In order to better facilitate collaborative efforts through new types of communication the use of Polycom's PVX video conferencing software was adopted by the LNO in July 2007 as the mechanism for initiating meetings between two or more sites. More details have been outlined by the LNO.

There are basically two types of conference connections via the PVX software:

• A multipoint connection via a gatekeeper, allows different sites to connect to a single virtual meeting room. This requires each site to call into a specified address or for the LNO to send invitations to each site.
• A point-to-point connection allows one site to call another directly.

For more details on making calls using PVX refer to Polycom's website.

The LTER Network Office negotiated a Polycom licence for the LTER community and has provided two Logitech Video Cameras to each LTER site.