Macromedia Breeze Meeting is chosen as platform for IHETS Interactive

Volunteers sought for pilot testing

Released: August 28, 2005
Contact: Susan Sullivan, 317.263.8849, ssulliva@ihets.org

INDIANAPOLIS—After an extensive RFP process examining seven different vendors—three of whom were selected for day-long demonstrations and interviews about their products—Macromedia’s Breeze Meeting has been chosen as the underlying platform for IHETS Interactive. IHETS Interactive is the new service that will replace the satellite system in June of 2006.

Results from the review of all seven products, including an in-depth analysis of the three products selected for demonstrations (which were Breeze, Centra, and Elluminate), should be published later this year.

Macromedia’s powerful Web conferencing application was chosen after initial proof-of-concept testing was completed using FVC’s Click to Meet product. FVC filed for bankruptcy with the Security Exchange Commission on January 20, 2005, however, requiring IHETS to search for a new vendor.

According to project co-director Lynn Ward, Breeze Meeting offers a robust suite of tools for real-time communication and collaborative teaching and learning. In addition, it is already in use by several member institutions, thereby enhancing opportunities for future growth and development.

At this time, the implementation timeline includes:

• September 2005—Semester-long pilot testing will begin; hardware recommendations will be made
  
• November 2005—IHETS will release information about the site certification process
  
• Spring 2006—Limited production; priority will be given to current satellite users during this phase of the project.
  
• Summer 2006—Full production; service will be available to all IHETS member institutions.

Ward reports that IHETS is seeking volunteers to participate in pilot testing. “We’re most interested in those who can repeatedly test the product over the course of the fall semester for activities like seminars, workshops, administrative meetings, teaching, research, and community outreach efforts. Anyone who is interested in volunteering for pilot testing is welcome to contact me.” Ward can be reached at lward@ihets.org or by calling 317.263.8909.

The IHETS Web site includes a video update presented by Ward and Tim Paige, IHETS training manager, with a number of details about the status of this new service, its functionality and uses, hardware requirements, information about pilot testing, and more.

The Web site also includes a list of “fast facts,” answers to frequently asked questions about IHETS Interactive, and additional information we hope you’ll explore.

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