BigBlueButton 3.0 brings significant improvements to the platform. Here's what's new and how to prepare for the upgrade.
Major New Features
Improved User Interface
BBB 3.0 features a completely redesigned interface with better accessibility, cleaner layout, and improved mobile support. The new design makes it easier for first-time users to navigate meetings.
Better Performance
Under the hood, BBB 3.0 includes significant optimizations:
- Lower CPU usage per participant
- Improved audio processing
- Faster screen sharing
- Better handling of large meetings
Enhanced Breakout Rooms
Breakout rooms now support more features including:
- Easier participant management
- Better audio when moving between rooms
- Improved recording handling
New Whiteboard Features
The whiteboard has been enhanced with new tools, better performance, and improved collaboration features.
Upgrade Considerations
System Requirements
BBB 3.0 has updated system requirements:
- Ubuntu 22.04 (Jammy) required
- Minimum 16GB RAM recommended
- Updated Node.js version
Scalelite Compatibility
Ensure your Scalelite installation is updated to support BBB 3.0. The good news: Scalelite can manage a mix of BBB 2.x and 3.x servers during your migration.
Gradual Migration Strategy
We recommend a phased approach:
- Set up one BBB 3.0 server in your Scalelite pool
- Direct limited traffic to it for testing
- Monitor performance and user feedback
- Gradually migrate remaining servers
Monitoring During Upgrade
During any upgrade, monitoring is critical. Keep an eye on:
- CPU and memory usage (may differ from 2.x)
- Meeting quality metrics
- User-reported issues
- Recording processing
Scalelite Manager Pro makes it easy to compare performance between your 2.x and 3.0 servers during migration, with per-server metrics and trend analysis.
Need Help Upgrading?
Upgrading a production BBB deployment requires careful planning. If you need assistance, contact us - we're happy to help with your migration strategy.