Need timely replacement for web-based screen-sharing software.

December 2, 2008 10:44 AM

I need help finding a replacement service for the very recently defunct Convenos, a web-based meeting application for use with PCs.

Long story short, I need to replace my Convenos service by the end of the week to finish a few remaining virtual research interviews. If anyone has used or knows about a similar service, I would be very obliged to hear about it. The important parameters:

-It must allow me to remotely view a research participant's desktop live.

-It needs audio, or to be able to concurrently run Skype.

-The project demands crisp visual fidelity, which excludes using web-cams.

-It should be relatively inexpensive (i.e. no stand-alone software purchase, year-long subscriptions, etc.). I paid $30/month USD for Convenos, which was ideal.

-I need it this week or my primary research may never be put to rest.

posted by mrmojoflying to computers & internet (6 answers total)

www.gotomeeting.com
posted by Ironmouth at 10:57 AM on December 2, 2008 [1 favorite]

WebEx might work for you.
posted by misskaz at 11:06 AM on December 2, 2008

RE: Skype, there are a slew of screen-sharing plugins for Skype, which I think would be enough to meet your criteria.
posted by misterbrandt at 11:32 AM on December 2, 2008

(I mean: there are a TON of free screen-sharing apps out there, so I am not sure if you had some special requirements that led you to pay $30/month for your current service)
posted by misterbrandt at 11:35 AM on December 2, 2008

Or try Fog Creek Copilot for free for 15 days...
posted by misterbrandt at 11:39 AM on December 2, 2008 [1 favorite]

I mean: there are a TON of free screen-sharing apps out there, so I am not sure if you had some special requirements that led you to pay $30/month for your current service

Thanks for the responses so far. To answer and clarify, I was paying for two things:

(A) Web-based - meaning there was no having participants go out and install software, the service installed the client automatically. Usability and convenience are significant barriers with my participant population.

(B) The complex control that Convenos offered over whose desktop was used, which user(s) had access to any given desktop, and what they could see/do when in control.

I'm so close to being finished now that I'd be happy with less just to cap this off. It would still be nice though if I had access to their desktop rather than them having access to mine, since I am interested in their native work/play computer environment.
posted by mrmojoflying at 11:45 AM on December 2, 2008