2002 - cesnet

Figure 6.1: Modified program for shared workspace, wbddata. The user interface also has been subject to overall changes. We removedthe limitation of the data receiving speed (originally 32 kbps), and so presentationof large files is now limited only by the network bandwidth and the computerperformance.6.3.4 Portal for Management and Administrationof Group Communication EnvironmentFor user-friendly and intuitive control of a mirror or a group of mirrors, theWWW environment was selected, as it is widely known and requires no otherknowledge from the users. The availability of a web browser on users’ computersis considered as standard.The communication portal includes information and administration sections.We created the portal with the use of the gdbm database. Users’ secure accessis implemented using an SSL connection. The descriptions of individual functionsavailable through the portal are in English, as the portal has also beenplaned for international communication. In addition, we have completed detailedinstructions in Czech.The information section is available to the public, presenting information aboutthe running mirrors and the planned conferences. Design of the website is effectiveand rather simple.The administration section is available only to users who have set up theiraccount. It serves for the operation of a mirror or a group of mirrors and thestorage of time and other data concerning videoconferences. As users start upa mirror, it is possible to restrict the access to conference data flows throughpermitted IP addresses, or by defining a group of user names and creating afile for the monitoring of activities within the mirror. Those who are authorizedhave access to creating new accounts and administering existing ones.High-speed National Research Network and its New Applications 200285