Conferencing makes use of video, audio, and web technologies to provide real time interaction between participants in different locations.
Audio conferencing
Audio conferencing services allow individuals to communicate and collaborate with each other.
Audio conferencing services from MSU Telecommunications are offered in two different forms:
- Up to a 6-party conference initiated from an Avaya PBX telephone
- The “Meet Now” feature of Microsoft Teams (an app included in the Spartan 365 suite)
Integrated systems in physical spaces
Integrated systems include professional conferencing equipment designed for high-quality connections. These systems can connect to multiple sites and allow users to share video from multimedia sources, PowerPoint slides, and documents.
Examples of integrated system facilities at MSU include production classrooms and conference room systems. Examples of some integrated systems include Polycom, Sony, and Lifesize.
Some MSU facilities with integrated conferencing systems are managed by specific colleges and departments for use by those colleges and others are available to any MSU department.
Applications for computers and mobile devices
There are also conferencing applications that operate on personal computers and mobile devices. Depending on the device, some additional equipment may be needed including a webcam and microphone.
Some applications offer only video and audio connections while others have more features. Some examples of conferencing applications include Google Hangouts and Zoom.
Conferencing applications are a good fit for small meetings with fewer requirements and participants.
Zoom web conferencing
Zoom is a cloud-based platform for video and audio conferencing, mobile collaboration, and simple online meetings.
Pro account access is available at no charge for MSU faculty, staff, and students when they log into MSU Zoom using their NetID and password.
Enhanced licenses can be purchased through the MSU Technology Store.
Zoom Rooms
MSU IT supports and integrates video conference rooms using Zoom Rooms. Zoom Rooms are collaborative, easy-to-use, and modern meeting and classroom spaces with flawless video and audio.
Classes and meetings are integrated with room calendars and are started with one touch. Content is shared wirelessly, all with HD video and audio. Interactive whiteboarding is also available.
Participants can join via desktops, mobile, traditional telephones, and traditional video conference room systems.
Configurations are available for individual workstations, small huddle spaces, small to large meeting spaces, and small to large classrooms. Equipment status is monitored by MSU IT with proactive support.
Live events in Microsoft 365
You can create a live event in Stream or Microsoft Teams — wherever your audience, team, or community resides. Attendees can participate in real time, with high-definition (HD) video and interactive discussion, or catch up later with powerful AI features that unlock the content of the event recording. Seamless integration across Office 365 means that you can use Stream to deliver highly produced, studio-quality events. Learn more about live events in Microsoft 365.
Microsoft Teams live events
Microsoft Teams live events are an extension of Teams meetings that enable you to schedule and produce events that stream to large online audiences!
Live events in Microsoft Stream
You can create live events using Microsoft Stream across the organization. You can schedule, produce and deliver live events for a variety of scenarios such as company-wide events, leadership updates and more. Live events enable producers to curate and control the content that is broadcast to an audience.
