Online Conferencing Software
The times when a blackboard and a piece of chalk were enough for a lecture are long gone. With the advent of technology, teachers began to use first slide projectors and then multimedia presentations.
However, today these tools are no longer effective enough. In the age of IT and increasing digitalization, lecturers often need to share the desktop with students in real time to make the learning process more engaging, keep an audience on the same page, improve communication and eliminate the need for students to download digital study material prior to or during lectures.
Challenge
However, today these tools are no longer effective enough. In the age of IT and increasing digitalization, lecturers often need to share the desktop with students in real time to make the learning process more engaging, keep an audience on the same page, improve communication and eliminate the need for students to download digital study material prior to or during lectures.
The urgency for a digital communication tool that would allow lecturers to share screens in real time, transfer photo and video learning materials hassle-free and manage presentations becomes absolutely clear, especially amid the global rise of e-learning fueled by COVID-19.
Solution
The system includes the following user interfaces:
- A client desktop application for screen sharing;
- A server desktop application for screen sharing management;
- A web application for user and screen sharing management;
- A client application that allows users to view the shared screen via the link in any browser.
The features of the client desktop application include:
- View presenter’s desktop — once a user gets the sharing link, they can insert it in the app and view the shared screen;
- Remote control — depending on the sharing type, app users can not only share their screen but also provide remote control access to their desktops.
The server desktop application is designed for the lecturer and furnished with the following screen-sharing management features:
- Desktop sharing — presenters can share their desktops by simply generating the link and providing it to the viewers. Viewers just need to open the link in the client application or any browser to view the lecturer’s screen content by means of an HTML 5 client.
- Sharing mode — lecturers can select one of the screen-sharing modes:
- Desktop — sharing the entire desktop with the viewers;
- Application — viewers can see only the area of the application;
- Region — presenters can select a region of the screen to share.
- Pause sharing — lecturers can pause presentations. In the application mode, screen sharing automatically stops when the user minimizes or overlaps the application. In this case, the system will notify the user that the presentation is paused.
- Schedule sharing — presenters can schedule presentations when generating the link. Therefore, even having the link, the viewers will be able to get access to the presentation only at a specified time.
- Sharing management — allows presenters to manage the screens being shared.
- User management — lecturers can view the list of viewers and disconnect certain users from screen-sharing.
- Sharing management — users can create new screen sharings and manage the existing ones: pause, delete, edit, stop presentations, etc.
- User management — the app provides basic user and password management functionality.
Softarex’s online conferencing software implements data transfer through several sockets simultaneously, which significantly increases the speed of the system. The system outperforms popular video conferencing software such as WebEx, GoToMeeting in data rate.
Project Results
- More easily manageable screen sharing;
- Accelerated data transmission speed;
- More accessible and convenient education process.
Technical challenges
- Development of a solution that will allow users to share the desktop with up to 1000 viewers at a time;
- Development of functionality that will cover both in-class and distance learning needs.
Our experts
We are experts in software and hardware engineering. By using and combining cutting edge technologies, we create unique solutions that transform industries.
Softarex is a one-stop-shop, providing all services needed to make your project a success.
Maxim
System Architect and Delivery Manager
In over 10 years of my professional career, I have developed, architected, and managed dozens of projects for the Manufacturing & Energy, Restaurant & Hospitality, Aviation, and IT industries. I have hands-on experience with Mobile technology, Computer vision, Machine learning, Predictive modeling, Cloud computing, and SaaS.
I managed the development of a Computer vision-based kitchen management system for a large restaurant chain. We did a great job on this project, and I consider it the highlight of my career.
Sergey
System Architect and Delivery Manager
My main responsibility as a Delivery Manager is to make sure that a product is delivered on time and within budget. To achieve that, I seek to create an encouraging environment for the team, where everyone can improve their skills, feel appreciated and, thus, produce greater value.
The use of Agile tools and techniques helps me organize the teamwork more effectively and transparently. Throughout my career, I have also been actively architecting, designing, and implementing software solutions — mostly web and desktop applications — for the Healthcare, Manufacturing & Energy industries that help companies and organizations streamline day-to-day business operations.