Acrobat Connect (WebMeeting): Frequently asked questions

Why does this application have so many names?

Macromedia Corporation developed this product originally, under the name of "Breeze."  Adobe Corporation bought Macromedia, and shortly afterward changed the name to "Acrobat Connect Professional (ACP)" -- however, you will still see it referenced as Breeze in screen menus and documents.  We call it "WebMeeting" because that describes what it does.  Use whatever name you prefer.

Will it work with both Windows PCs and Apple (Mac OS) systems?

Yes.  The application is compatible with both Windows and Mac systems.  You will need to install the Meeting Add-in for Windows or Macintosh Operating Systems, if you want to share your screen and upload files to meetings.  You should also consider the Outlook add-in to integrate WebMeeting scheduling with your Outlook calendar (installed "client" Outlook only, not Outlook Web Access).

Will it work with any kind of browser?

It will work with any browser that has a Flash plug-in (which is available for almost every major browser).   We have tested the application with Internet Explorer (Windows), Firefox (Mac, Windows), and Safari (Mac).   

What extra equipment will I need?

To listen to a meeting's audio, you will need either built-in computer speakers or a plug-in headset.  To talk to other participants, you will need a computer with a built-in microphone or a supplemental plug-in microphone.  You can watch others' video images on your screen, but to send your own you will need a webcam (USB1/2 plug-in or built-in). 

Note that the speed required for Web conferencing generally requires high-speed "broadband" access from remote sites (e.g., your home).  For more information on accessories and connectivity, click here.

How do I control who attends meetings?

When you set up a meeting, you have the status of host.  (For more on meeting roles, click here.)  The host controls the "invited" attendees by picking their names from a list.  Each invitee will receive an email with a link to the meeting, as part of the meeting set-up process.

Others, includiing those who log in as "guests," may attend on permission of the host.   A permission window will appear on the host's screen when such persons "arrive" at a meeting.  Alternatively, the meeting can been set to allow anyone with the meeting room URL to attend, in which case no permission is required at time of arrival.  (For more on meeting set-up, click here.)

Can I invite anyone in the Medical Center to a meeting using the application's built-in email?

Yes.   Everyone in the Medical Center with a Medical ID will appear in the built-in address book. 

Alternatively, you can use the Outlook add-in (if you are an Outlook user) and schedule WebMeeting events using Outlook's calendar features.  When you do that, you will access to every email address in the Global Address Listing for the Medical Center.

How do I control the look and feel of the meeting "space"?

In each attendee's browser, the meeting window is divided up into various spaces -- which, in the language of WebMeeting, are called "pods."  There may be pods for the host and presenter video, for chat, for a listing of persons currently "present," for a whiteboard or shared desktop, etc.

The host can pick from a set of default "templates" for the arrangement of these pods, or create a customized one of his or her own.  Sometimes all attendees at a meeting have the same pod arrangement; other times, the host may choose to exclude certain windows from all displays except his/her own.

Arranging pods is similar to setting up the tables and chairs for a physical meeting.  The "best" arrangement is a function of the type of meeting and personal taste.

How long do meeting spaces "last"?

While no one may be "in" a meeting space except during the time the meeting is scheduled, it remains available from the time the meeting is created until the meeting item is deleted by the host that created it.   This allows persons to arrive early or late, and still gain access to shared content associated with the meeting.

What are the limits on content uploaded to share with others?

We are not currently enforcing any limits on the size of files you upload to share with other meeting participants.  However, the meeting space is intended for temporary storage only.  Accordingly, files may be removed as soon as seven (7) days after uploading. 

What are the limits on meeting recordings?

As with shared files, we are currently not enforcing limits on recordings.  However, recordings can take up a great deal of space.  Just as with shared content, recordings will be removed as soon as seven (7) days after the recording is created. 

More information

See Adobe Connect (WebMeeting): Resources.