1 Introduction to Introduction to Collaboration Collaboration Technologies Technologies Brian Corrie Brian Corrie Collaboration and Visualization Collaboration and Visualization Coordinator Coordinator WestGrid/IRMACS WestGrid/IRMACS Simon Fraser University Simon Fraser University
Introduction to Collaboration Technologies. Brian Corrie Collaboration and Visualization Coordinator WestGrid/IRMACS Simon Fraser University. Agenda. Introduction Collaboration technologies AccessGrid. The process. Session being delivered using AccessGrid Distributed, multi-site session - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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Introduction to Introduction to Collaboration TechnologiesCollaboration Technologies
Brian CorrieBrian CorrieCollaboration and Visualization CoordinatorCollaboration and Visualization Coordinator
WestGrid/IRMACSWestGrid/IRMACSSimon Fraser UniversitySimon Fraser University
Session being delivered using AccessGridSession being delivered using AccessGrid Distributed, multi-site sessionDistributed, multi-site session Each site has a node operatorEach site has a node operator
QuestionsQuestions Let the node operator knowLet the node operator know Make sure you have a microphoneMake sure you have a microphone Identify the site and who you areIdentify the site and who you are
The process of working together to The process of working together to accomplish a taskaccomplish a task
Synchronous collaborationSynchronous collaboration Working together at the same timeWorking together at the same time
Distributed collaborationDistributed collaboration Working with collaborators at a distanceWorking with collaborators at a distance Primarily focused on IP network based collaborationPrimarily focused on IP network based collaboration
Why collaboration in the Why collaboration in the computational sciences?computational sciences?
““The purpose of computing is insight, not numbers”The purpose of computing is insight, not numbers”Richard HammingRichard Hamming
Collaboration environmentsCollaboration environments Bring the right people together, with the right data, at the right time!Bring the right people together, with the right data, at the right time!
In the computational science contextIn the computational science context Big science = distributed science (E.g. high energy physics)Big science = distributed science (E.g. high energy physics) Science is becoming multi-disciplinaryScience is becoming multi-disciplinary
More effective research through…More effective research through… Communicating with remote colleaguesCommunicating with remote colleagues Creating more effective research groupsCreating more effective research groups
Social aspectsSocial aspectsof collaborationof collaboration
Goal: to make collaboration effectiveGoal: to make collaboration effective WestGrid can help you…WestGrid can help you…
Use the right tools for the job…Use the right tools for the job… Don’t go over the top with technology!Don’t go over the top with technology!
As you start to use the tools…As you start to use the tools… Learn what works and what doesn’tLearn what works and what doesn’t Learn what you should and shouldn’t doLearn what you should and shouldn’t do Adapt to technologyAdapt to technology
Instant communication with short text messagesInstant communication with short text messages + Rapid exchange of information+ Rapid exchange of information + Feeling of presence+ Feeling of presence + Spontaneous communication+ Spontaneous communication - Extended communications not- Extended communications not
effective effective
Free servicesFree services MSN, ICQ, AIM…MSN, ICQ, AIM… WestGrid runs a Jabber serverWestGrid runs a Jabber server
ClientsClients Wide range of free clientsWide range of free clients
Audio/Video IM toolsAudio/Video IM tools(desktop video conferencing)(desktop video conferencing)
Instant messaging with audio (video)Instant messaging with audio (video) +/- Same as with IM clients+/- Same as with IM clients + Allow real time voice/video (extended communication)+ Allow real time voice/video (extended communication) - Reliability- Reliability - Primarily point-to-point- Primarily point-to-point - Platform specific- Platform specific
Typically H323 based technologiesTypically H323 based technologiesGood quality audio and video codecsGood quality audio and video codecsInteroperability (Polycom, Tandberg, …)Interoperability (Polycom, Tandberg, …)
Using a room…Using a room…Need to make reservations, need to go to the roomNeed to make reservations, need to go to the roomMay need technical supportMay need technical support
Web based, IM, voice, video, app sharing, …Web based, IM, voice, video, app sharing, …Widely used in some scientific communitiesWidely used in some scientific communities
AccessGridAccessGridTo be discussed…To be discussed…
Project led by Argonne National LabProject led by Argonne National Lab Collaboration tool for scientific research communityCollaboration tool for scientific research community www.accessgrid.orgwww.accessgrid.org
