Video Conferencing Systems > Software

Group systems will be controlled by software. This will have been designed for the unit and is specific to it. Updating of the software is often possible. The update is usually downloaded from a central server.


Low-cost, computer-based systems will use conferencing and collaboration software available for the type of computer. A number of programs exist such as

• Microsoft NetMeeting,
• CUseeMe,
• VideoLink Pro
• Microsoft Messenger
• Etc

All programs can manage directories of users, initiate conferences, control sound and video as well as provide collaborative tools and application and file sharing. The hardware specification must meet the requirements of the software.


Desktop systems will often be supplied with specific, proprietary software which matches the hardware.


Some software is standards compliant, enabling users to conference with other Standards compliant systems, e.g. a PC running NetMeeting can conference with a group system or a desktop system running proprietary software. It may not be possible to use some features on the lower cost systems and the video quality may be poorer but basic conferencing will be possible.
Proprietary software will enable conferencing with other units as long as it is standards compliant.

Some software packages support the use of Directory Servers and connection via Gatekeepers.
Depending on the network you use, this may be an important feature. NetMeeting and many proprietary software packages support these services.

Windows Messenger, recently included with the Windows operating system, is part of a self-contained service that requires users at either end to have a version of Messenger installed.

Messenger relies on a service which can identify those you wish to contact and inform you if they are currently logged on to the service. It is possible to video and audio conference with contacts as well as share applications, chat and files. It is not possible to conference from Messenger to users on other systems or using other software. Other video conferencing software packages similarly require both near and far-ends to be using the same software.