Online Collaboration Tools

Jamvee is a web-based video-conferencing app capable of interconnecting terminals and telepresence systems from different vendors together with PC, Mac and smartphone-based devices (iOS available, Android coming soon).

"Jamvee supports a wide range of cross-vendor videoconferencing equipment, across multiple standards (e.g. SIP, H.323, and H.320). This includes telepresence systems from Cisco/Tandberg, Polycom, and Lifesize, single-screen equipment, personal video terminals, together with soft-clients running on PCs and mobile devices, and anyone using the free Jamvee application."

Full compatibility list (PDF)

How does it work?

"Just like an audio conference you can access host and participant PINs on the jamvee portal, and send the participant PIN to people you want to meet with. Participants can then use any existing video system or Telepresence room that they have access to, or they simply download the free jamvee™ app from the Apple App Store or the jamvee™ portal.

Everyone taking part in the meeting just dials the same number (or in the case of the jamvee™ app, presses the ‘Join Conference’ button) and enters their PIN to join the meeting - ensuring secure and private meetings both

within your business and across multiple organisations / parties."

Jamvee can manage up to 12 simultaneous video feeds and up to 720p video resolution (more detail).

The pricing model adopted comprises a number of bundle minute packages as well as an unlimited-minute solution. With Jamvee,  the host pays for all the participants to the meeting and needs to calculate ahead of time how many conferencing-minutes he and his participants will consume in total.

More info: https://www.jamvee.com/

Pricing: https://www.jamvee.com/plans

FAQ: https://www.jamvee.com/faq

Web app download: https://www.jamvee.com/freeapp

Ninchat is a web service which offers you the ability to create one or more persistent, online collaboration rooms, where you can text chat and videoconference with up to 12 people concurrently.

Collaborations rooms, or channels, created with Ninchat integrate text, video conferencing and file sharing via Dropbox. These rooms can be set to be "public" or "private" depending on your needs.

The chat history is "infinite" and fully searchable, allowing for effective  asynchronous exchanges, and messages can be exchanged also privately between individual users.

All Ninchat communications are SSL encrypted, there is an open API to extend and customize this service, and the service works across desktop computer and tablets/smartphones (Android only for now).

Basic plan free to use (2 rooms).

Higher pricing plans go from a "Small" 5-room option at $15/mo up to "large" for 30-rooms at $70/mo.

Try it out now: https://ninchat.com/

Android version: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ninchat.client.android

*added to my collection: Top 20 Free Videoconferencing Tools 2013

Biscotti is a multiparty HD videoconferencing system made up of a high-definition webcam to be placed over your HD large screen TV monitor and a conferencing service which allows you to call up to 25 other parties simultaneously.

The Biscotti base camera unit costs only $149, and for a limited time the multi-party video-conferencing service is completely free. (Here the alternative hardware options: http://www.biscotti.com/compare# ) Later on, after the launch phase, the videoconferencing service will cost $9.95/month.

The Biscotti video-conferencing system also hooks up to Google Talk allowing direct video calls to people on mobile phones too.

"Big screen, multiparty video conferencing no longer requires complex and expensive infrastructure investment. It's now as simple as purchasing a Biscotti camera and selecting your service plan."

(Source: TelepresenceOptions)

Features: http://www.biscotti.com/features#

Find out more: http://www.biscotti.com/services/conference#

Pricing: http://www.biscotti.com/compare#

Camera info: http://www.biscotti.com/biscotti#