Exchange 2000 Conferencing Server to Enable “Virtual Meetings”

When Exchange 2000 Server ships this fall, Microsoft will also launch a companion product, Exchange 2000 Conferencing Server. Conferencing Server works in conjunction with Exchange 2000 Server and Windows 2000 Server to provide enterprise-wide data, voice, and video conferencing services; conference scheduling; and conference access control. It substantially enhances the functionality of Microsoft NetMeeting and Outlook client software, allowing users to schedule and manage online meetings just as they would manage physical meetings. Groups of intranet and Internet users can verbally and visually collaborate, with everyone in the conference having access to a shared whiteboard and even shared applications and documents. Unlike today’s peer-to-peer NetMeeting conferences targeted at pairs of users, Conferencing Server gives the full suite of conferencing features to larger groups of attendees, yet uses network bandwidth much more efficiently.

The Need for Remote Desktop Conferencing

Meetings are often extraordinarily difficult to organize. Finding a time slot that works for all attendees and a facility in which to meet can strain everyone’s patience, and the time spent arranging it is unproductive. Conference rooms may not be available when the people are. The growing number of telecommuters, external partners, and independent contractors further complicates planning. For decades, the dream of a “virtual meeting” has remained elusive, hobbled by inadequate technology, high cost, complexity, and lack of standards and critical mass. However, the potential savings in time, travel, and productivity keep organizations and vendors searching for workable solutions.