GoToMeeting Download and Review

About GoToMeeting

GoToMeeting is an application created by Citrix to broadcast the desktop view of hosts to a group of computers. It allows people to have meetings from their own computers, rather than having to meet in person. The technology used is similar to that of GoToMyPc and GoToAssist.

Download GoToMeeting Free (30 day trial)

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Review of GoToMeeting

GoToMeeting works by:

Create a GoToMeeting account

Install GotoMeeting on PC or MAC

Organize a meeting and invite people

Review of GoToMeeting features:

One click meetings

Integration with MS Outlook and Lotus Notes

Integration with instant messageing services

VoIP service

Citrix online produces a number of applications designed to help collaboration through remote computing. Other products they produce include the well known remote access application GoToMyPc and the remote assistance tool GoToAssist.

Unlike some of the last generation online meeting products GoToMeeting goes through a central Citrix server and so is sold as a service. Signing up for the service is simple, and a free trial is available. The first step is to register for an account (through a standard username and password form). After this, you can host an unlimited amount of meetings - and other users don't have to be registered with GoToMeeting. After you have signed up the software is then automatically downloaded an installed. Once the installation has finished, you are ready to host meetings.

I found the user interface of GoToMeeting very intuitive; I was able to host a meeting without having to read through any manuals or training sessions. In fact, through the "One Click Meeting" feature all I had to do was send an email to a colleague (there is also a feature to do this through MSN). MSOutlook and Lotus Notes are also supported. As well as the standard meeting features you would expect from thsi type of product there are also features for remote mouse and keyboard control (a live view of meeting members desktops is available). There is also a desktop recording feature to allow you to record meetings and later play it back, or email it to people who weren't able to attend. The speed of the connection (particularly the desktop view) is highly dependant upon the connection between you and other participants. I found with my broadband connection it was as if I was at my own computer - there was no noticeable latency. As multicast becomes more prevalent on the internet the effects of large numbers of participants will be negated. As I said earlier, there was no latency nor were there any bugs in the view of the screen (which I have found with some less polished meeting applications). The encryption supplied by default is also tried and tested, and doesnt make a noticeable effect on the speed of the connection.

GoToMeeting is sold at either a monthly fee of $49 or as an annual subscription at $468. There are a number of different packages available depending on the number of participants you intend to host and the price you want to pay. Voice converencing and desktop viewing is standard with all subscription packages. Considering the savings on petrol and the lack of an initial upfront cost NetMeeting's rates are affordable for people who have regular meetings. Included with the packages is both online and phone line support.