NAM NOW OFFERS 4 VIDEO CONFERENCING PLATFORMS FOR MEDIATIONS AND ARBITRATIONS

Since the onset of COVID-19 and sheltering in place, our Neutrals have been mediating and arbitrating matters using NAM's advanced video-technology platforms, primarily through Zoom. 

NAM's Zoom platform is HIPAA compliant.  Additionally, through NAM's Zoom platform, all audio, video and screen sharing data is encrypted.  In order to accomplish this, NAM's videoconference platform through Zoom has specific settings that are provisioned/configured differently than the generally available Zoom commercial account.  The customized settings NAM has implemented ensure that Zoom does not have access to transmitted information. NAM meetings/hearings never use the generic https://zoom.us link used by other Zoom users. Rather, NAM uses a branded URL that is not available to the public. Password protections and double layer authentications for meeting entry ensure that only permitted participants enter the meeting and that data is protected. Additionally, we further enhanced security by vesting control with the NAM Neutral, (that is, over screen-sharing content, disconnecting attendees, locking the meeting and/or terminating sessions).  Finally, Zoom's ability to have break-out/caucus rooms and ease of use make it an exceptional alternative to in-person hearings. For further information regarding NAM's enhanced Zoom platform, please visit NAM's website at www.namadr.com or https://nam-739.lumina-previews.com/services/video-conferencing/

Over the past few weeks, NAM's enhanced Zoom video technology has been successfully used, without incident, for well over one thousand cases, and is NAM's preferred video conference platform.  

However, to accommodate those clients that request a different option, NAM also offers BlueJeans, Webex and Skype video technology. 

BlueJeans (which is under agreement to be acquired by Verizon) is an audio and video conferencing provider that contains many of Zoom's features and functionality, including the ability to have break-out/caucus rooms.   BlueJeans is easy to use and accessible from a desktop, mobile device, or web browser.    NAM's BlueJeans' configuration has many of the same security protections that NAM's HIPAA compliant Zoom platform offers. Enhanced features include a unique Meeting ID specific to each case, double-layer authentication for participants, data encryption, and Neutral security controls over the meeting.

Webex Meetings is Cisco's cloud-based web and video conferencing service. NAM has been using Webex technology for years. However, it is best suited for arbitrations and mediations with only 2 participants as it does not allow for additional break-out/caucus rooms.  

Skype is a group video chat application available on just about any mobile device, tablet or computer. NAM is not in a position to offer an opinion as to the effectiveness of Skype's security levels or privacy controls/settings.  However, NAM will continue to make this platform available to our clients who request it.     

NAM strives to always maintain the utmost confidentiality and privacy with regard to the matters we handle.  If you, or any member of your IT dept. has any questions, NAM's Director of Information Technology, Angelo Sirigos, can be reached at asirigos@namadr.com or 516-941-3285.