Vidyo - a collaborative tool for planet CERN

CERN is moving to a new videoconferencing system called Vidyo

CERN’s videoconferencing service has a new look. The user-friendly, easy-to-access Vidyo system is replacing EVO and, by the end of 2012, will become CERN’s only official videoconferencing platform.

Since November 2011, the IT Department has been offering Vidyo to users of videoconferencing services. After a year alongside EVO, which pioneered the technology since the 90s, Vidyo is poised to take over. In January 2013, the IT Department 's technical-support services will be devoted entirely to assisting organizers and participants in videoconferences using Vidyo. But you don’t have to wait until 2013 - you can join the growing community of Vidyo users straight away!

Vidyo is fully integrated with Indico, so organizing or taking part in a videoconference from your office or meeting room is simplicity itself! “We wanted this new system to be easy to use,” says Thomas Baron of CERN’s audiovisual and collaborative services. “From now on, as soon as a meeting is created in Indico, the user can book a virtual Vidyo meeting room in parallel. All the information needed to connect to the videoconference is then supplied on the Indico page for the meeting.”

Vidyo lets users connect to videoconferences from any of CERN’s 70 meeting rooms, not only on conventional telephones, Mac computers or PCs running Windows or Linux, but also on tablets or smartphones operating iOS or Android. “It’s a multi-platform service,” says Baron. “It works whatever the connection medium!”

Vidyo is open to any CERN account-holder but unregistered participants can also be invited to take part. “Once a virtual meeting has been created,” says Baron, “the user is provided with a URL which can be simply sent to the other participants, who can connect and take part in the meeting without needing to log on.

The system also offers high video and audio quality, whatever the number of users. “CERN and its collaborators need a system capable of bringing together a large number of participants in each videoconference,” says Baron. “Vidyo fulfilled all the requirements imposed by the collaborative nature of the work done here.” Up to 1600 simultaneous connections are possible, with high-definition videos and good adaptability to network conditions.

Vidyo is set to evolve in the future. In 2013, it will be equipped with a bridge to Skype, new telephone access points and the possibility of recording or broadcasting videoconferences on the Internet. Why don't you have a look at its many functions yourselves? Whether it’s for a technical meeting with a supplier in Japan, a project review with the US and Italy, or a virtual tour of your facilities, Vidyo will bring you closer to your partners!