Video conferencing has become an integral part of THM university communication. For this reason, THM will continue to offer access to central video conferencing in the coming years. Given the diverse applications (teaching, research, administration), we provide the following conferencing systems:

BBB video conferencing (BigBlueButton)

You can find a university-wide BBB instance at

https://bbb.thm.de.

Comprehensive documentation on usage and application is available at

https://docs.infra.run/de/bigbluebutton/

We use this BBB instance based on the framework agreement with the DFN. It is provided by the company infra.run. You can use the BBB video conferencing for administration, research, and teaching in compliance with data protection regulations. The provided version includes proven features such as uploading presentations, polls/surveys, breakout rooms, drawing tools, waiting rooms, and optional video conference recording.

The BBB video conferencing system is available for use by professors and staff. Students will not receive their own BBB license, but will again receive a free ZoomX license. Existing video conferencing systems such as.. PILOS can continue to be used.

ZoomX

From April 1st, 2024 to March 31st, 2025, THM will use the video conferencing system for teaching ZoomX by Telekom ZoomX was acquired university-wide as a successor to Zoom. Operated by Telekom, ZoomX offers enhanced security features and improved data protection compared to the previous Zoom system.

However, full use for research, teaching and administration will only be possible once the anticipated adequacy decision for secure data traffic with the USA is in force (https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/de/ip_22_7631Until then, ZoomX is intended for use in teaching only.

Discussions regarding data protection are recurring in connection with video conferencing systems. Specifically for the use of Zoom in teaching courses, the Hessian universities and the Hessian Commissioner for Data Protection and Information Security (HBDI) jointly developed a concept (the 'Hessian concept') in 2021/22.

Requirements for the data protection-compliant use of Zoom for lectures at Hessian universities

THMConnect Messenger

THM provides a messaging service based on Element/Matrix on its own servers. You can access the service at the following address:

https://connect.thm.de

Similar to MS Teams, you have the option to conduct chats, video calls, and phone calls, and to organize these in rooms and spaces, both public and private (e.g., for your team). A prerequisite for using the messenger is your.. THMaccount.