Conference Tool Comparisons
Desktop video collaboration tools utilizes software installed on your computer to host remote conferences using a microphone and a webcam.
More information on individual remote desktop web conferencing tools can be found below.
Microsoft Teams
Teams is a communication and collaboration platform that includes chat, video meetings, and file storage. Groups are easy to set up and any employee can be added to a group. Microsoft provides some excellent videos on how to get started with Teams, as does LinkedIn Learning (which you have free access to when you login with your TRU credentials).
Please see the instructions for install and setup.
View team owner setup instructions.
Teams will work when you're NOT connected to the VPN. If you experience problems in Teams while connected to VPN, we recommend that you disconnect.
Big Blue Button
TRU supports the use of Big Blue Button, an open source web conferencing tool. It is integrated with Moodle, making it easy for instructors to create and deploy sessions with just a few clicks.
Watch tutorials and get started with Big Blue Button or review TRU's setup documentation for Moodle.
Blue Jeans
TRU offers a video conferencing service called BlueJeans. This service provides high-quality face-to-face video meetings for up to 150 participants, where you can:
- Make calls
- Take notes
- Chat
- Share documents
Your departmental Administrative Assistant can set up BlueJeans video conferences for you.
Zoom
Zoom is a popular a video conferencing service. This service provides high-quality face-to-face video meetings for up to 300 participants, where you can:
- Make audio/video calls
- Take notes
- Chat
- Share your screen
Please contact IT Services to obtain a Zoom License in the the Canadian Tenant.
Matrix
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Microsoft Teams |
BlueJeans |
Big Blue
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Zoom |
| Description | A video conferencing solution that creates a shared workspace by combining chat, meetings, file sharing and business apps. Hosted and backed up in Canada. |
A web-based video conferencing tool servicing a broad range of video conferencing needs. Hosted and backed up in Canada. | An open source web conferencing system for online learning. Currently integrated with Moodle at TRU. Hosted and backed up in Canada as well as backed up at TRU. |
A cloud-based video conferencing platform designed for webinars, online training, demonstrations and remote meetings. Now licensing can be obtain so hosted and backed up in Canada. |
| Typical Use Scenario | I need to collaborate with colleagues or group members --or-- I have a presentation or class session that I would like to share live with a group of people |
I need to collaborate with colleagues or group members --or-- I have a presentation or class session that I would like to share live with a group of people |
Recommended for smaller groups -- I need to collaborate with colleagues or group members --or-- I have a presentation or class session that I would like to share live with a group of people |
I need to collaborate with colleagues or group members --or-- I have a presentation or class session that I would like to share live with a group of people |
| TRU Recommended Use | Internal meetings and large virtual classes |
Confidential meetings involving external participants or large virtual classes that require a dial-in connection |
Virtual classroom instruction | When other solutions do not fit |
| Recording Capability? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Maximum participants (per meeting) | 300 with video and audio. View-only allows for up to 10,000 listen-only participants to join | 150 | 50 (no more than 3-4 cameras on) |
300 |
| Who can set up a meeting? | Any TRU Employee via Outlook |
Any TRU Employee with an account (request via IT Service Desk) or departmental admin. |
Any TRU Employee who is an instructor in a Moodle course --or-- via web link --or-- Any TRU Employee who has a Mattermost account |
Anybody (Staff / Faculty request license via IT Service Desk) |
| Video/Audio | Interactive web audio-video from all participants |
Interactive web audio-video from all participants |
Interactive web audio-video from all participants |
Interactive web audio-video from all participants |
| Shared Presentation? | From any participant (moderator can control) | From any participant (moderator can control) | From any participant (moderator can control) | From any participant (moderator can control) |
| Dial-in Audio Capability? | Yes, request for additional licence via IT Service Desk |
Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Chat | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Computer Platforms Supported | Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Meeting Management | Allows for breakout groups. Easily allows presentations with Powerpoint, whiteboard, and other Microsoft apps |
Allows for breakout groups |
Allows for breakout groups |
Allows for breakout groups |
| Multi-user whiteboard and file upload for presentations |
Multi-user whiteboard and file upload for presentations |
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| Hand-raise feature |
Hand-raise feature |
Hand-raise feature |
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| Dynamic polls | Dynamic polls | |||
| Meetings can be made available to both internal and external participants via a link |
Meetings can be made available to both internal and external participants via a link |
Meetings can be made available to both internal and external participants via a link |
Meetings can be made available to both internal and external participants via a link |
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| What do I need? | Software and Web Camera/Mic equipped desktop or laptop |
Software and Web Camera/Mic equipped desktop or laptop --or-- Standards- based HD Video Equipped Conference or Class Room (e.g., OL 127 or WL 1260) |
Software and Web Camera/Mic equipped desktop or laptop |
Software and Web Camera/Mic equipped desktop or laptop --or-- Standards- based HD Video Equipped Conference or Class Room (e.g., OL 127 or WL 1260) |
| App | Can access via the mobile or desktop application |
Can access via the mobile or desktop application |
Can access via Chrome or Firefox web browser |
Can access via the mobile or desktop application |
| Security | Complies with TRU Privacy and Security standards |
Complies with TRU Privacy and Security standards |
Complies with TRU Privacy and Security standards |
New Canadian Tenant license *Free and personally obtained licenses are NOT compliant and cannot be used* |
| Recorded sessions stored and backed up in Canada |
Recorded sessions stored and backed up in Canada |
Recorded sessions stored and backed up in Canada |
Recorded sessions MAY NOT be stored and backed up in Canada |