Communicator Web Access (2007 R2 release) enables users to share their desktop. This allows participants in an instant messaging (IM) session to view the desktop of a user and, if given permission, to take control of that desktop. Before you can enable desktop sharing you must configure and apply a meeting policy that allows for desktop sharing. To do that you will need to:

  • Enable Web conferencing.

  • Enable program and desktop sharing.

  • If desired, allow users to take control of a shared desktop session. This is done by enabling the option Allow control of shared programs and desktop.

  • Configure a maximum meeting size, which determines the maximum number of users that can participate in a single desktop sharing session or other type of meeting. By default, the maximum meeting size is set to 10.

You also need to determine how anonymous users will be allowed to participate in desktop sharing sessions. You have three options available to you:

  • Allow anonymous participants to take part in meetings and desktop sharing sessions.

  • Do not allow anonymous participation.

  • Configure anonymous participation on a per-user basis.

Desktop sharing can be implemented only if the virtual server uses the HTTPS protocol. If you log on to a Communicator Web Access Web site that uses the HTTP protocol, the desktop sharing button will be disabled. If you hover the mouse over the button a tooltip will appear stating that “Desktop sharing requires a secure connection (HTTPS). Contact your system administrator”. You will also need to open firewall ports 49152 through 65535 to support desktop sharing.

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