NetMeeting 2.1

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This chapter provides an overview of Microsoft® NetMeeting™, so that you can gain a better understanding of its many advanced features and functions. Also, you can review some ideas for using this communications and conferencing product and learn more about the Microsoft NetMeeting 2.1 Software Development Kit (SDK).

Overview

NetMeeting helps small and large organizations take full advantage of the global reach of the Internet or corporate intranet for real-time communications and collaboration. Connecting to other NetMeeting users is made easy with the Microsoft Internet Locator Server (ILS), enabling participants to call each other from a dynamic directory within NetMeeting or from a Web page. While connected on the Internet or corporate intranet, participants can communicate with both audio and video, work together on virtually any Windows®-based application, exchange or mark-up graphics on an electronic whiteboard, transfer files, or use the text-based chat program.

The Microsoft NetMeeting 2.1 Software Development Kit enables developers to integrate this conferencing functionality directly into their applications or Web pages. This open development environment supports international communication and conferencing standards and enables interoperability with products and services from multiple vendors.

What's New in NetMeeting 2.1

As the leading Internet conferencing solution, Microsoft NetMeeting has become the key building block for vendors of conferencing products and services. NetMeeting 2.1 is the most recent product release, which is designed to support new technology featured in Windows 98, including DirectX™5, universal serial bus (USB) video cameras, and the new video device driver model. NetMeeting 2.1 is packaged as part of Windows 98, but is designed to run also as a stand-alone product on Windows 95 and Windows NT 4.0 (with Service Pack 3) operating systems.

NetMeeting 2.1 includes the following enhancements:

  • Enhanced interoperability with H.323 devices. NetMeeting 2.1 infrastructure changes improve interoperability with new H.323 devices, including gateways and Multipoint Conferencing Units (MCUs). These changes include the ability to initiate a call using the H.323 calling model instead of the T.120 calling model. Users will not notice any visible differences resulting from these internal NetMeeting changes, although connections may happen more quickly in some cases.

  • Support for Windows 98 application sharing. NetMeeting 2.1 enhances application sharing functions to ensure support for Windows 98 device driver model changes and special multiple monitor support.

  • DirectX 5 support. DirectX is a set of technologies that enable faster access to hardware in Windows. DirectX 5 is the latest version of DirectX and is available for Windows 95 only. Installing the DirectSound component of DirectX 5 on your computer (with a compatible audio device) significantly reduces the latency of sending or receiving audio over the Internet using NetMeeting. For example, Microsoft testing of a typical audio scenario in NetMeeting 2.0 showed an average delay of 590 milliseconds end-to-end; with NetMeeting 2.1 and DirectSound, Microsoft found that this same audio scenario resulted in an average delay of 160 milliseconds end-to-end.

    DirectSound modifies the multimedia APIs in Windows 95, replacing your existing sound card driver with a new DirectX driver. The new DirectX driver supports DirectSound record and playback APIs (and also supports the existing driver functions). Users can install the DirectSound component of DirectX 5 from the NetMeeting Web site at https://www.microsoft.com/technet/archive/netmeeting/default.mspx?mfr=true  .

    Because DirectX drivers are often installed with games, many users may have DirectX capabilities already. Users must upgrade to DirectX 5, because older versions of DirectX do not support NetMeeting 2.1. To identify your DirectX version, double-click the DirectX icon in Control Panel. 

    Note Some DirectX sound drivers do not support full-duplex audio. When you upgrade your existing driver to a DirectSound driver, you may lose this capability. Removing DirectX restores your original configuration. 

  • Outlook bar. A new Outlook™ bar gives NetMeeting a consistent "look and feel" with Microsoft Outlook 97 and Outlook Express. This Outlook bar provides easy access to frequently used NetMeeting functions, including Directory, SpeedDail, Current Call, and History. 

NetMeeting Features

NetMeeting 2.1 is fully compatible with NetMeeting 1.0 and 2.0, and with applications and solutions that use the NetMeeting SDK for the Windows 95 operating system. With its first release, NetMeeting 1.0 transformed the everyday telephone call into a richer and more effective tool. For the first time, people could use voice communication to interact and collaborate over the Internet. Also, this product was the first to introduce multipoint data conferencing capabilities based on the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) T.120 standard.

NetMeeting 2.0 was the next major release of this award-winning multimedia communications client. Building on NetMeeting 1.0 audio and data conferencing capabilities, NetMeeting 2.0 integrated a number of new features, as well as improved functionality and user interface enhancements.

