Video Conferencing Systems > Application and File Sharing

Application Sharing is described in Section A. It requires software that supports application sharing using the T.120 protocol such as Microsoft NetMeeting. If using a computer-based video conferencing system, application sharing can take place at the same time as the video conference, assuming there is enough bandwidth available. Group systems may require the use of a computer linked to the unit to support application sharing across the link.

Programs such as NetMeeting or CUseeMe include general applications such as Chat shared whiteboard. Chat opens a window at each end; users can then type messages to each other.
Whiteboard in this context is a program that looks like a painting or graphics program. When run it is visible at both ends of the link; users from either end can draw or write on it (this should not be confused with an interactive whiteboard mentioned elsewhere in this document). These general applications are designed to support collaborative working and can operate with or without an audio or video conference taking place at the same time.

The sharing of specific applications such as word-processing or spreadsheets is possible with some conferencing software. In practice, one user will open an application, e.g. a document in a word processor, and either user can take control and edit the document.
File sharing enables users to send files to each other across the conference link.