Well, it's here and available for download....but, what it is, do I need it, can I use it, and...DO I CARE????
ConferenceXP v3.0 Link is part of the ever growing Microsoft Research Division funded, at least in part, by The Learning Experience Project. If you've only used your Logitech Webcam or Netmeeting...then you don't know what you're missing...or....about to be a part of. In fact, BIG BROTHER might just be picking up a few pointers along the way.
Its basis is the development of wireless classrooms, collaboration and distance learning all while implementing wireless classroom networks as well as Tablet PC's. Microsoft, it seems, has finally learned that by teaming up with research organizations and universities it's end product can and will only benefit us all.
This project truly has the ability to FINALLY, once and for all, put to rest the notion that "IF IT WASN'T A BIG BROTHER IDEA...THEN IT'S WORTHLESS AND WE'LL SPEND $200,000,000.00 JUST TO PROVE IT TO YOU AND THE WORLD..." and the "IF IT IS BETTER...WE'LL REWRITE EVERYTHING WE HAVE JUST SO YOURS IS NOT COMPATIBLE ANYMORE" was always wrong.
This unique approach for BIG BROTHER allows them to develop a host of "collaborative" tools, applications and utilities (note the upcoming, much anticipated Spyware app) without spending all of the precious time and resources it would take had they started from ground zero. Additionally, we will ***should*** all benefit $$$ wise because this new approach drastically cuts the amount spent in R & D....or the lack thereof.
I just recently installed ConferenceXP and found this release to be everything they've claimed and then some. The list of claims and enhancements alone peaked my interest:
To view the list go here Link.
THE CLAIMS:
1. More Reliable and More Powerful.
2. Easier to Use (a definate bi-product of the "collaborative" structure).
If you're like me...I don't really recall ever using these phrases in the same sentence with BIG BROTHER (note XP SP2, just as a small example) We don't need to mention WIN ME or the 12,495,943 hotfixes I have for almost every BIG BROTHER application I own....but, enough about the bad times.....let's give them at least 1 more chance!!!
I can see a real future in this version of ConferenceXP. Not only educationally, and Lord knows we need all the help there we can get, but also medically (note the recent disasters in 3rd world countries that could benefit from ultra fast medical responses)>> technically (note the not to distant electrical outage in the midwest and northeastern states). The list is really endless if you let your mind wonder a bit and not just disaster related.
Most of all, though, I have to say that I'm proud of BIG BROTHER for not only taking on the new approach, but for admitting it, and actually, for bragging about their use of outside resources. Who knows....maybe BIG BROTHER is finally ready to rid themselves of their self-made "YOU'LL TAKE WHAT I GIVE YOU and LIKE IT" mentality and start helping us all out.
That would surely make LIL SISTER happy!!!!!
Check out the Message Boards Link
To download and install
System Requirements: Link
ConferenceXP Client: Link
Archive Service 1.0 Beta: Link
ConferenceXP Source Code: Link