The following key features distinguish NetMeeting:

Internet phone/H.323 standards-based audio support. Real-time, point-to-point audio conferencing over the Internet or corporate intranet enables you to make voice calls to associates and organizations around the world. NetMeeting audio conferencing offers many features, including half-duplex and full-duplex audio support for real-time conversations, automatic microphone sensitivity level setting to ensure that meeting participants hear each other clearly, and microphone muting, which lets users control the audio signal sent during a call. This audio conferencing supports network TCP/IP connections.

Support for the H.323 protocol enables interoperability between NetMeeting and other H.323-compatible audio clients. The H.323 protocol supports the ITU G.711 and G.723 audio standards and Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) RTP and RTCP specifications for controlling audio flow to improve voice quality. On MMX-enabled computers, NetMeeting uses the MMX-enabled audio codecs to improve performance for audio compression and decompression algorithms. This will result in lower CPU use and improved audio quality during a call.

H.323 standards-based video conferencing. With NetMeeting, a user can send and receive real-time visual images with another conference participant using any video for Windows-compatible equipment. They can share ideas and information face-to-face, and use the camera to instantly view items, such as hardware or devices, that the user chooses to display in front of the lens. Combined with the audio and data capabilities of NetMeeting, a user can both see and hear the other conference participant, as well as share information and applications. This H.323 standard-based video technology is also complaint with the H.261 and H.263 video codecs.

NetMeeting video conferencing includes the following features:

  • Participants can switch audio and video to another person during a meeting. This feature makes it easy for users to communicate with many different people. 

  • During a meeting, participants can remotely adjust the video image quality, balancing the need for higher quality or faster performance. 

  • Users can dynamically change the size of the video window to reduce or enlarge the image being sent to another person.

  • In the NetMeeting main window, the video preview and receive windows are integrated on the Current Call window. Users can view these video windows from Current Call, or drag them to a different location on the desktop.

  • Users can choose whether or not to transmit video immediately when a call starts. Also, they can pause or resume sending or receiving video by pressing a button in the video window frame. 

  • NetMeeting automatically balances the performance and quality of video during a meeting based on the speed of the network connection, providing the highest quality, lowest bandwidth video capabilities. 

  • Administrators can control access to video features using NetMeeting system polices. To learn more about setting system policies, see Chapter 5, "System Policies."

  • On MMX-enabled computers, NetMeeting uses the MMX-enabled video codecs to improved performance for video compression and decompression algorithms. 

  • Support for H.323 conference servers and gateways (currently being developed by leading vendors) will enable NetMeeting users to participate in meetings with multiple audio and video connections. 

Intelligent Audio/Video Stream Control. NetMeeting features intelligent control of the audio and video stream, which automatically balances the load for network bandwidth, CPU use, and memory use. This intelligent stream control ensures that audio, video, and data are prioritized properly, so that NetMeeting maintains high-quality audio while transmitting and receiving data and video during a call. Through system policy features, IS organizations can configure the stream control services to limit the bandwidth used for audio and video on a per-client basis during a meeting. For more information about limiting bandwidth usage, see Chapter 10, "Network Bandwidth Considerations."

Multipoint data conferencing. Two or more users can communicate and collaborate as a group in real time. Participants can share applications, exchange information through a shared clipboard, transfer files, collaborate on a shared whiteboard, and use a text-based chat feature. Also, support for the T.120 data conferencing standard enables interoperability with other T.120-based products and services.

The following features comprise multipoint data conferencing:

  • Application sharing. A user can share a program running on one computer with other participants in the conference. Participants can review the same data or information, and see the actions as the person sharing the application works on the program (for example, editing content or scrolling through information.) Participants can share Windows-based applications transparently without any special knowledge of the application capabilities.

    The person sharing the application can choose to collaborate with other conference participants, and they can take turns editing or controlling the application. Only the person sharing the program needs to have the given application installed on their computer. 

  • Shared clipboard. The shared clipboard enables a user to exchange its contents with other participants in a conference using familiar cut, copy, and paste operations. For example, a participant can copy information from a local document and paste the contents into a shared application as part of a group collaboration.

  • File transfer. With the file transfer capability, a user can send a file in the background to one or all of the conference participants. When one user drags a file into the main window, the file is automatically sent to each person in the conference, who can then accept or decline receipt. This file transfer capability is fully compliant with the T.127 standard. 

  • Whiteboard. Multiple users can simultaneously collaborate using the whiteboard to review, create, and update graphic information. The whiteboard is object-oriented (versus pixel-oriented), enabling participants to manipulate the contents by clicking and dragging with the mouse. In addition, they can use a remote pointer or highlighting tool to point out specific contents or sections of shared pages. 

  • Chat. A user can type text messages to share common ideas or topics with other conference participants, or record meeting notes and action items as part of a collaborative process. Also, participants in a conference can use chat to communicate in the absence of audio support. A new "whisper" feature lets a user have a separate, private conversation with another person during a group chat session.

