BlueJeans Browser Extension

General Information

Technologies must be operated and maintained in accordance with Federal and Department security and privacy policies and guidelines. More information on the proper use of the TRM can be found on the TRM Proper Use Tab/Section.

Website:	Go to site
Description:	The BlueJeans Browser Extension provides Voice Over IP (VOIP), video conferencing, and application sharing capabilities, which enables users to schedule, host, and join BlueJeans meetings from several web browsers. This technology can integrate with Outlook Calendar or Skype for Business (formerly Microsoft Lync) to allow users to review recent or upcoming meetings and to add multi-party video meetings capabilities. This product has the ability to record video meetings. Those recordings are stored on a user`s local drive. This entry covers the Browser Plug-In version of this technology and not any mobile versions. Please note that the implementation of mobile technology applications that operate on Mobile Operating Systems must be reviewed and approved by the Mobile Technology and Endpoint Security Engineering Team: http://vaww.eie.va.gov/SysDesign/CS/MT/default.aspx.
Technology/Standard Usage Requirements:	Users must ensure their use of this technology/standard is consistent with VA policies and standards, including, but not limited to, VA Handbooks 6102 and 6500; VA Directives 6004, 6513, and 6517; and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standards, including Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS). Users must ensure sensitive data is properly protected in compliance with all VA regulations. Prior to use of this technology, users should check with their supervisor, Information Security Officer (ISO), Facility Chief Information Officer (CIO), or local Office of Information and Technology (OI&T) representative to ensure that all actions are consistent with current VA policies and procedures prior to implementation.
Section 508 Information:	This technology has been assessed by the Section 508 Office and found non-conformant. The Implementer of this technology has the responsibility to ensure the version deployed is 508-compliant. Section 508 compliance may be reviewed by the Section 508 Office and appropriate remedial action required if necessary. For additional information or assistance regarding Section 508, please contact the Section 508 Office at Section508@va.gov. Please see reference tab for more information concerning product versions.
Decision:	View Decisions

Decision Source:	TRM Mgmt Group
Decision Process:	One-VA TRM v23.2
Decision Date:	02/06/2023 at 20:28:09 UTC
Introduced By:	TRM Request
Vendor Name:	Blue Jeans Network

Vendor Release Information

The Vendor Release table provides the known releases for the TRM Technology, obtained from the vendor (or from the release source).

Version	Release Date	Vendor End of Life Date	Vendor Desupport Date
2.115.99.8	08/12/2015
1.x	09/15/2016
2.0.x	07/12/2017
3.0.x
3.6.x	12/20/2022

Current Decision Matrix (02/02/2023)

Users must ensure their use of this technology/standard is consistent with VA policies and standards, including, but not limited to, VA Handbooks 6102 and 6500; VA Directives 6004, 6513, and 6517; and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standards, including Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS). Users must ensure sensitive data is properly protected in compliance with all VA regulations. Prior to use of this technology, users should check with their supervisor, Information Security Officer (ISO), Facility Chief Information Officer (CIO), or local Office of Information and Technology (OI&T) representative to ensure that all actions are consistent with current VA policies and procedures prior to implementation.

The VA Decision Matrix displays the current and future VA IT position regarding different releases of a TRM entry. These decisions are based upon the best information available as of the most current date. The consumer of this information has the responsibility to consult the organizations responsible for the desktop, testing, and/or production environments to ensure that the target version of the technology will be supported. Any major.minor version that is not listed in the VA Decision Matrix is considered unapproved for use.

Legend:

White	Approved: The technology/standard has been approved for use.
Yellow	Approved w/Constraints: The technology/standard can be used within the specified constraints located below the decision matrix in the footnote[1] and on the General tab.
Gray	Unapproved: This technology or standard can be used only if a POA&M review is conducted and signed by the Authorizing Official Designated Representative (AODR) as designated by the Authorizing Official (AO) or designee and based upon a recommendation from the POA&M Compliance Enforcement, has been granted to the project team or organization that wishes to use the technology.
Orange	Divest: VA has decided to divest itself on the use of the technology/standard. As a result, all projects currently utilizing the technology/standard must plan to eliminate their use of the technology/standard. Additional information on when the entry is projected to become unapproved may be found on the Decision tab for the specific entry.
Black	Prohibited: The technology/standard is not (currently) permitted to be used under any circumstances.
Blue	Planning/Evaluation Constraint:The period of time this technology is currently being evaluated, reviewed, and tested in controlled environments. Use of this technology is strictly controlled and not available for use within the general population. If a customer would like to use this technology, please work with your local or Regional OI&T office and contact the appropriate evaluation office displayed in the notes below the decision matrix. The Local or Regional OI&T office should submit an inquiry to the TRM if they require further assistance or if the evaluating office is not listed in the notes below.

