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

A complete list of collaboration tools, including web conferencing, collaboration, and form tools can be found on our Web Conferencing Tools home page. 

Web Conferencing Licensure

Tool Name

URL

Core Features

Access

Contact

Blackboard Collaborate

blackboard.syr.edu

  • Web conferencing
  • Session Recording
  • Break-out Rooms
  • Group Collaboration

  • Available to all campus users participating in a Blackboard Course or Organization

  • Session Moderators can create a web link that allows non-SU users to join without logging in

ITS Help Desk

Google Meet (formerly Hangouts)meet.google.com
  • Web conferencing
  • Recording
  • Live streaming

  • 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 Teamsteams.microsoft.com

  • Web conferencing

  • File storage

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


Teaching Considerations

CharacteristicsBLACKBOARD COLLABORATE ULTRAGOOGLE MEET (FORMERLY HANGOUTS)MICROSOFT TEAMS
Features
Accessibility Support
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)

Technical Information

CharacteristicsBLACKBOARD COLLABORATE ULTRAGOOGLE MEET (FORMERLY 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 option
  • Computer audio fully supported.
  • Users control their own microphones
  • Campus participants can mute the microphones of others.
  • Join-by Phone option
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. 

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

  • Windows 10- JAWS & NVDA
  • macOS- VoiceOver
  • Chromebook or Linux- ChromVox

  • Windows 10- JAWS & NVDA
  • macOS- VoiceOver

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 HelpITS Help Desk, Teams Help