Internet Locator Server (ILS). Replacing the NetMeeting 1.0 User Location Service (ULS), the Microsoft ILS for NetMeeting expands existing server technology to provide more advanced directory services, higher scaleability, and better performance standards (LDAP). The ILS enables users to locate each other for conferencing. Users can view the ILS directory from within NetMeeting or a Web page and review a list of people currently running NetMeeting. Then, they can choose to connect to one or more of the listed users or select another user by typing the user's location information. For more information about the ILS, see the Web site at https://www.backoffice.microsoft.com/  .

NetMeeting can detect whether a server is available and automatically attempt to log on in the background, without user intervention. If a user disconnects and then logs on again later, NetMeeting automatically logs on to the specified ILS.

LDAP standard support. The Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) is an Internet standard that defines the protocol for directory access. NetMeeting uses LDAP to access the ILS and perform server transactions, including logging on and off, creating a directory listing of all available users, and resolving a particular user's address information, such as the IP address. This standards-based approach to directories facilitates interoperability and allows organizations to implement compatible servers.

Support for Windows NT Workstation 4.0. Windows NT® users can communicate and collaborate with each other and with users of NetMeeting 1.0 and on Windows 95. Functionality of NetMeeting, including audio, video, and multiuser data conferencing for electronic whiteboard, text-based chat, and file transfer, is supported for Windows NT. Windows NT Service Pack 3 is required for a Windows NT user to share applications.

System Policies. Administrators can implement NetMeeting system policies to control user and computer privileges. Using system policies, they can pre-define settings and restrictions, such as preventing the use of audio features, and provide standard configurations for their user community. New system policies include the ability to limit the network bandwidth for audio and video streams. To learn more about setting system policies, see Chapter 5, "System Policies."

User interface enhancements. One of the goals of NetMeeting was to enhance the existing user interface. Functions are easier to locate, view, and use. Enhancements focus on these areas:

  • Call windows within the NetMeeting main window make it easy to connect to other users and participate in the current call. Four windows let users see a variety of information, such as the directory of all people currently logged onto the directory server and their audio/video capabilities, SpeedDial entries and their status, the users participating in the current call, or a history log of all received calls. 

  • Users can filter the directory entries to more easily find and connect with people. For example, users can filter the entries to identify only people currently participating in a call or only people with audio and video capabilities. Also, users can choose one of three user categories—personal, business, or adults-only—as an additional filter to show only people who selected the same user category.

  • To more fully integrate with Microsoft Internet Explorer, NetMeeting now includes a new Go menu for accessing Web-based directory information, as well as Internet Mail and News. Users can connect to other people from a Web-based directory view by entering the user's e-mail address, specifying their IP address, or typing the user's machine name.

  • Refined NetMeeting Options tabs and wizards make it easier to set up and configure the NetMeeting environment. A new Calling tab lets a user choose directory and SpeedDial options. Additionally, an H.323 gateway calling option lets a NetMeeting user connect to a person by using a telephone number. 

  • A graphical interface similar to the one in Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0 including a common toolbar, makes it easier to move between applications that are part of the Internet Explorer suite. The toolbar is context-sensitive, displaying the most appropriate options based on the active window. 

  • The host computer lets the meeting originator hang up on one or more meeting participants, so people can be removed from the call more easily within conference groups. 

  • E-mail messaging gives users the option of sending e-mail to people who are not available for conferencing. NetMeeting uses MAPI to start a mail client of choice, automatically adds the subject information, and then includes a SpeedDial shortcut so that the person can easily call back later. 

NetMeeting Mail Extension. NetMeeting includes a mail extension that works with Microsoft Outlook and Exchange mail clients, enabling a user to place a call directly from a menu in the mail client based on entries in the mail address book. This feature gives people the flexibility to use their e-mail client to send a mail message or invoke a real-time meeting from the same mail address book. A NetMeeting system policy enables system administrators to specify the Exchange attribute for the NetMeeting address. For more information about setting this system policy, see Chapter 5, "System Policies."

Using NetMeeting to Work More Efficiently

NetMeeting is changing the way people communicate and collaborate on the Internet and corporate intranets by expanding the situations in which the PC is used. With its rich set of audio, video, and data conferencing features, this product has proven its effectiveness for management groups, developers, and user communities worldwide.

The following table describes several scenarios that demonstrate how you can use NetMeeting to work and communicate more efficiently.

In the past...

Today, with NetMeeting...

Virtual meetings

 

A problem with a part on a manufacturing line could have taken several days to resolve. An engineer might have needed to fly to the factory, inspect the part, and diagnose the problem.

