DOD picks WebEx for Web-conferencing services

The Defense Information Systems Agency has chosen WebEx Communications Inc. to provide Web-conferencing services for the Department of Defense, WebEx officials said. The terms of the contract were not released.

WebEx's conferencing applications will be used for communication and coordination among the Defense Department's military, business and intelligence organizations worldwide, company officials said.

WebEx manages a global network to provide its on-demand applications, said Praful Shah, WebEx's vice president of strategic communications. WebEx is Web-based, so it does not require software or hardware installation, Shah said.

DISA officials examined four areas in selecting WebEx: security; collaboration and capacity; integration and implementation; and administrative reporting and control, WebEx officials said.

The contract is for one year with an option for a second year, Shah said. WebEx has worked on a smaller scale with the departments of Health and Human Services, Veterans Affairs and NASA, he said.