Targeted at group-to-group collaborationTargeted at group-to-group collaboration Large scale distributed meetingsLarge scale distributed meetings Collaborative work sessionsCollaborative work sessions Distributed conferencesDistributed conferences SeminarsSeminars TutorialsTutorials
AccessGrid featuresAccessGrid featuresHigh quality full duplex audioHigh quality full duplex audio
Multiple large format displaysMultiple large format displays Full sized video of speakerFull sized video of speaker Simultaneous viewing of all sitesSimultaneous viewing of all sites
Multiple video camerasMultiple video cameras Groups and multiple viewpointsGroups and multiple viewpoints
Collaborative softwareCollaborative software Sharing and interacting with dataSharing and interacting with data
Use of advanced networkingUse of advanced networking Multicast, high bandwidthMulticast, high bandwidth
The WestGrid The WestGrid Collaboration InfrastructureCollaboration Infrastructure
Collaboration rooms at each siteCollaboration rooms at each site Multi-screen, multi-camera environmentsMulti-screen, multi-camera environments Support a range of technologiesSupport a range of technologies Many shapes and sizesMany shapes and sizes Support desktop collaborationSupport desktop collaboration
WestGrid infrastructureWestGrid infrastructure Venue servers, network bridgesVenue servers, network bridges Operational, research, and meeting venuesOperational, research, and meeting venues
WestGrid collaboration supportWestGrid collaboration support Support people at each institutionSupport people at each institution
WestGrid developed toolsWestGrid developed tools Visualization, application sharing, …Visualization, application sharing, …
AccessGrid version 3.1AccessGrid version 3.1 Increased feature set, better usability, reliabilityIncreased feature set, better usability, reliability
Media tools have improved feature setMedia tools have improved feature set Version 3.1b1 (June 29, 2007)Version 3.1b1 (June 29, 2007) Version 3.1b2 (October 9, 2007)Version 3.1b2 (October 9, 2007) Version 3.1 should be released soon.Version 3.1 should be released soon.
WestGrid AccessGrid statusWestGrid AccessGrid status Currently running AccessGrid 3.1b1 on serversCurrently running AccessGrid 3.1b1 on servers Supports all AG 3.x clientsSupports all AG 3.x clients Moving to AG 3.1 final when releasedMoving to AG 3.1 final when released
Virtual room (venue) based modelVirtual room (venue) based model Meeting rooms, research labsMeeting rooms, research labs Meeting rooms scope communication toolsMeeting rooms scope communication tools VenueServer manages access to venuesVenueServer manages access to venues VenueClient is the user interface to AGVenueClient is the user interface to AG
Communication toolsCommunication tools Audio, video, chat, presentationsAudio, video, chat, presentations
Venue Server manages virtual meeting roomsVenue Server manages virtual meeting rooms Typically at a “virtual organization” level (e.g. WestGrid)Typically at a “virtual organization” level (e.g. WestGrid)
The WestGrid Venue Server (and “The Lobby”)The WestGrid Venue Server (and “The Lobby”) AG 3.x: AG 3.x: https://venueserver.westgrid.ca:8000/Venues/defaulthttps://venueserver.westgrid.ca:8000/Venues/default Main “hang out” for WestGrid AG peopleMain “hang out” for WestGrid AG people Other lobbies are accessible from hereOther lobbies are accessible from here Often find video feeds and people here for testing…Often find video feeds and people here for testing…
VenuesVenuesVenues are virtual meeting roomsVenues are virtual meeting rooms Schedule meetings in venuesSchedule meetings in venues Venues used for specific purposesVenues used for specific purposes
Venue exitsVenue exits ““Doors” to other related venuesDoors” to other related venues Venues provide structureVenues provide structure
NavigationNavigation Use doors to moveUse doors to move ““My Venues” a list of favoritesMy Venues” a list of favorites
Multicast vs UnicastMulticast vs Unicast Multicast: Network infrastructure routes data efficientlyMulticast: Network infrastructure routes data efficiently
Supported on WestGrid core and CANARIE/ORAN networksSupported on WestGrid core and CANARIE/ORAN networksTypically not supported across campus networksTypically not supported across campus networks
UnicastUnicastWorks over almost all networks (NAT/firewalls?)Works over almost all networks (NAT/firewalls?)Not as efficient (traffic may be duplicated)Not as efficient (traffic may be duplicated)
Multicast-unicast bridgingMulticast-unicast bridging Bridge sits on the edge of multicast networkBridge sits on the edge of multicast network Bridges are provided at several locations in CanadaBridges are provided at several locations in Canada WestGrid users should choose unicast networkingWestGrid users should choose unicast networking
Devices (computers, cameras, displays) that Devices (computers, cameras, displays) that in combination provide AG functionalityin combination provide AG functionality Node managerNode manager
Manages the computers in a nodeManages the computers in a node Service managerService manager
Manages the services on a computerManages the services on a computer Node servicesNode services
Provide AG services to a nodeProvide AG services to a node
