When to use iCal vs SUNDial
Most of Stanford is now moving to the use of SUNDial, an online calendaring system. Anyone with a SUNet ID can have a SUNDial calendar. Over time, this system is likely to replace most other calendaring, including Meeting Maker. It is a good system in that it is available to anyone in our community, it can be accessed via a desktop client (software) or the Web, and in that it can be made to synchronize with handheld devices, like Palm.
IRT also has an older Web-based calendaring system called iCal. It is still available, be we are urging folks to consider SUNDial first for all Stanford internal-focused calendars. Why? Because SUNDial is the Stanford standard now, because of synchronization, and because the support future of iCal is uncertain.
SUNDial
Pros:
- Stanford Standard
- Free without setup delay to any Stanford person
- Synchronization with handhelds supported
- Ability to organize meetings; invite people through SUNdial
- Changes are communicated immediately to participants
- Easy to control access and view security
- Available on desktop or Web
- Excellent other built-in scheduling and task tools like to-dos
- Can be set to remind participants, via email or desktop chime
- Very secure
Cons:
- Participants must be registered in SUNDial (although this is quick and easy)
- No link-able Web views of specific individual or group agendas
- Non-Stanford people can't view or participate
iCal
Pros:
- Multiple Web views are link-able
- Web interface is relatively easy to learn and use
- Depending on settings at setup, non-Stanford people can view calendar and add items
Cons:
- No synchronization
- Can be secured, but some inconvenience is involved; admin not SUNet-based, so password, if any must be shared manually
- No built-in invitations
- Change communications poorly supported
- Future support uncertain
Where to start
SUNDial
iCal
