Meyer to add TeamSpot, which helps groups work together onscreen

The campus has reached an agreement to use TeamSpot, a product that creates a public space--typically in front of a public computer with a large screen--where people can easily work together when using digital resources.

Part of the Meyer Media Lab in 1154 Meyer Hall will be slightly remodeled to create a specific TeamSpot collaboration zone. The furniture and equipment needed to create the site are being purchased.

"We did reach an agreement and have the licenses now," said Joe Castillo, manager of the Meyer Media Lab, part of Information and Educational Technology. He has been doing setup work and testing the product with staff.

By the start of spring quarter, TeamSpot should be available for student, faculty and staff use in Meyer Media Lab. The service is free, but clients will need to reserve the TeamSpot area through the lab, and bring their own laptops.

Clients don't use TeamSpot by logging in to the big-screened public computer--instead, using their laptops, they join a space managed by the computer. Then they can work together on the public computer screen from their laptops, and handily exchange files and other information with other members in the group.

More details will eventually be posted on a campus TeamSpot Web site, Castillo said. The site hasn't been developed yet.

TeamSpot is made by Tidebreak, Inc., an interactive workplace technology company based in Palo Alto. A company representative demonstrated the product on campus last August.