To provide a set of objectives for the development of a system-wide conferencing center model.

This model defines the functions, roles, flow of information, and service level expectations for the Commonwealth Conferencing Centers within the VCCS.

This model is applicable to all colleges and campuses within VCCS.

The conference center model consist of a suitable room and a collection of multimedia capable desktop computers. The facility should accommodate each customer's privacy and provide the facilities to reduce noise and interruption of other customers. The center shall contain the tools necessary to support a collaborative or individual experience in a networked environment.

This model will be modified, as required, by this fast changing technology.

Commonwealth conferencing centers will use the existing campus networks and Net.Work.Virginia as the methods of transporting video, audio and data between desktops, servers and/or conference room video systems. Use of the ITU H.323 Video/Audio and ITU T.120 Data Sharing Standards will ensure interoperability among systems.

The available bandwidth, video/audio hardware and encoding and/or decoding compression rates will affect achievable expectations for the video quality. All of these variables affect what we see, hear and share.

The components in the Commonwealth Conferencing Center include:

Center:

An area suitable for desktop multimedia enabled personal computers, in an appropriate setting for individual separation. The room should be wired with category 5 cabling, electrical power, telephone, and access to the campus network and Net.Work.Virginia.

Personal Computer:

A H.323 based codec and video software with a suitably sized monitor, speakers/headphones, microphone, camera, and T.120 data sharing software for video conferencing. A software decoder for MPEG 1 & 2 quality video streaming support may also be included.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Technical support:

Level 1: College staff/faculty will support lab configuration, installations, user documentation, training and troubleshooting. College technical support staff will ensure local area network will support number of proposed conferencing center PC's.

Level 2: The VCC Utility Help Desk will be responsible for basic troubleshooting and are expected to resolve routine problems related to video services solve most minor problems immediately, and refer more complex problems to the appropriate product specialist as quickly as possible. Repetitive problems should be brought to the attention of the Utility Product Specialist.

Level 3: The Utility Product Specialist will work with college support staff and vendors to research complex and non-routine problems. Additionally, the Utility Product Specialist will be responsible for the following: distributing configuration information, updates and testing new releases with the consulting support of Advanced Technology Engineers.

Usage:

Individual staff/faculty/student will be responsible for learning how to use the technology and access security mechanisms.

Access/Availability:

An individual should be able to use conferencing center capabilities anytime, based on the availability of conferencing center resources. Pre-scheduled video events may be supported, at the discretion of the college.

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