Release/Version Information:

VA decisions for specific versions may include a ‘.x’ wildcard, which denotes a decision that pertains to a range of multiple versions.

For example, a technology approved with a decision for 7.x would cover any version of 7.(Anything) - 7.(Anything). However, a 7.4.x decision would cover any version of 7.4.(Anything), but would not cover any version of 7.5.x or 7.6.x on the TRM.

VA decisions for specific versions may include ‘+’ symbols; which denotes that the decision for the version specified also includes versions greater than what is specified but is not to exceed or affect previous decimal places.

For example, a technology approved with a decision for 12.6.4+ would cover any version that is greater than 12.6.4, but would not exceed the .6 decimal ie: 12.6.401 is ok, 12.6.5 is ok, 12.6.9 is ok, however 12.7.0 or 13.0 is not.

<Past

CY2018

CY2019

CY2020

Future>

Release

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

2.115.99.8

Approved w/Constraints
[3, 4, 5, 6]

Approved w/Constraints
[4, 5, 6, 7]

Divest
[4, 5, 6, 7]

Divest
[4, 6, 8, 9]

Unapproved

1.x

Approved w/Constraints
[3, 4, 5, 6]

Approved w/Constraints
[4, 5, 6, 7]

Divest
[4, 5, 6, 7]

Divest
[4, 6, 8, 9]

Unapproved

2.0.x

Approved w/Constraints
[3, 4, 5, 6]

Approved w/Constraints
[4, 5, 6, 7]

Divest
[4, 6, 8, 9]

Unapproved

3.0.x

Unapproved

Approved w/Constraints
[4, 5, 6, 7]

Approved w/Constraints
[4, 6, 8, 9]

Approved w/Constraints
[4, 6, 9, 10]

Divest
[4, 6, 9, 11]

3.6.x

Unapproved

Decision Constraints


[1]	Veterans Affairs (VA) users must ensure VA sensitive data is properly protected in compliance with all VA regulations. All instances of deployment using this technology should be reviewed by the local ISO (Information Security Officer) to ensure compliance with VA Handbook 6500.

[2]	In cases where the technology is used for external connections, a full Enterprise Security Change Control Board (ESCCB) review is required in accordance VA Directive 6004 , VA Directive 6517, and VA Directive 6513. The local ISO can advise on the ESCCB review process.

[3]	This product falls under the Category 2 risk categories as defined by the Department of Defense (DoD). Category 2 mobile code technologies have full functionality, allowing mediated or controlled access to workstation, server, and remote system services and resources. Category 2 mobile code technologies can pose a moderate threat to VA information systems. Category 2 mobile code technologies must only be used when the Category 2 restrictions in the VA Mobile Code Policy are implemented. Google Chrome using WebRTC is the recommended way to use BlueJeans. Windows Media Format (WMF) staff has found many vulnerabilities in the non-WebRTC version (the BlueJeans plugin) and has advised against its use. To use WebRTC with Google Chrome, open the BlueJeans meeting link from within the browser. Users must review the Google Chrome and WebRTC IPRs before use for additional information or constraints on the BlueJeans Browser Plugin for Chrome and its components.

[4]	Browser plug-ins and extensions may only be installed by VA IT Operations (ITOPS) and must be used with official VA browser installation packages that are managed by ITOPS. For installation, contact the National Service Desk [Mail Group: National Service Desk - Austin]. Browser extensions must be kept up to date with security patches and enhancements.

[5]	Users should check with their supervisor, Information Security Office (ISO) or local OIT representative for permission to download and use this software. Downloaded software must always be scanned for viruses prior to installation to prevent adware or malware. Freeware may only be downloaded directly from the primary site that the creator of the software has advertised for public download and user or development community engagement. Users should note, any attempt by the installation process to install any additional, unrelated software is not approved and the user should take the proper steps to decline those installations.

[6]	Veterans Affairs (VA) users must ensure VA sensitive data is properly protected in compliance with all VA regulations. All instances of deployment using this technology should be reviewed by the local ISO (Information Security Officer) to ensure compliance with VA Handbook 6500.

