I have picked a primary online meeting tool for my consultancy (Crucial Point LLC). Although I will use any tool a client or associate needs me to use, the tool I prefer is Adobe Acrobat Connect.
Why did I select Adobe Acrobat Connect? A key reason is that no downloads are required for this to work (assuming, of course, that you have flash player installed on your system, which 98% of the computers on earth already do).
Although that was an important/primary consideration, there are also all the features I needed. For a low monthly cost I get unlimited online meetings, easy screen sharing, application sharing, whiteboard, chat, video and audio conferencing. I also get an easy to remember URL for instant meeting rooms.
I also looked at Adobe Connect Professional, but don’t think I need all the features, so I’m sticking with Acrobat Connect for now.
If you would like more info, send me a note and I’ll invite you to an online session with me at:
http://connectnow.acrobat.com/CrucialPointLLC
Or just try clicking that link. I have always believed in an open door policy and who knows, I might have my meeting room up and on for public discussions.
As a final thought, let me leave you with a philosophical thought regarding collaboration and computing. Tools like Adobe Acrobat Connect are GREAT for collaboration, but I think they are most powerful when considered as one of many tools vice the tool for collaboration. The real collaboration tool is the entire computing enterprise. Power users should use tools like Connect, but also phonecalls, e-mails, Twitter, Facebook, Plaxo, blogs, Wikis, etc etc. Use the right tool for the right task. For online meetings, it is Connect.
See you online.
Cheers,
Bob
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Interesting technology. It would be good if they introduced custom domains as well.
I opened a trial to play with this. Promising technology, though I had a few issues on the Mac with it needing to install software to host a meeting and the application crashing on exit. Next time you are online let me know as I would love to test for potential enterprise use. We used WebEx in the past, but it is not economical for what we needed to do and Adobe may fit the bill.
Matt and others,
I appreciate the help and time spent yesterday putting Connect through the paces. All in all, I think this is a good system and is still the best one out there, but so far there is a capability I wish they had implemented differently. I wish they had fielded an integrated VOIP system that ties into the conference bridge system it comes with. Or maybe they have and I just haven’t discovered how to use that.
Anyway, this will likely be a fuel saver for me.
Cheers,
Bob
Bob;
A quick comment… wanted to create an ID at acrobat.com from an “inside” unclass network. The site requires the latest Flash player, which I of course am not allowed to install. Will have to continue my exploration from home.
Thanks…
- George
George, thanks much for the comment. I bet most enterprises are not up to date on the lastest, but all should be, it is free to download.
Please check this out at your home office and let me know what you think.
Bob
So, how has this held up after a couple of months of use? Still a good value proposition?
Matt,
Thanks much for the question. I still like both Adobe Connect and Acrobat.com For my very tiny but widely distributed operation acrobat.com is meeting most of my needs. But actually I’m also using Google Apps and it is really great as well– in certain key areas. I guess my bottom line conclusion is that we should all stay skilled in the use of multiple means of online coordination and collaboration.
More later,
Bob
Thanks for the reply. I am a big fan of Google Docs and Google sites, but must admit the real-time aspect of Connect appealed to me. In thinking more about Tanji’s TT 2.0 concept, it seems a tool like Connect might be a vital component.
Your blog is a rich source of information on audio and other conferencing topics. Liked it, will bookmark it for later!
[...] There are some big moves afoot in the enterprise IT world. Enterprises everywhere, including, the federal enterprise, are making pushes to be more open and transparent on items that should be open and more secure and protected on items that need to be kept private. These mega trends are important factors that will keep driving IT forward. Adobe seems well positioned to serve as these trends continue. http://ctovision.com/2008/06/enter-my-office-using-adobe-acrobat-connect/ [...]