Elluminate delivers an easily deployed Web conferencing solution with high-quality video Elluminate Live Version 8 takes this challenge seriously, delivering a meeting experience that I found was especially interactive for large groups and more productive when small groups collaborated.Based on Java, Elluminate’s meeting service plug-in quickly loaded and worked flawlessly on my Windows, Mac, Solaris, Red Hat Linux, and Novell SUSE Linux clients. (If you want to install an Elluminate server in-house, all aforementioned server OSes are supported). As a baseline, Elluminate provides what you’d expect of online collaboration systems. The default user interface (which has multiple layout presets) provides easy access to a whiteboard, application sharing, and Microsoft PowerPoint presentation functions. Full-duplex audio was crisp and clear, even over slow modem connections; you can also integrate a phone bridge – or have a mix of VoIP and teleconference. Moreover, I created quizzes (polls), allowed open and private chats, and gave control of applications to others. Version 8 improves this experience in several significant ways. For example, Elluminate adds high-quality video settings (with three sizes, up to 640 by 480 pixels); the large size would be ideal, say, in academic settings when conducting a medical or science demonstration. I especially liked the ability to grab a video frame, drag it to the whiteboard, and then mark it up with the various drawing tools.Elluminate also reduces housekeeping for presenters. For instance, when I displayed a Web site (Web Tour), the URL was automatically published as a live link to the chat session. Similarly, this Active Content feature worked when I typed links on the whiteboard.The Synchronized Notes is another unusual feature, and one that should keep your audience engaged. Put simply, attendees can take notes during a session in a separate window, with these notes saved on their computer. Then, when viewing a meeting recording, personal notes play back in sync with the presentation. Further, recordings are now indexed based on actions, such as slide changes, application sharing, or file transfers. Because this index is searchable, it speeded finding particular information during a playback. But perhaps the best interactive feature is Elluminate Live 8’s enhanced breakout rooms. As moderator, with a click, I created many rooms and placed audience members in these intimate settings. Each room has private audio and content (such as whiteboards and applications sharing). Moreover, I freely moved between these rooms to facilitate discussions. After the breakout session, it was just as easy to bring everyone back into the mainsession. In much the same way, I created Virtual Labs where participants worked independently on applications; here, they send keystrokes to remote machines and control applications.Lastly, Elluminate Live doesn’t skimp on administration functions. For example, setting up sessions and sending customized e-mail invitations doesn’t take much time. And you get a range of attendance reports.Of course, there’s the green factor of online meetings. Just for Elluminate, based on the number of sessions hosted in the first three months of 2007, the company estimates they reduced the carbon footprint by 1.8 million pounds through reduced travel.Although I could suggest a few minor improvements, such as options to present more file formats, overall Elluminate Live v8 is a notable solution. Its dynamic collaboration and community-building should make corporate meetings more productive. Plus, Elluminate brings live interaction to distance learning, making courses more memorable. Elluminate Live Version 8 Availability: Now Pricing: Starts at $55 per seat, per month. The company also provides a free, three-seat vRoom version of the product, which has full functionality with the exception of recording capabilities. Verdict: For enterprises, academia, and e-learning organizations, Elluminate Live v8 provides an easily deployed, platform-agnostic solution. The live, interactive environment with high-quality video improves the meeting and learner experience. Further, online virtual conference rooms allow employees to brainstorm and work on group projects. Technology Industry