Virtual Resources

Interested in hosting a virtual happy hour or event for your Western friends? We have compiled a list of some of the best available online platforms to help:

Cisco Webex

Cisco Webex is here for everyone when the world needs to connect, communicate and collaborate. Offering a free license with minimal restrictions, Cisco Webex offers you the ability to connect with your peers.

Free Features:

• Host up to 100 participants in each meeting
• Unlimited number of meetings
• Unlimited meeting length
• Computer, tablet and cell phone friendly
• Active speaker, grid, floating and thumbnail viewing available
• Screen and file sharing
• Calendar integrations

Zoom

Zoom offers a free license to users around the World. The free license does not expire and you are able to upgrade to a Pro or Business account at anytime.

Basic Features:

• Host up to 100 participants
• Unlimited number of meetings
• 40-minute limit on all group meetings
• Computer, tablet and cell phone friendly
• Speaker or gallery viewing available
• Breakout room feature
• Screen and file sharing
• Calendar integrations
• Share computer sound for ambient music
• Closed captioning will be added to the free account by fall

Skype

Skype makes it easy for everyone to stay in touch, talk and collaborate. With their free services you are able to connect with users around the world.

Features:

• Host up to 50 participants
• Unlimited number of meetings
• Unlimited meeting length
• Computer, tablet and cell phone friendly
• Screen and file sharing
• Sub-title capabilities

Amazon Chime

Amazon Chime is offering a free 30-day trial of their “Pro” account. Amazon Chime allows you to meet, chat, and place calls, all using a single application. More details can be found here – please note you will be required to put a credit card on file for the trial.

Features:

• Host up to 250 participants
• Unlimited number of meetings
• Computer, tablet and cell phone friendly
• Unlimited meeting length
• Meeting recording available
• Screen and file sharing
• After 30 days, users will be set back to the Basic Features of Amazon Chime

BlueJeans

BlueJeans offers a 7-day free trial on their BlueJeans Meetings service and a 30-day free trial on their BlueJeans Rooms service. Test out their service while connecting with your peers.

Features:

• Host up to 50 participants
• Unlimited number of meetings
• Unlimited meeting length
• Up to 5 hours of meeting recording
• Active speaker and gallery viewing options
• Screen and file sharing

Google Hangouts

Google Hangouts offers another way to connect with a small group of peers.

Features:

• Host up to 10 participants
• Voice and video call options
• Computer, tablet and cell phone friendly
• Completely free