The result is a system that is cheaper to use than hosted services, and that offers a higher degree of flexibility for users. We took the Internet-only option, and one reboot was required following the installation. We then had to customise our installation by specifying the UK Darome office, our user name and our teleconference phone number. Errors in any of this data will cause a message to appear on screen, although with only one alert for several possible problems, the error message is ambiguous. With the software up and running, setting up conferences could hardly be simpler.
Participants simply dial into the system and wait until the conference host opens the conference.
The MCM IP software allows this to be done via the Internet and a graphical user interface. We found the Web interface easier to use. We did not need to refer to a list of obscure codes as we did when using the telephone keypad to control the system. MCM also provides additional features. For example, the chairperson can mute individual lines, or hold a sub-conference without leaving the main call.