WebEx and Skype: Is There a Difference?
Yes! Two great tools for different scenarios
With both WebEx Cloud and Skype for Business available to ECU users, how do you pick the right online meeting solution? Both tools share collaboration tools, audio and video options, scheduling through Outlook and a “Meet Now” feature.
However, there are also differences that make the choice clear depending on your requirements. Here’s how you can decide which is the best tool for your meeting.
Skype
Skype is part of the Office 365 download and is available to students, faculty and staff. It is currently ECU’s standard for instant messaging and desktop sharing. It is used to determine another user’s “presence” through Outlook – not available (red), green (available), yellow (away from the computer).
Skype is an excellent choice for desktop sharing and is approved to discuss FERPA information – while holding online office hours, for example. But, Skype is NOT approved for HIPAA discussion. See these security considerations.
WebEx Cloud
Faculty and staff log in to their virtual online room to create and schedule meetings. WebEx is browser based, and the virtual online meeting URL is specific to a user’s PirateID and never changes (ecu.webex.com/join/your-pirateID). This makes it easy for staff, students and non-ECU to join meetings from a Mac, PC, telephone or Android, Windows or iOS mobile device. WebEx is approved for both FERPA and HIPAA.
So, both Skype for Business and WebEx are excellent choices for your online meetings, with some situations favoring one tool over another. Still not sure? Visit the video and web conferencing website for more information.