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Apache OpenMeetings
Is a open-source web conferencing platform developed by the Apache Software Foundation. It provides a wide array of features, including video conferencing, instant messaging, whiteboard functionality, collaborative document editing, and other groupware tools. OpenMeetings leverages the API functions of Media Server for Remoting and Streaming Kurento to deliver its multimedia capabilities. The project operates under the Apache Software Foundation, keeping continuous updates and community-driven development.
FOSS (Free and Open Source Software) Advantages
As a FOSS project, Apache OpenMeetings offers several advantages. Its open-source nature means the software is free to use, distribute, and modify. This allows organizations to customize the platform to meet their specific needs and integrate it with other systems. The absence of licensing fees reduces the total cost of ownership, making it an attractive option for businesses and individuals with budget constraints. Additionally, the open-source community provides ongoing support, updates, and security patches, helping the platform remain secure. The source code is transparently available, allowing anyone to audit and contribute to the project
Self-Hosting Capabilities
OpenMeetings is designed to be self-hosted, granting users complete control over their data and infrastructure. Self-hosting means you can install and run the software on your own servers, whether on-premises or in the cloud. This provides security and privacy, as data does not need to be stored on third-party servers. Organizations can tailor the hosting environment to comply with specific regulatory requirements and internal policies. The self-hosting capability also allows for greater customization and scalability, ensuring the platform can grow with the organization's needs.
Highlights
OpenMeetings offers a range of features that cater to various collaboration needs:
- Audio and Video Conferencing: High-quality audio and video conferencing for real-time communication.
- Meeting Recording and Screen Sharing: Record sessions, share desktops or specific windows, with options for different quality settings.
- File Explorer: An integrated file explorer within each conference room, featuring drag-and-drop functionality for easy file management. It includes both private and public drives for file storage and sharing.
- Moderating System: Comprehensive moderation tools that allow hosts to manage user permissions, including control over audio, video, whiteboard access, and screen sharing.
- Multi-Whiteboard and Chat: Multiple whiteboard instances with drawing and writing tools, along with the ability to import various document formats.
- User and Room Management: Tools to manage users and organizations, with options to create users with API-only access.
- Private Message Center: A private messaging system for direct communication between users, with calendar integration for scheduling meetings.
- Integrated Calendar: Plan meetings and send invites, with automatic updates and notifications for participants.
- Polls and Votes: Conduct polls and votes during meetings to gather feedback and make decisions.
Comparison with Jitsi
Both Apache OpenMeetings and Jitsi are open-source web conferencing solutions, but they have distinct characteristics. Jitsi is known for its ease of use and simple setup, making it a popular choice for quick, ad-hoc meetings. It supports WebRTC, enabling browser-based conferencing without requiring plugins.
OpenMeetings, on the other hand, offers a more feature-rich environment with advanced moderation tools, file management, and user administration capabilities. While Jitsi is easier to deploy for basic conferencing, OpenMeetings provides greater flexibility and control for organizations with complex requirements. The choice between the two depends on the specific needs and technical expertise of the user.
Check it out here: https://openmeetings.apache.org