS- Safari with VoiceOver: Certified macOS- Firefox with VoiceOver: Provisional Live Closed Captioning	Windows 10- JAWS & NVDA macOS- VoiceOver Chromebook or Linux- ChromVox Live Closed Captioning	Windows 10- JAWS & NVDA macOS- VoiceOver Live Closed Captioning
System Requirements	256 MB RAM 20 MB free disk space Internet Access Webcam (optional) Soundcard w/microphone (headset recommended)	Internet Access Built-in web camera or external USB camera Soundcard w/microphone (headset recommended)	2.0 GB RAM 3.0 GB free disk space Internet Access USB 2.0 video camera Soundcard w/microphone (headset recommended)
Support Links	ITS Help Desk, Collaborate Ultra Help for Participants, Collaborate Ultra Help for Moderators, Blackboard Collaborate Sessions Help	ITS Help Desk, Meet Help	ITS Help Desk, Teams Help