Information Services

Which Tool to Use

Not sure which tool to use for your event? Use our tool selector for recommendations.

To use the tool selector and receive advice on which tool is most suitable for your online meeting or event, please fill out our advice form by clicking the button below.

Online and Digital Events Platform Selector Tool

 

Platform
Summary
1:1
Interviews
Small Group Meetings
Workshops/ Interactive Events
Seminar/ Keynote Lectures
Large Scale Events 
Social Events
Microsoft Teams 
Video conference and collaboration platform, which is fully integrated with University infrastructure and highly secure. Preferred platform for all non-teaching video meetings and collaborations. 

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Microsoft Teams Webinars

Teams Webinars are now available to all users with an A3 license. Benefits of Webinars are:

  • Customisable registration forms for attendees. 
  • Clearer roles for organiser, presenter and attendee
  • Present to larger audiences than Teams meetings
     

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Microsoft Teams Live Events

Platform for larger / complex events. Requires special production team training for pre-setup and practice events. You may first wish to consider Teams Webinars, which could offer a more cost effective solution. 

       

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Blackboard Collaborate  Primary platform for teaching. Collaborate should be used in all cases for teaching as it is fully integrated into LEARN, it is secure and contains the updated class lists and other features needed for the effective support and administration of classes.     

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Zoom

An alternative for video conferencing and collaboration, especially where external participants specify they want to use Zoom, or cannot use another platform. 

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EventsAir EventsAir is a platform which provides end-to-end management for large scale online events (such as conferences or open days). The EventsAir platform provides services beyond the other platforms, such as communications and registration management, exhibitor stands, and University of Edinburgh (and individual School) branding.           

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V-Scene Videoconferencing suite, located in the Central area, Kings Buildings and at Holyrood. This may be booked by members of staff using the V-scene management and scheduling service of Janet.

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Teleconference The University telephone system supports up to three participants on a single call: two internal and one external

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