To date, OM is so easy to install that any advanced computer user can do a set-up on his own without outside help. However, answering new technology challenges in IT and web conferencing, the project team plans the improvements to be implemented in the near future, which comprises:
1. Principal re-factoring of the user interface.
Often, it is the interface that distinguishes different web conferencing systems from each other, while stack of technologies can be the same. And often it is interface convenience that determines the choice of a client. Therefore, perfection of the interface is a constant task in OM project development.
We've already moved away of OpenLaszlo to html5/Wicket implementation. Still remained are only a small part of elements of the virtual room using Flash. Thanks to this, the room and other used screens look state of the art.
But the main thing is that with the advent of html5 any changes in styles and elements can be implemented many times faster than before.
And another advantage of these changes is that the new interface is supported by any browser, that is, in the near future the OM room functionality will be fully available in all browsers, including those on mobile devices with iOS and Android operating systems.
2. Re-factoring the transfer of media signals using WebRTC technology
This is described in detail in section 5 above. Herein we summarize briefly: 1) the use of well-established codecs for video and audio without re-encoding will allow us to maintain compatibility with old clients and support new ones without significant overhead costs 2) the development of mobile clients will be simplified essentially 3) the system stability and transmission speed of media signals will rise.
3. New mobile client
Currently, a mobile client is available under Android OS and with limited functionality. User can tap into videoconference, but can’t see the whiteboard, take part in voting, perform administrator functions. Our plans are to implement version with a broader functionality, also available from Apple's mobile devices for iOS
4. How fast the changes will go
OpenMeetings as a product for mass use is good in the current implementation. A large number of users around the world is a good incentive for the product to live and develop. However, in the development concept of Open Source there is no powerful commercial component, so the technological changes are not rushing, more relying on the enthusiasm of developers. Commercial customers who spend their funds also for re-engineering of the entire system are rare. The process can be speeded up by a large customer or an investor who is highly interested in a prompt improvement of the product for the purpose of its integration into either business processes or a certain technological platform.