Email Scheduling for Conference Calls via Web Server
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current videoconferencing scheduling methods are complex, requiring steep learning curves, potential downtime of secure mail servers, and difficulties in managing external participants, leading to inadequate solutions for organizations.
Innovation Solution
A management server system that schedules conference calls via email, managing conferencing equipment, receiving scheduling information, determining feasibility, and automatically initiating calls, while allowing for external participant integration without the need for specific mail client plug-ins or server installations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If plug-ins are installed on the mail server to enable scheduling, then scheduling capability is provided, but mail server downtime and security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The scheduling functionality is extracted from the mail server environment and implemented as a standalone web application accessible through standard web browsers. This removes the need for mail server plug-ins while preserving scheduling capabilities, thereby maintaining mail server reliability and availability.
Solution Approach 2:
A web server acts as an intermediary between users and the scheduling system, providing scheduling services through standard web protocols without requiring integration with the mail server. This mediator approach enables scheduling functionality while keeping the mail server independent and reliable.
2Ease of operation
If mail client plug-ins are deployed for scheduling, then users can create and modify video meetings, but deployment complexity and troubleshooting burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical plug-in installation approach is replaced with a web-based interface that runs in standard browsers. Users access scheduling functionality through URL links without requiring any client-side software installation, thereby eliminating deployment complexity and troubleshooting burdens associated with plug-ins.
Solution Approach 2:
The scheduling system is designed as a universal web application that can be accessed from any device with a web browser, regardless of the specific mail client being used. This multi-functional approach provides meeting creation capabilities across different platforms without requiring platform-specific plug-ins.
3Adaptability or versatility
If plug-ins are used for scheduling, then integration with mail clients is achieved, but user flexibility and compatibility across different mail clients are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses email messages as an intermediary to bridge between users and the scheduling system. Users can initiate scheduling requests through their preferred mail client by sending emails to a scheduling address or including scheduling parameters in email bodies, while the web server processes these requests universally without requiring client-specific plug-ins.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for a management server to schedule a conference call. The management server may manage conferencing equipment, including a schedule for the managed conferencing equipment. The management server may receive scheduling information for the conference call, which may specify a time and two or more endpoints for the conference call. At least one of the endpoints may be managed by the management server. The management server may determine whether the conference call is possible, based on the scheduling information and the schedule for the managed conferencing equipment. If the conference call is determined to be possible, the conference call may be scheduled, in which case the management server may enter the scheduling information into the schedule for managed conferencing equipment.