Video Conferencing

In 2017, the Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology is introducing Cisco's Video Conferencing Solution as the State of Illinois' video-conferencing platform.  The Cisco platform will provide consolidated agencies the ability to take advantage of enhanced collaboration tools with existing services such as WebEx, Jabber and centralized scheduling that will provide an easy multipoint conferencing solution.  This centralized scheduling will allow all consolidated users the ability to schedule video resources through their Outlook calendar.  Non-consolidated agencies will maintain the same capabilities as they have today.

Video-conferencing is an efficient and cost-effective technology that can be used to conduct meetings, presentations or training sessions with minimal travel and lost time moving from one location to another.  Through the use of video-conferencing technology, remote sites can see, hear and interact in meeting or training sessions without the inconvenience and costs associated with travel.  In a video-conferencing meeting, a laptop or mobile device can be used to allow all parties in the meeting to view documents, images or websites on display.  The State of Illinois Video Conferencing Network (IVN) is currently established across the State and at many agency and educational locations.  This provides for the opportunity to video-conference with rooms full of participants each in different locations or with individuals from their own desktop systems.  In addition, video conferences can be held with other participants across the city, state, nation or around the world.

Features Available for Consolidated Agencies

Following the successful integration of video services with the Cisco Unity Call Manager, video-conferencing units installed at sites within consolidated agencies will be able to take advantage of the following new features:

• Native integration of WebEx presentations and video as well as video-enabled Jabber clients.
• Outlook plugin for scheduling.  Video-resource users will be able to book both point-to-point and mulitpoint conferences from their Outlook interface, eliminating the need to contact the video-conferencing help desk for scheduling matters.
• Cisco One Button to Push conferencing enables users to press one button and launch a scheduled video conference, eliminating the need for browsing through the directory to set up calls.

Standard Features Available to All Video-Conferencing Units

Standardized Cisco Video-Conferencing Hardware

• Video Codec
• Camera
• Speakers and Microphone

Video Conferencing Inputs and Network

• Video-conferencing with all necessary decoding inputs
• The Illinois Video Network (IVN) architecture utilizes the State of Illinois IP network for all calls
• The standard speed is 1 Mbps utilizing International Telecommunications Union (ITU) H.323 standards
• A new ITU H.264 video algorithm that has resulted in much better video quality and smoother motion on screen

Non-Standard Service

• Custom installations available upon request for large capacity rooms or special input-intensive applications

Videoconferencing to WebEx - Bridging and Scheduling

When fully implemented, the Illinois Video Conferencing Network will be integrated with the Cisco, cloud-based, videoconferencing scheduling and bridging.  This integration will simplify the process for scheduling systems, automating the connection between systems and integrating systems with the WebEx user desktop.  This integration will be tied to the refresh of the older videoconferencing system.

Cisco SX80

Cisco MX200

Cisco MX300

Cisco MX700 Single Camera System

Cisco MX700 Dual Camera System

​Service can be procured, modified or cancelled by selecting the "Order Services" button near the top of the right pane.

Please Note:  Ordering must be done by your Agency's Telecom Coordinator accompanied by a Telecommunications Service Request.

• Service provisioning and implementation
• Incident resolution
• Routine maintenance
• Provide recommendations for video equipment compatible with the network and support by contracted vendors and DoIT videoconferencing staff

• Develop and implement agency governance to ensure staff compliance with DoIT incident reporting and request requirements
• Schedule a test or staff training as needed with the Video Scheduling Group
• Keep the Polycom system powered on (for remote monitoring.)
• Schedule multi-point conferences with at least a 15 minute setup time.
• Make sure the presenter(s) engage the remote video location(s).
• Turn off monitors at the end of the day (lengthen lifespan of monitor.)
• Consult with Network Planning on equipment compatibility and network readiness