Choosing the Right Video and Audio Conferencing Tool
Choosing the right video and audio conferencing tool will ensure that you have a seamless meeting experience. Whether the meeting is on or off the network, a large group or a 1x1 meeting, the guidance below will provide different meeting options to help you choose the right tool for your next virtual meeting.
Tools
Microsoft Teams (Preferred Tool)
Brings together files, chats and applications in one place for a more complete, integrated, collaboration solution.
Microsoft Teams Features
Video
Audio
Screen Sharing
Chat
Accessible
Record
Permits Protected B
Up to 350 participants
Can be used on or off the ESDC network
WebEx
The new Canada Conferencing Services (WebEx) is a great option when hosting large meetings such as town halls.
WebEx Features
Video
Audio
Screen Sharing
Chat
Record
Unclassified information only
Up to 1000 participants
Can be used on or off the ESDC network
VMR (Virtual Meeting Room)
VMR (Virtual Meeting Room) is the best option when hosting a meeting from an ESDC boardroom.
VMR (Virtual Meeting Room) Features
Video
Audio
Screen Sharing
Permits Protected A
25 Connections/locations for VMR and 50 for a group
Can be used on or off (for audio calls only) the ESDC network
Audio Conference (via the new WebEx accounts)
Audio conference is a fast and easy way to connect to a meeting when there is no requirement to have screen share or video.
Audio Conference Features
and global call-in numbers
Audio Calls Only
Up to 1000 participants
BBME (BlackBerry Messenger Enterprise)
BBME is recommended for work-related instant messaging and group conferencing when protected information is being discussed.
BBME Features
Video
Audio
Screen Sharing
Chat
Permits Protected B
Up to 15 participants
Can be used on or off the ESDC network
Skype for Business
Microsoft Teams is the new departmental standard for instant messaging, real-time collaboration, and audio/video calls. Teams will replace Skype in the coming weeks.
Skype for Business Features
Video
Audio
Screen Sharing
Chat
Accessible
Permits Protected A
Up to 15 participants
Can only be used on the ESDC network
Zoom
Zoom may be required to participate in meetings initiated by external partners.
Zoom Features
Video
Audio
Screen Sharing
Chat
Accessible
Unclassified Information Only
Should only be used off the ESDC network.
Hosting or Attending a Meeting
Hosting or attending a meeting user guides.
- Internal to ESDC
- Internal to the Government of Canada
- External to the Government of Canada
Need assistance? Consults the Quick Fixes for conferencing services.
Information Management for WebEx Conferencing
Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) has declared that WebEx meetings are certified for unclassified data only. Any information at a security level above “Unclassified” must not be shared/discussed during WebEx meetings.
For the guidelines surrounding Information Classification, please refer to Information Categorization Tool.