Stockholm University, a public university in Sweden founded in 1878, is one of Europe’s leading centres for research and higher education. With 33,000 students across all departments, it’s one of the largest universities in Scandinavia. As you might imagine, providing the most up-to-date tech and communication solutions for such a large community is no small feat, and different departments within the school are deploying tech solutions in novel ways. 

Enter David García Lopez, systems and communications manager for the Department of Romance Studies and Classics. García Lopez selects, purchases and then trains colleagues in the use of video conference systems and other ICT-related matters. He was looking for a user-friendly tech option for the department when he found the Meeting Owl and decided to test the camera. 

'We had to find systems that were user-friendly and reasonable in price for our users, who usually do not have advanced technical skills or interest in new technical and communication solutions', says García Lopez. This was Stockholm University’s first time using a 360-degree camera. 'Previously, we had other types of brands, though not 360-degree cameras, but these were not used as much as Owls now', he says. After approval from superiors, he and another colleague were involved in implementing the cameras.

The department has been using the Meeting Owl for about a year and a half. 'In smaller seminar rooms the cameras are very useful, so we have therefore invested in slightly more fixed solutions there', explains García Lopez. In rooms where Owls are used more temporarily, USB connections can sometimes stymy users. However, the Meeting Owl largely lives up to its user-friendly reputation.

'We have shown and trained our colleagues, usually in small groups, in how to use the cameras', says García Lopez. 'But since they are easy to use, we find that fewer and fewer colleagues need us to get started with the cameras.' That said, he has decided to hold off on training staff in how to use Owl Connect and slightly more advanced features because they are largely used in small seminar settings. The department uses Zoom to host their meets and supports a mix of Meeting Owls, some connected to desktops and others available to borrow for a laptop connection.

García Lopez noted that the cameras are well-supported when a concern does arise. 'So far we have received very good help and support', he says. Whether it is troubleshooting a finicky USB connection, working out updates or more, the Meeting Owl support team can provide advice. Being able to demo the device before purchasing a whole fleet was also critical. 'The fact that we could easily borrow a demoex was especially important before the decision to buy the cameras', says García Lopez. 

Feedback from other staff has been very positive so far. The camera’s built-in features work well to make hybrid, seminar-style meetings smoother. 'The autofocus function is very good and sometimes also the 360 image as well is very useful', says García Lopez. 

What advice does García Lopez have for those interested in the Meeting Owl? 'Test it!' Stockholm University found a device that fit their needs and price point, but it was by actually using the Meeting Owl and seeing the video conference camera in action that they were able to confirm that it was the hybrid tech solution for them.