Often interface with an external device (camera, mic)Often interface with an external device (camera, mic)
Personal Interface to the Grid (PIG)Personal Interface to the Grid (PIG) Single computer, single user AG nodesSingle computer, single user AG nodes You were getting worried weren’t you…You were getting worried weren’t you…
Much simpler than room nodesMuch simpler than room nodes Single web cam for videoSingle web cam for video Headset/microphone for audioHeadset/microphone for audio One node manager, one service managerOne node manager, one service manager DEFAULT configuration when installedDEFAULT configuration when installed
Using AccessGridUsing AccessGridHowTo documents (build a node, install AG, use AG)HowTo documents (build a node, install AG, use AG)WestGrid AccessGrid facilitiesWestGrid AccessGrid facilities
Main AccessGrid pagesMain AccessGrid pages www.accessgrid.orgwww.accessgrid.org
The Video Development Initiative CookbookThe Video Development Initiative Cookbook www.videnet.gatech.edu/cookbook.enwww.videnet.gatech.edu/cookbook.en
Service managersService managers Need a service manager on each machineNeed a service manager on each machine Service managers manage node servicesService managers manage node services
Node servicesNode services Add node services to service managersAdd node services to service managers
Node configurationsNode configurations Store node configurations for specific purposesStore node configurations for specific purposes
Standard audio service is RATStandard audio service is RAT Started automaticallyStarted automatically Sends/receives audioSends/receives audio
Using RATUsing RAT Lists connected parties in windowLists connected parties in window
Names are white when sendingNames are white when sending Press talk button to transmit audioPress talk button to transmit audio ““LEDs” indicate audio levelsLEDs” indicate audio levels
Use sliders to adjust audio levelsUse sliders to adjust audio levels Change device being used for inputChange device being used for input
Press on arrows beneath “Talk” buttonPress on arrows beneath “Talk” button
Standard video serviceStandard video service Started automaticallyStarted automatically
by video serviceby video service Producer asks whichProducer asks which
device to usedevice to use
Using VICUsing VIC Thumbnail viewThumbnail view
Use number keys to change display columnsUse number keys to change display columnsClick on video thumbnail to display windowClick on video thumbnail to display windowUse “s”, “m”, and “l” to change size of windowUse “s”, “m”, and “l” to change size of window
AutoplaceAutoplaceTiles windows across screenTiles windows across screen
Video service – VIC Video service – VIC (continued)(continued)
Configuring VICConfiguring VIC Rate controlRate control
Frames per second, bandwidthFrames per second, bandwidthTransmit toggleTransmit toggle
EncoderEncoderCODEC being used (h261)CODEC being used (h261)Quality level of video stream being sentQuality level of video stream being sentVideo device being used for video captureVideo device being used for video capture
Configuring driversConfiguring driversDepends on platformDepends on platformCan impact performance (default typically good)Can impact performance (default typically good)
Video config for AG is typically acceptableVideo config for AG is typically acceptable
Adding data is simple…Adding data is simple… Right click on the Data tab in the VenueRight click on the Data tab in the Venue Select the file and say OK…Select the file and say OK…
Venue client will do the “right thing”Venue client will do the “right thing” Will open the appropriate app if it existsWill open the appropriate app if it exists Note that the application is Note that the application is NOTNOT shared shared
Adding a sharedAdding a sharedapplication to a venueapplication to a venue
Shared applicationsShared applications Provides a collaboration capabilityProvides a collaboration capability Specific to the venueSpecific to the venue
Adding a shared applicationAdding a shared application Shared apps are registered with Venue ClientShared apps are registered with Venue Client Right click “Application Sessions”Right click “Application Sessions”
Lists shared apps that are availableLists shared apps that are available
Select the shared app desired…Select the shared app desired…
Starting…Starting… Select a shared app that is “registered”Select a shared app that is “registered” Right click the shared app and choose “Open”Right click the shared app and choose “Open”
Using…Using… Depends on the shared applicationDepends on the shared application
Presenter adds presentation shared appPresenter adds presentation shared app Presentation resides in Data sectionPresentation resides in Data section Presenter maps shared app to presentationPresenter maps shared app to presentation
Observers simply open the shared appObservers simply open the shared app Presentation starts automaticallyPresentation starts automatically Presentation goes to the correct slidePresentation goes to the correct slide Slide changes are automatically propagatedSlide changes are automatically propagated