Zoom and Google Meet announcement by US:IT

The first is that an RFP process to identify a full-featured web-conferencing platform to support communication, teaching, and learning was recently completed. The RFP resulted in the selection of  Zoom as the tool best positioned to support current and future UMS needs. The plan is to complete the initial implementation of Zoom no later than two weeks prior to the start of fall semester classes. Enterprise-wide licensing will cover all University students, faculty and staff with eventual integration with Blackboard, Kaltura, Google Calendar and single sign-on planned in the coming months. More details will be shared as we approach the full launch date.

The second update is relevant to anyone who currently uses Google Hangouts for ad-hoc web meetings. Google recently announced plans to migrate Hangouts users to a new tool, Google Meet, for video conferencing on May 21st. Hangouts will persist for text-based chats. You will find Google Meet to be visually similar to Hangouts with a few minor differences, but the tool should provide better video quality. Please note that Google Meet is currently only compatible with Chrome and Firefox browsers. Google has committed, however, to extending Google Meet functionality to Safari, Internet Explorer, and Edge in the near future.

While you will have the ability to use either tool for web-based video conferencing, we recommend Zoom to be used for scheduled meetings and larger gatherings, while Google Meet may be best suited for ad-hoc sessions. Both tools are also available as apps on mobile devices and have options for connecting to meetings via phone.

Please contact the IT Support Center at 581-2506 or 1-800-696-4357 if you have any questions.

Thank you,
The US:IT Team