General information

One of the successes of the UK escience programme has been the use of the Access Grid. This is an audiovideo conference tool which, through the use of multicast technology, is able to support many simultaneous sessions.

The Access Grid is mostly associated with the use of purpose-built suites with 2–3 video cameras and projectors, all controlled by a number of PCs. This type of set-up is relatively expensive for individuals and small projects. Less well known is the fact that there is personal version of the Access Grid that can be run from a single PC or laptop with a consumer-level webcam and audio headset. This has the potential to bring the power of the Access Grid to the desktop, and enables groups of workers to share the benefits of the Access Grid to support inter-institute collaborations.

Aims of the workshop

This one-day workshsop has several aims

• to discuss the technologies associated with the Access Grid
• to learn how to download, install and run the personal version of the Access Grid for both Microsoft Windows and Linux (including the web interface, the various tools such as the video and audio tools, and the concept of the virtual venue)
• to discuss various difficulties that may be faced in practical use (particularly institute firewalls, and the need to have networks configured to forward multicast signals)
• to show how to use the beacon software for trouble-shooting networks
• to show how to set up an Access Grid bridge as one solution to persistant firewall problems
• to learn how the personal Access Grid can be used for collaborative work based on the experience of the eMinerals project (where the Access Grid is being used to support collaborative tool development work and grid computing)
• to show how the personal Access Grid can be used in conjunction with other collaborative tools
• discuss how to set up venue servers

Follow on activities

The NIEeS is setting up a test service with its own venue server and unicast/multicast bridge, to help people set up their own Access Grid installation. We will also offer to run live Access Grid feeds to help people with testing, and will, on request, be available to assist with testing.

Target audience

This workshop is aimed at anyone who is interested in the use of the Access Grid for collaborative work. We anticipate that people will have seen the Access Grid in action before, but that need not be a bar to participation. We also envisage that participants will have an interest in setting up the tools in their home institutes.

Programme

Location

The workshop will take place in the Department of Earth Sciences, University of Cambridge. Details of the location, including maps and travel plans, can be obtained here. Enter the Department by the main door shown below the external stairs, and follow the signs.

Registration

There is no registration charge, but we need to ask people to pre-register. This should be done using our on-line form. Please note that the on-line registration will close on the 5th December. After that date, if you are interested in a place on this event, you will have to contact our administrative staff to determine if there any spaces left.

Contact and further information

For information about registration, and all other types of queries, please contact the NIEeS office in the first instance.