[Skip to Content]

Conferencing

Conferencing is how many meetings and events are held online.

Upstate-IMT provides some level of support for the three most popular platforms.

Which platform should you use?

On your desktop computer or mobile device, each of these platforms work well:

Benefits Webex MS Teams ZOOM
Free account for you yes yes no
Support level strong good minimal
Security* strong strong some
HIPAA compliance* yes yes yes
Popular use yes yes yes
Meeting length unlimited unlimited unlimited
Webinar option^ yes no no
Participants up to 1,000 up to 300 up to 300
Recordings yes yes yes
Brightspace integration** yes no no
Yuja auto-upload** yes no yes

*Effective security and HIPAA compliance rely on following security guidelines
**Please ask Ed Comm for assistance.
^Webinar format is perfect for presentations with a host/panelist-led format and view-only attendees, allowing interaction via Q&A, chat, and polls

FAQs

Expand all

In AV equipped conference rooms and classrooms, Webex is the preferred platform. Why?

In Cisco-equipped classrooms and conference rooms Webex is integrated into the room’s AV system. No computer or device is required to join a meeting. Simply touch the control screen, select Webex, and enter the meeting number.

Over 90% of technical problems with meetings in conference rooms are related to computer use to launch Zoom or Teams and connect to the proper video and audio devices. You can avoid that hassle by using Webex.

Where can I get help with using Webex?

You can always contact Educational Communications for help with Webex.
Here is a great Cisco resource for Webex help.

Using your free account: Webex or MS Teams?

Every Upstate student, faculty and staff have both a Microsoft 365 and a Cisco Webex account. Both platforms perform extremely well on mobile devices and the desktop.

  • If any participant in a meeting session is using an equipped classrooms or conference room, we highly recommend the use of Cisco Webex.
    • Webex is integrated into the rooms AV system hardware and does not require use of a computer for joining a meeting.
    • Any computer or mobile device can be shared with participants.
  • If everyone in the meeting is on their own device, use the platform of your choice.

What about Zoom?

Zoom accounts are available at a reduced cost through Ed Comm. Zoom also performs well on mobile devices and desktops. However, Zoom support is not available quickly if there are any issues. Although Zoom is not as secure as other platforms, you can take precautions to assure security and even HIPAA compliance.
Here are some tips for securing your Zoom meeting.

Can I use Zoom or MS Teams in classrooms or conference rooms?

Zoom and MS Teams can be used in updated classrooms and conference rooms, by logging into a connected computer and logging into your Zoom or Teams account on that computer. By selecting the “Call from Laptop” button on the control touch screen, your meeting will use the microphone, camera, and speakers in the room. If there is not a “Call from Laptop” button on the control screen, only Webex will work seamlessly in the room.

Are new updates planned for MS Teams and Zoom in classrooms and conference rooms?

Yes!  We are constantly bringing the latest technology to our AV systems!  However, as room systems age (and that happens constantly), some new features are not compatible.  The newest updates will make MS Teams and Zoom easier to use (without a computer) in some of our newest installations!

How do I use my Webex account?

All Upstate users have access to a Webex account and can get started by following these simple steps. If you need help, just let us know.

  • Install Webex from Software Center (if not already installed)
  • Go to upstate.webex.com and sign in with your Upstate username and password.
  • After that, just use your Upstate credentials to log into the Webex app anytime.
  • Webex is HIPAA compliant for telemedicine applications.
  • Webex is integrated into Brightspace for instructors teaching or meeting online.
  • There are a number of Webex resources to help you get the most out of Webex.

What is the difference between a web meeting and a webinar?

Web meetings (Webex, MS Teams, Zoom) are designed for collaborative, interactive sessions where all participants can share screens, video, and audio. Webex Webinars are for presentations with a host/panelist-led format and view-only attendees, allowing interaction via Q&A, chat, and polls. Webex allows up to 1,000 participants.
Help with using Webex Webinar can be found here.

You may contact Ed Comm for more help and information

Top