[7]	This product falls under the Category 2 risk categories as defined by the Department of Defense (DoD). Category 2 mobile code technologies have full functionality, allowing mediated or controlled access to workstation, server, and remote system services and resources. Category 2 mobile code technologies can pose a moderate threat to VA information systems. Category 2 mobile code technologies must only be used when the Category 2 restrictions in VA Mobile Code Policy are implemented. Google Chrome using WebRTC is the recommended way to use BlueJeans. Windows Media Format (WMF) staff has found many vulnerabilities in the non-WebRTC version (the BlueJeans plugin) and has advised against its use. To use WebRTC with Google Chrome, open the BlueJeans meeting link from within the browser. Users must review the Google Chrome and WebRTC IPRs before use for additional information or constraints on the BlueJeans Browser Plugin for Chrome and its components.

[8]	If free trialware is utilized, the software must be purchased or removed at the end of the trial period. This product falls under the Category 2 risk categories as defined by the Department of Defense (DoD). Category 2 mobile code technologies have full functionality, allowing mediated or controlled access to workstation, server, and remote system services and resources. Category 2 mobile code technologies can pose a moderate threat to VA information systems. Category 2 mobile code technologies must only be used when the Category 2 restrictions in VA Mobile Code Policy are implemented. Google Chrome using WebRTC is the recommended way to use BlueJeans. Windows Media Format (WMF) staff has found many vulnerabilities in the non-WebRTC version (the BlueJeans plugin) and has advised against its use. To use WebRTC with Google Chrome, open the BlueJeans meeting link from within the browser. Users must review the Google Chrome and WebRTC IPRs before use for additional information or constraints on the BlueJeans Browser Plugin for Chrome and its components.

[9]	Technology must remain patched and operated in accordance with Federal and Department security policies and guidelines in order to mitigate known and future security vulnerabilities.

[10]	If free trialware is utilized, the software must be purchased or removed at the end of the trial period. Users must ensure that Google Chrome is implemented with VA-approved baselines. (refer to the ‘Category’ tab under ‘Runtime Dependencies’) This product falls under the Category 2 risk categories as defined by the Department of Defense (DoD). Category 2 mobile code technologies have full functionality, allowing mediated or controlled access to workstation, server, and remote system services and resources. Category 2 mobile code technologies can pose a moderate threat to VA information systems. Category 2 mobile code technologies must only be used when the Category 2 restrictions in VA Mobile Code Policy are implemented. Google Chrome using WebRTC is the recommended way to use BlueJeans. Windows Media Format (WMF) staff has found many vulnerabilities in the non-WebRTC version (the BlueJeans plugin) and has advised against its use. To use WebRTC with Google Chrome, open the BlueJeans meeting link from within the browser. Users must review the Google Chrome and WebRTC IPRs before use for additional information or constraints on the BlueJeans Browser Plugin for Chrome and its components. Per the Initial Product Review, users must abide by the following constraints: For all BlueJeans meetings, it is strongly recommended that WebRTC must not be enabled or used until WebRTC is reviewed and approved for use within the VA. The VA should only consider solutions with similar functionality if the current approved solutions do not meet all of VA’s needs or requirements. VA requires vendor support with a Service Level Agreement that meets VA support requirements. In order to use BlueJeans Browser Extension for Chrome, the VA must establish Enterprise level support.

[11]	Use of this technology is limited to JOINING external web-based training sessions scheduled by non-organization users (e.g. vendor partners). VA users must leverage the organization`s preferred teleconferencing solutions, Microsoft Teams or WebEx, for internal hosted conferences. VA has selected Microsoft Teams and WebEx as its preferred teleconferencing solutions. No waiver or review is required for JOINING 3rd Party BlueJeans Browser Extension meetings. Any use of this technology to host a VA event must be authorized by a Plan of Action and Milestones (POAM) waiver. There are no exceptions to the required waiver process for any reason. The POAM Board must seek guidance and/or approval from the Enterprise Security Change Control Board (ESCCB) as needed when a waiver is granted to host conferences. If free trialware is utilized, the software must be purchased or removed at the end of the trial period. Users must ensure that Google Chrome is implemented with VA-approved baselines. (refer to the ‘Category’ tab under ‘Runtime Dependencies’) This product falls under the Category 2 risk categories as defined by the Department of Defense (DoD). Category 2 mobile code technologies have full functionality, allowing mediated or controlled access to workstation, server, and remote system services and resources. Category 2 mobile code technologies can pose a moderate threat to VA information systems. Category 2 mobile code technologies must only be used when the Category 2 restrictions in VA Mobile Code Policy are implemented. Google Chrome using WebRTC is the recommended way to use BlueJeans. Windows Media Format (WMF) staff has found many vulnerabilities in the non-WebRTC version (the BlueJeans plugin) and has advised against its use. To use WebRTC with Google Chrome, open the BlueJeans meeting link from within the browser. Users must review the Google Chrome and WebRTC IPRs before use for additional information or constraints on the BlueJeans Browser Plugin for Chrome and its components. Per the Initial Product Review, users must abide by the following constraints: For all BlueJeans meetings, it is strongly recommended that WebRTC must not be enabled or used until WebRTC is reviewed and approved for use within the VA. The VA should only consider solutions with similar functionality if the current approved solutions do not meet all of VA’s needs or requirements. VA requires vendor support with a Service Level Agreement that meets VA support requirements. In order to use BlueJeans Browser Extension for Chrome, the VA must establish Enterprise level support.

