Handbook of Local Area Networks, 1998 Edition:Applications of LAN Technology Click Here! Search the site:   ITLibrary ITKnowledge EXPERT SEARCH Programming Languages Databases Security Web Services Network Services Middleware Components Operating Systems User Interfaces Groupware & Collaboration Content Management Productivity Applications Hardware Fun & Games EarthWeb sites Crossnodes Datamation Developer.com DICE EarthWeb.com EarthWeb Direct ERP Hub Gamelan GoCertify.com HTMLGoodies Intranet Journal IT Knowledge IT Library JavaGoodies JARS JavaScripts.com open source IT RoadCoders Y2K Info Previous Table of Contents Next Application Sharing. Application sharing is a key benefit of dataconferencing. An application such as Microsoft Excel is running on one computer in the dataconference with a specific spreadsheet open. Each participant in the conference can change the spreadsheet (see Exhibit 5-3-5). Exhibit 5-3-5.  Application Sharing For example, a dataconference includes participants A, B, C, and D. Computer A has Excel running with the annual budget spreadsheet displayed. Computers A, B, C, and D all display the budget spreadsheet, which each participant can edit. Machine B could change the revenue projection from $1 million to $2 million. Each of these changes is displayed on all four computers. In this example, the Excel program runs only on Computer A; in fact, machines B, C, and D may not have Excel loaded on the hard drive. Application sharing requires a chairperson to determine which conference participant is in control of the shared application at any given time. Application sharing involves cooperation between the participants. Connectivity for Conferencing A successful dataconference requires a robust, fast, and easy-to-use connection to pass data between all the participating computers. Connectivity has an impact on a dataconference in two ways: •  Ease of use. Difficulty connecting a computer to a conference discourages the use of dataconferencing. •  Performance. Performance is considered good when the computer display matches the voice conference. When people have to stop talking to wait for the screen to change, the conference is less effective. The primary factor affecting performance is the data transmission speed of the connection. The best connectivity solution varies depending on the type of dataconference being held and the local networks that are in place. For more details on the appropriate connectivity for a given solution, end-user support managers should contact a dataconferencing provider. Dataconferencing service providers can be invaluable in solving connectivity issues. First, they can support connections from a variety of methods, such as basic telephone service, ISDN, and Internet protocol over the Internet. Second, their technical assistance before and during the call helps ensure a productive, smooth conference. Conference administrators can set up test calls to each participant, help solve technical issues prior to the actual conference, and monitor the conference to ensure optimal quality. Dataconferencing Standards: T.120 By having an independent standard (T.120), software from different vendors (e.g., Databeam’s FarSite and Microsoft’s netMeeting) work together. Different packages working together is the key to widespread deployment and acceptance of dataconferencing. What Exactly Is T.120? T.120 is a series of International Telecommunications Union standards that specifies communications protocols, application protocols, and conference definitions needed to conduct dataconferences. The capabilities defined in T.120 include: •  Network transparency and independence. If a system has these capabilities, it does not need to know how the conferenced computers are connected. •  Conference control. This capability allows a system to start and stop a conference. •  Tokens. Tokens give control of a shared application to one computer at a time. •  Still-image exchange. This capability allows sharing of computer images. •  File transfer. This capability allows movement of files between conferenced computers. T.120 is the “stack” on which applications are written. The end-point applications and bridge provide the actual dataconference (see Exhibit 5-3-6). Exhibit 5-3-6.  The T.120 Stack Is the Basis for T.120 Endpoints and T.120-Based Bridges SUMMARY Multimedia teleconferencing represents a platform of solutions that could dramatically enhance the speed and flexibility with which people meet, communicate, and make decisions. Early adopters of these solutions will reap the benefits of improved productivity and create windows of opportunity their competitors cannot match. Although it will never replace face-to-face meetings, multimedia teleconferencing is certain to become a commonplace tool in most companies in the next decade. 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