The Qatar University has deployed state-of-the-art web conferencing and collaboration tools that will enable its 17,000-plus student and staff community to host or join online meetings with audio, video and application sharing capabilities from their computer, smartphone or tablet devices.
This is the second deployment of Cisco collaborative solutions that QU has implemented in less than a year. It was in March 2013 that the university announced the deployment of Cisco Jabber to enable its community to connect, communicate and collaborate from any workspace, whether a PC, Mac or iPad, or mobile device.
The highlights of Cisco WebEx collaborative technology solutions, which have been deployed now, include minimising costs and optimising IT resources. The solutions are delivered through the Cisco WebEx Cloud.
Comprising Cloud TelePresence, Enterprise Instant Messaging, Enterprise Social Software and Web Conferencing, the solutions will help QU students and staff to collaborate with anyone globally - anywhere, anytime, on any device - thereby simplifying communications and also enhancing productivity.
Some departments on the campus are now utilising Cisco WebEx to conduct job interviews where interviewees can use landline, smart devices or laptops for audio or video calls at no cost to the candidate.
The IT departments on campus are now using the solutions to support end-users and to receive support from vendors thereby avoiding time-consuming site visits and also allowing them to provide support for extended hours.
The Campus Network Services is using the solution to conduct training regardless of whether the trainers and trainees are located on or off campus. Such training was utilised recently to launch the SMS Service at QU.
QU staff and faculty members can host or initiate a WebEx meeting with other members of the QU community and also non-QU individuals who can participate by clicking onto the meeting URL.
On a request basis, some users will be allowed to initiate meetings using their desk phones and participants will be able to join by dialing QU’s special WebEx number 4403-6666 if off-campus (Ext 6666 only while on campus), with a meeting ID.
Cisco partnered with Mannai Networks to architect, build and support the deployment at QU.
Dr Khalid Naji, associate vice president for Facilities & ITS at Qatar University, said the strategic collaboration with Cisco is ensuring that QU is leading the way with innovative, ground-breaking technology.
