Teaching with Technology Newsletter
Videoconference Endpoint Certification and Database
By Patrick Pettus
Video & Collaboration Services
Beginning in Spring 2008, Video & Collaboration Services will begin testing and certifying videoconferencing units. The certification process will provide VCS with important details for support, and supply information for a searchable database of videoconference locations at UF.
Since 2004, the University has seen tremendous growth in the use of videoconferencing and the number of videoconferencing units. By the end of the spring semester, there will be at least one unit in each of the 67 County Extension Offices and 18 Research and Education Centers around the state, with many more on campus. Each of these locations has unique networking and A/V challenges. By certifying each unit, VCS will be able to help sites optimize their videoconferencing experience and use of their facilities.
Certification will be a combination of information gathering and testing. Each certified site will provide VCS with general information like model number, building and room, support contacts, and IP addresses, test point-to-point calls, multi-point calls, and content sharing. Once tested, each site with its connection information will be entered into a database. End-users will then have easy access to all the information needed to organize their next conference.
To find the complete list of certification requirements and links to the endpoint database, please visit video.ufl.edu