Overview
The Department of Treasury and Finance (DTF) provides a conference bridging service (ConferWest) for government agencies and not-for-profit organisations.
Multipoint bridging features
Multipoint Conference Unit (MCU) is a networking device that allows multiple remote video and telephone sites to participate in a single conference call, combining audio, data and video.
The MCU’s current capacity is as follows.
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48 ISDN ports that allow connection for sites with videoconference equipment using a digital network.
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24 audio ports that allow telephone only conferences and telephone conferences in combination with video conferences.
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28 Internet Protocol (IP) ports that allow connection for sites with video conferencing equipment using high-speed Internet access.
The management of the MCU resources is conducted via a Conference Reservation and Control System (CRCS). CRCS allows the conference bookings to be downloaded on the MCU. While processing the bookings, CRCS schedules tasks and performs conflict resolution to ensure the MCU resources are available and that selected sites have the ability to participate.
Conference booking, initiation and monitoring
ConferWest clients have access to an electronic document to book their conferences. Upon receipt of this document, ConferWest verifies that all details are correct. The information is then transferred to the CRC system that in turn, downloads the conference onto the MCU ready for the scheduled date and time.
ConferWest initiates each conference by liaising with the conference organiser/chairperson and confirming the status of participating sites. This service also identifies issues relating to a site. Once the conference has commenced ConferWest technically monitors the conference for its entire duration.
Conference Management Tools
Additional features are available to assist clients with the presentation and management of conferences, these are listed as follows.
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Continuous presence that allows the conference to be viewed on a split screen with a maximum of four sites on the screen at any one time.
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Speed matching that allows locations to participate at different speeds (bandwidth) to others in the same conference.
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Universal Conference Control (UCC) that allows a conference manager to perform a wide variety of functions such as muting and un-muting sites, roll call and switching between voice activated and continuous presence screens.
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Auto scanning of sites that automatically shows the remote sites to the presenting site for a set interval on a rotational basis.
Consulting
Consulting services are available to help determine the needs, knowledge, experience and goals of clients.
The consulting service assists with:
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planning of the conference
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management of the conference
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practical solutions
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confidence building
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strengthening of relationships
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communication options
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creating visions
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achievement of goals.