Note:

At the time of writing, version 3.6.3.56 is the most current version and was released 12/20/2022.

References

The following reference(s) are associated with this entry:
Type	Name	Source	Description
Vendor Provided*	BlueJeans on Web Browsers Datasheet	Publicly Available	This site provides an overview of benefits and features for this technology
Vendor Provided*	BlueJeans Calendar for Google Installation Guide	Publicly Available	This site provides details and instructions for properly installing this technology.
*NOTE: Vendor provided information is subject to the accuracy of the manufacturer.

Technology Components

Note: This list may not be complete. No component, listed or unlisted, may be used outside of the technology in which it is released. The usage decision for a component is found in the Decision and Decision Constraints.
Name	Description
No components have been identified for this entry.

VA Categories View the VA Categorization Framework

Domain Area	Category	Customer Guidance	Category Locked By ELT Date
Collaboration and Electronic Workplace Collaboration Software	Real-Time and Team Collaboration

Operating Systems Supported by the Technology

macOS - Approved w/Constraints
Oracle Linux - Approved w/Constraints
Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) - Approved w/Constraints
Windows Client - Approved w/Constraints

Technologies/Standards Relationships

Runtime Dependencies:

Safari

Comparable Technologies:

Companion Technologies/Supported Standards:

General Analysis

Adoption Benefits

This is a well-documented technology.
This technology supports several industry standard file formats.
At the time of writing, no National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) vulnerabilities had been reported and no VA Cyber Security Operations Center (CSOC) bulletins had been issued for the latest versions of this technology.

Adoption Risks

This technology may collect, store or transmit Personally Identifiable Information (PII) or Protected Health information (PHI) and proper security standards must be followed in these cases.
The browser extension is for Google Chrome which is not the approved standard browser for use within the Department.
There are other approved solutions that provide similar functionality available on the TRM. The use of several similar solutions may increase organization requirements for support and maintenance.
This technology has a free trial period, which carries the potential for the disruption of service delivery and inaccurate financial planning.
Due to the rapid release schedule of this technology, the VA may be unable to update to the most recent patch and may require a deployment model requiring the use of specific versions.
Vendor did not respond to email inquiries to provide information on configuration, deployment guides, or answer questions about the product support and dependencies. Without the vendor’s commitment to provide product support or timely updates and patches, the software could b.e prone to vulnerabilities and malware exposures
By default, users will be prompted to download and install the BlueJeans Browser Extension for Chrome before joining a meeting. As a cloud-based video conferencing solution, BlueJeans’ video calls leverages Web Real-Time Communication (WebRTC) that supports the ability to join meetings directly from a web browser without requiring the installation of a dedicated application; however, WebRTC is unapproved on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Technical Reference Model (TRM).
System scans indicate that this technology is no longer in use within the VA network.
This technology is available as freeware. As such this technology may be without clearly defined support options which may result in suboptimal enterprise level support.

Architectural Benefits

This technology is portable as it runs on multiple TRM-approved operating systems.

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Special Events

VA Technical Reference Model v 24.7

General Information

Vendor Release Information

Current Decision Matrix (02/02/2023)

Decision Constraints

References

Technology Components

VA Categories View the VA Categorization Framework

Operating Systems Supported by the Technology

Technologies/Standards Relationships

Runtime Dependencies:

Comparable Technologies:

Companion Technologies/Supported Standards:

General Analysis

Adoption Benefits

Adoption Risks

Architectural Benefits

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VA Technical Reference Model v 24.7

General Information

Vendor Release Information

Current Decision Matrix (02/02/2023)

Decision Constraints

References

Technology Components

VA Categories View the VA Categorization Framework

Operating Systems Supported by the Technology

Technologies/Standards Relationships

Runtime Dependencies:

Comparable Technologies:

Companion Technologies/Supported Standards:

General Analysis

Adoption Benefits

Adoption Risks

Architectural Benefits

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