Digital.gov Web Platforms

This page lists Digital.gov’s webinar platform options and lists the web platforms that Digital.gov does not support. All Digital.gov recommended platforms are capable of screen sharing, live chat, mute and unmute call capabilities, multiple host functions, and dial in options.

Digital.gov Supported Platforms

1. Zoom for Government

   1. Digital.gov hosts the majority of the virtual and hybrid events with this platform.
   2. Many of the agencies which are Digital.gov customers have access to this platform. For those that cannot access the web platform, there is dial-in access.
      1. Phone numbers are available for all time zones in the United States.
   3. The TTS Solutions Zoom pro account with large extension can accommodate up to 500 participants including a host, dial in, and web users.
   4. Digital.gov recommends this platform for virtual and hybrid events for medium scale events (up to 500 participants).
   5. Digital.gov hosts the majority of the virtual and hybrid events with this platform.
   6. Digital.gov Recommends this platform for virtual and hybrid webinar events for large scale events (up to 3000 participants).

2. Webex

   1. WebEx is listed on GSA Insite as a preferred platform.
      1. Starting October 31st, 2020, Digital.gov can host webinars using this platform.
   2. This platform supports a maximum of one thousand (1000) participants under the standard version of the platform.
   3. Digital.gov has found Webex has similar conferencing capabilities as Zoom for Government and recommends using this platform for large scale meetings (400+ participants).

3. Google Hangouts

   1. Google Hangouts Meet is a cost saving meeting option that includes audio, video, and web sharing meeting options.
   2. Hangouts Meet allows 250 participants (a host plus up to 249 participants).
   3. There are limited security options available in Google Meet and the other GSA preferred platforms have heightened security features available.
   4. Digital.gov recommends this platform for an event that is for GSA employees and GSA contractors only.

Digital.gov Unsupported/Expired Platforms

1. Commercial Zoom

   1. This platform is currently unavailable (more information to be updated soon).
   2. The lack of security and infrastructure for Commercial Zoom makes for a less than ideal platform choice.
   3. Digital.gov does not recommend this platform. Zoom Commercial is not listed on GSA Insite as a preferred platform and is not FedRAMPed approved.

2. Skype for Business

   1. Skype for business is not listed on GSA Insite as a preferred platform.
   2. GSA account holders can join in by phone only.
   3. GSA employees and contractors are not authorized to participate in Skype for Business webinars.

3. YouTube

   1. YouTube is not listed on GSA Insite as a preferred platform.
   2. The Hangouts On Air streaming experience which Digital.gov used in years past is no longer available.
   3. The new backend of YouTube requires an additional download for any host(s) and presenter(s).
      1. This download might not be available for some government agencies.
   4. Digital.gov does not support this platform as a best practice.
      1. If a customer asks for YouTube specifically and provides justifications, the request will be reviewed by the Digital.gov manager.

4. Adobe Connect / GSA Meeting Space

   1. GSA Meeting Space provides online conference solutions through Adobe Connect.
   2. GSA participants are provided with an account to sign in for webinars and meetings. Non GSA participants can login as a guest for meetings.
   3. GSA Meeting Space can accommodate up to 1500 web and dial in participants [including host(s) and presenter(s)].
   4. Digital.gov no longer recommends this platform for large scale events (+400 participants) as it is no longer available through GSA Insite as a preferred platform.
   5. Adobe Connect will no longer be available to any GSA employees starting on October 31st, 2020.