What is CommunO2? It is the internet minus the inconvenience, advertisements and depravity, and instead of polarizing people, CommunO2 exists only to bring us together. If a hammy yet optimistic 1950s classroom educational film had predicted the internet, it would have depicted CommunO2.
“My wife and I had this idea back when Amazon only sold books,” said Joel Ackerman, founder and CEO of CommunO2. “I had recently left my executive position at UnitedHealth Group so I could do other things, which included building our dream home in Eden Prairie. We designed our home so we could shut down the second floor and basement when our kids moved out, because we wanted the option to age in place.
“As we thought more about what we would need to age in place comfortably, we started wondering how we could continue engaging with our community as we grew older. We then began thinking about people who already couldn’t access local goods and services because of their health issues or lack of transportation.
“The year was 1996, and I understood that technology had already made the solution to those needs possible. I primarily founded CommunO2 so seniors could continue leading happy and healthy lives while connecting with their communities through one convenient tool – although it has the potential to bring neighbors everywhere closer together.
“CommunO2 is a web application that combines several helpful modules into one intuitive service. The community engagement platform lets users host video meetings with friends, family, and nearby businesses and professionals, as well as livestream local performances and religious services. Local retailers can also remotely display their products to shoppers and better address their needs.
“CommunO2 contains a number of other life-enhancing modules. The virtual file cabinet provides safe storage for important documents and photos, and the electronic journal gives users just as secure a place to record their thoughts. The virtual travel feature lets users access 400 livestreams around the world, including Venice and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. We are also currently beta testing an ‘e-volunteering and e-respite’ module, which will enable users to volunteer their time and experience even when they’re unable to leave their homes.
“Because CommunO2 is a web app, it has no software to install. It works on Apple, Windows, Mac, Android and televisions, and it currently displays 12 different languages including Hmong, Somali and Spanish.
“FaceTime, Zoom and Google Meet all provide video calling services. What CommunO2 does differently is integrate video calling with multiple other features in one easy-to-use package. Let’s be blunt: Many seniors would rather do anything besides learn how to use a computer. That’s why CommunO2’s user interface is designed and tested to be completely intuitive. It’s easy to learn, easy to use, and backed by live video customer support. Once you have learned to do one thing on CommunO2 you have nearly learned the entire platform.
“CommunO2 also provides a level of security that isn’t available through other online services. Users’ data are encrypted: accessible only to them and whomever they trust. We do not sell our users’ information to third parties, and we prohibit advertisers, solicitors, scammers and people who spread hateful messages from making any undesired contact.
“As founder of the non-profit C.A.S.E.S Institute, I advise all technology should have the features which make CommunO2 invaluable. I believe technology best benefits society when it is compelling, affordable, safe and secure, easy to use, and supported.
“We tested CommunO2 in urban and rural Michigan communities over the past six years. Now that we have streamlined the platform and are ready for expansion, I’m proud to finally bring it home to the southwest metro. I’m excited to start changing people’s lives by reestablishing their connections to their communities, and to help local businesses and other organizations better serve all community residents.”
communo2.com