LegalMeetings is All-You-Can-Meet. But, not simultaneously.

Citrix is designed to give one person one account. In legal services, most programs are sharing accounts. This means, if more than one person on that account tries to use it for the exact same time, the second person will get a message saying something like "You already have an active meeting. You need to end this meeting before starting a new one..." (paraphrased)

The good news is: This problem is a back-handed compliment. If we are using a tool more and it is valuable to us, that is ultimately not a problem. Simply, it is something to evaluate at some point: Is it worth having multiple accounts for staff or managers if the tool is increasing our ability to meet and collaborate? Each of us will be making that determination next year.

In the meantime, here is our solution:

• Use a generic email address as your account user name
• Encourage staff to deselect Remember Me when they log in to schedule a meeting using the Citrix flower icon. (This will make it easier when they want to join a meeting. Their computer will not automatically log them in to simply join and they will be able to do so while someone else in your program logs in to schedule a meeting.)
• Consider multiple accounts for groups within your program. Several programs use one account for trainers, one account for tech support, one for managers, and one for staff.

Seriously, try your one account. If you notice that your staff is using it more -- or if you know already that your program engages in simultaneous meetings because your program uses it for Tech Support AND Meetings, for example -- then, contact gene[at]LSNTAP.org. We will give you a second account upon request for no additional cost through December 2007.* * (Of course, you can always pay for a second account, no problem. In fact, it might guarantee you get it.)

**(It's like California giving away those Prius stickers to "any Prius" allowing it to be driven in the carpool lane and to allowing us to park for free at any city parking meter...See, there just weren't that many on the road when they made that rule. But, at some point last year, they did run out of stickers. And, at some point, there will be so many Pri-i, the carpool lane will also be congested...But these are problems we'd be happy to have, almost. So, since I'm sort of thinking we don't have that many dual account users, I'm willing to make this offer until we can't.)

There are some benefits to this one account thing. First, when you schedule a meeting, you'll be able to see the other meetings scheduled. You'll have sort of a defacto program-wide training calendar.

There are some disadvantages too. It may discourage impromptu meetings, which I personally have really enjoyed in the last week. But, again, if at the year's end, your program evaluates that this is a problem, then consider this technology has value and it might be time to pony up for a second account.

One final note: When we negotiated this rate, we did so for 100 accounts. If you folks start to see a need for more, let us know. We will likely be able to command an even better rate for the field next year.