Participants can conference remotely or from different locations and conduct meetings as if everyone were in the room.
Engineers and factory representatives can hold a conference without traveling to another location. They can view the part on camera, share engineering specifications, and discuss the problem.
If an administrator disables audio features using NetMeeting system policies, other support engineers can participate in the conference using the company's existing PBX phone system for audio support.

Document collaboration

 

Negotiating a contract might have taken days, weeks, or even months, as companies faxed legal documents back and forth with their changes. Valuable time was spent as accounting, legal, and management representatives each provided their input to the negotiation.

Two or more participants can work together and collaborate on documents or information in real time.
With application sharing, accounting, legal, and management representatives can instantly collaborate on the contract. Each person can provide input, update text, or graphics, and discuss contract details.

Customer Service

 

If a customer wanted more information about a Web site but had only one telephone line, the customer would have to close the Internet connection before dialing.

From a Web site, customer service representatives can communicate directly with their user community and share important information.
The ActiveX® control enables developers to add conferencing directly to Web pages. With the click of a button, a customer can reach a service representative in person. The representative can share information about products and services and promote sales opportunities.

Telecommuting

 

On business travel to conferences and client sites, corporate managers who needed to convey vital information to their teams would have relied on telephone calls, faxes, and e-mail.

While on the road or in remote locations, data conferencing capabilities enable users to extend beyond voice or e-mail.
A manager can participate in a virtual meeting, give a presentation, or share applications without being in the office. For example, a manager could remotely share a PowerPoint presentation. Because NetMeeting interoperates with other T.120 products, a manager can interact with team members at worldwide locations using existing T.120 multipoint connection units (MCUs).

Distance Learning

 

For specialized training, an employee might have to travel to a corporate learning center or other distant location. Companies incurred the cost of traveling, training, and staff hours.

Corporations can disseminate presentations or educational information over the Internet or intranets.
Students can participate in an interactive learning session. A teacher can present the class, and then hold discussion groups or interact with individual students. Training can incorporate video instruction for complex processes and application sharing for additional class demonstration. To facilitate large conference groups, NetMeeting can also interoperate with standards-based conferencing bridges.

Technical Support

 

A help-desk representative might have spend hours with a customer attempting to understand and diagnose a problem. The customer would have explained the symptoms, and the representative would have to duplicate the customer's scenario without actually "seeing" the problem.

Support organizations can view a situation on a remote computer and correct a problem during the support call without traveling to a remote location.
Help-desk personnel can use the application sharing features of NetMeeting to remotely observe a user's computer and take corrective actions in real time.

Communication and Conferencing Standards

NetMeeting is based on standards from the ITU, the same group that set standards for modems and the global telephone system. As a result, NetMeeting users can communicate with people using products on different platforms and from different vendors. In contrast, some Internet products are proprietary and leave their users stranded, able to talk only to people with the same product.

Broad support of standards ensures interoperability among solutions from different vendors. For example, the telephone industry uses a set of international standards to ensure that a person making a telephone call can connect to another person regardless of the manufacturer of either phone handset. Support for audio, data, and video conferencing standards will provide the same transparent interoperability that customers expect.

NetMeeting supports the following industry standards that the ITU or IETF have ratified or proposed:

  • T.120. ITU set of protocols for transport-independent, multipoint data conferencing. This standard also integrates with H.320 and H.324 protocols. 

  • H.323. ITU set of protocols for audio, video, and data conferencing over TCP/IP networks. This standard includes RTP and RTCP and integrates with T.120, H.261, H.263, G.711, and G.723 protocols. 

  • RTP/RTCP. IETF packet format for sending real-time information across the Internet. 

  • LDAP. IETF set of protocols for directory access. 

For more information about the standards that NetMeeting supports, see Chapter 8, "Conferencing Standards."

Software Development Kit

Third-party software developers, solution providers, and Web professionals can take full advantage of NetMeeting features and functions to open new market opportunities. The NetMeeting SDK provides a set of standard APIs, so that developers can integrate conferencing capabilities with other applications using C, C++, or Visual Basic. This product enables transparent integration of rich multimedia communications capabilities with third-party products. Developers can extend the functionality of NetMeeting to add capabilities, such as a business card exchange, or to add conferencing functions to existing applications.

In addition, the NetMeeting SDK includes an ActiveX control for conferencing, allowing Web site creators to integrate this functionality directly into their pages. Also, they can integrate the ActiveX control for conferencing with other ActiveX scripting solutions, such as JavaScript and Visual Basic Scripting Edition.

The NetMeeting SDK is available for download from the Web site at https://www.microsoft.com/technet/archive/netmeeting/default.mspx?mfr=true  .

For More Information

Additional information about NetMeeting is available from the Web site at https://www.microsoft.com/technet/archive/netmeeting/default.mspx?mfr=true ** **.