Integrating acoustic echo cancellation as a subsystem into an existing videoconference and telepresence system

A computer-readable program contained in a computer-readable medium for installation into a computer operating a video conferencing system having control software, the computer-readable program configured to execute instructions causing the following steps to occur, comprising:

• upgrading an existing echo canceling system with a software-based acoustic canceling system, wherein the software-based acoustic canceling system includes macros having a same syntax as macros in the existing echo canceling system and different definitions for operating the software-based acoustic canceling system;
• providing a configurable command set for the software-based acoustic canceling system that allows real time operating parameter changes during a video conferencing session;
• defining an application programming interface for the software-based acoustic canceling system;
• and
• installing user configurable control software with the macros of the software-based acoustic canceling system configured to execute high level commands that are linked to the application programming interface for enabling the control software to have access to the command set.