Web Conferencing Comparison

Below are Web based conferencing solutions licensed with the university and a direct comparison on the products offered.

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A complete list of collaboration tools, including web conferencing, collaboration, and form tools can be found on our Web Conferencing Tools home page.

Web Conferencing Licensure

Tool Name	URL	Core Features	Access	Contact
Blackboard Collaborate	blackboard.syr.edu	Web conferencing Session Recording Break-out Rooms Group Collaboration	Available to all campus users participating in a Blackboard Course or Organization Session Moderators can create a web link that allows non-SU users to join without logging in	ITS Help Desk
Google Meet (formerly Hangouts)	meet.google.com	Web conferencing Recording Live streaming	Available to all campus users via G Suite login Session creator can generate a web link or meeting code that allows non-SU users to request approval to join without logging in	ITS Help Desk
Microsoft Teams	teams.microsoft.com	Web conferencing File storage	Campus (NetID) Desktop client may require distributed staff intervention for campus owned devices. Limited use for non-SU users	ITS Help Desk
Zoom	zoom.us	Web conferencing Session Recording	Campus Email Session creator can create a web link or meeting ID that allows non-SU users to join without logging in	ITS Help Desk

Teaching Considerations

Characteristics

BLACKBOARD COLLABORATE ULTRA

GOOGLE MEET (FORMERLY HANGOUTS)

MICROSOFT TEAMS

ZOOM

Features

Integrated in Blackboard
Video and Audio Sharing
Screen, Application, and File Sharing
Real-Time Chat
Dial-in Audio Conferencing
Recording
Breakout Groups
Easy Participant Response
Polls
Digital Whiteboard

Integrated in G Suite
Video and Audio Sharing
Screen, Application, and File Sharing
Real-Time Chat
Dial-in Audio Conferencing
Recording
Live

Screen Sharing
File Sharing
Real- Time Chat
App enabled Audio Conferencing
Recording

Screen Sharing
Video and Audio Sharing
Recording
Breakout Rooms
Real-Time Chat
Dial-in Audio Conferencing
Automatic Transcription
Polls
Digital Whiteboard

Accessibility Support

Meeting Participants

Max. 250 participants, 500 participants by special request

Max. 100 participants

Max. 250 participants
Live Events up to 10,000 attendees (more info)

Max. 500 participants

Technical Information

Characteristics	BLACKBOARD COLLABORATE ULTRA	GOOGLE MEET (FORMERLY HANGOUTS)	MICROSOFT TEAMS	ZOOM
Audio	Computer audio fully supported. Users control their own microphones Moderators can mute the microphones of others. Supports six simultaneous active mics. Join-by Phone option	Computer audio fully supported. Users control their own microphones Campus participants can mute the microphones of others. Join-by Phone option	Settings	Computer audio fully supported. Users control their own microphones Moderators can mute the microphones of others. Join-by Phone.
Video	Video camera available for all users. Video display follows the most recent speakers. Presenters and Moderators can share applications, files, and screens.	Video camera available for all users. Video display follows the most recent speakers. Participants can share applications, files, and screens. Participants continue to see presenter video while sharing screen or files.	Settings	Video camera available for all users. Video display for active speaker.
Platforms	Desktop Web Browser Mobile- iOS Mobile- Android	Desktop Web Browser Mobile- iOS Mobile- Android	Desktop Web Browser Mobile- iOS Mobile- Android Installed-Mac Installed-Windows	Desktop Web Browser Mobile- iOS Mobile- Android Installed-Mac Installed-Windows
Browser Compatibility	Chrome (Preferred) Firefox Safari	Chrome (Preferred) Firefox Safari	Chrome Edge (Preferred) Firefox Safari	Chrome (Preferred) Edge Firefox Safari Internet Explorer
Accessibility Options	Windows 10 - Firefox with JAWS v17: Provisional macOS- Safari with VoiceOver: Certified macOS- Firefox with VoiceOver: Provisional	Windows 10- JAWS & NVDA macOS- VoiceOver Chromebook or Linux- ChromVox	Windows 10- JAWS & NVDA macOS- VoiceOver	Windows 10- JAWS & NVDA macOS- VoiceOver
System Requirements	256 MB RAM 20 MB free disk space Internet Access Webcam (optional) Soundcard w/microphone (headset recommended)	Internet Access Built-in web camera or external USB camera Soundcard w/microphone (headset recommended)	2.0 GB RAM 3.0 GB free disk space Internet Access USB 2.0 video camera Soundcard w/microphone (headset recommended)	Full System Requirements
Support Links	ITS Help Desk, Collaborate Ultra Help for Participants, Collaborate Ultra Help for Moderators, Blackboard Collaborate Sessions Help	ITS Help Desk, Meet Help	ITS Help Desk, Teams Help	ITS Help Desk, Zoom Help Center