DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE
Network Research Group
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SUMOVER

Abstract

There is now a significant deployment of e-Science conferencing facilities around the UK, which run some form of software system to allow sites to utilise their multi-party audio/video interaction and display facilities effectively. In the UK, according to the Access Grid Support Centre (AGSC) , out of a total of 57 registered nodes, approximately half the community run the open source Access Grid (AG2) and the other half run the commercial inSORS . Others also run Virtual Rooms Video conference Service (VRVS) system, or just standalone VIC and RAT. Both the AG2 and VRVS utilise VIC and RAT to provide for video and audio interaction. Thus currently a significant proportion of sites run VIC and RAT in the context of using their e-Science collaborative facilities.

UCL has been involved in development of the media tools since their conception. The Robust Audio Tool (RAT) was wholly developed at UCL, and provides for high-quality multi-way audio communication. The VIdeo Conferencing tool (VIC) is a multi-way video conferencing application, originally developed at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, whilst it was developed further at UCL. Both the tools, VIC and RAT, depend upon a library of multimedia functions, called UCL common multimedia library. UCL maintains a source code repository containing the tools and the common library, into which it has incorporated extensive modifications and new features.

To maintain stability and coherence the tools need constructive direction and the facilitation of a support base. However over the last few years UCL has only been able to provide a low level of support and guidance with respect to the tools since they have not been directly funded. Subsequently the tools have become somewhat divergent and fragmented.

The aim of this project is to setup and provide for ongoing support and development of the Mbone tools, and the associated UCL common multimedia library. Input from community members will be obtained through the use of focused workshops and the formation of an evaluation and steering advisory group (ESAG) which will assist in directing the tools development.

The purpose of the project is also to maintain the continued successful incorporation and use of the Mbone tools, and associated libraries in the current generation of Advanced Collaborative Environments (ACEs).

Funding Source:

JISC

Partners

  • UCL

UCL PI

P.T. Kirstein

Duration

August 2005 - December 2007

Budget:

Total £141,000

Website

see SUMOVER for further details.