The introduction of multiple new web conferencing tools, especially over the past year, has created an opportunity to evaluate our current Cisco WebEx contract. With the support of the two main campus providers and support areas behind the use of WebEx, – the MacPherson Institute and Faculty of Health Sciences’ (FHS) Computing Services Unit (CSU) –University Technology Services (UTS) would like to undertake the necessary steps to devolve the use of WebEx as a contractually licensed product on campus.
This recommendation was endorsed and supported by the McMaster IT Executive Governance Committee and as such we will begin activities to devolve the contract before its renewal date of September 1, 2021.
Based on information collected from the MacPherson Institute and FHS CSU, the number of users of WebEx services has declined over the duration of our contract. We currently have just over 200 faculty/staff regular users. Some of the uses are for teaching and learning purposes, however with input from MacPherson and CSU, we anticipate that the usage can be redirected to other technologies, including Microsoft Teams and Zoom, as well as Echo360.
With our WebEx license contract coming up for renewal in September 2021, it is an appropriate timeline to redirect usage to these other options, reducing support and technology complexity on campus.
Information, support, and training (if needed) will be provided throughout the summer to assist users in leveraging other available platforms. Users can either reach out to the MacPherson Institute at avenue@mcmaster.ca for assistance with your specific technology transitions.