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Cisco's product is expected to compete with the Hewlett-Packard Halo Collaboration Studio

Cisco Systems has launched the Cisco TelePresence Meeting Solution conference tool, a product designed to change the way executives communicate. Three high-definition video screens, multiple microphones and cameras will provide high-quality audio and video so that people across the world can easily and clearly communicate with one another. The idea behind telepresence is to try and mimic actual in-person meetings with a high level of realism. Cisco believes the product will most likely take several years before it turns profitable.

The Cisco telepresence product will be available in two different versions starting in December. The TelePresence 1000, a basic model designed for one-on-one meetings, carries an estimated retail price of $79,000. The TelePresence 1000 is designed to bring telepresence to a broader global audience. The TelePresence 3000, a model with three 60-inch HD screens in which the people being displayed are life-size, will cost $299,000. The company has not publicly announced intended sales targets.

Because of better technology and business travel hassles due to security threats and lost productivity, companies may become more inclined to use videoconferencing as an alternative to travel. Cisco believes the telepresence system has the potential to turn into a billion dollar business in the next five to seven years.


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seems a little expensive
By Snuffalufagus on 10/24/2006 3:45:58 AM , Rating: 3
I also think you could get reasonably close to this for a fraction of the price. Sacrifice a bit of quality and use some of the currently avaialable cameras and a couple of big flatpanel displays. It won't be high def, but it'd be decent. As far as I've seen most companies are not willing to shell out tens of thousands, let alone hundreds, for video conferencing. But then if it's just for the higher up execs maybe they would.




RE: seems a little expensive
By SLEEPER5555 on 10/24/2006 5:18:29 AM , Rating: 2
really will any companies pay 300,000 for this? you could create a "generic" eqiv. for well under 100,000 per office


RE: seems a little expensive
By GreenEnvt on 10/24/2006 8:16:03 AM , Rating: 2
I agree, do we need to be able to see the people on the other end of the meeting in high def? I don't care if my boss in the other office has a pimple on his nose, or be able to count how many grey hairs he has.


Stolen Idea
By davepermen on 10/24/2006 5:35:36 AM , Rating: 2
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2...

HP has this for quite a while, called "HALO".




RE: Stolen Idea
By XtremeM3 on 10/24/2006 6:38:29 AM , Rating: 2
Stolen idea? I'd call it competition. HP was first to offer end-to-end VTC capabilities...it's nice to see someone else getting in the game. Those in the market are probably happy as well to not see a monopoly on the product/service.

My girlfriend does vtc work. It's a way more expensive than you would expect for quality equipment. Commercial level of VTC is alot more than a webcam and a mic.


Silly Rabbit, Trix is for kids.
By Dfere on 10/24/2006 2:50:15 PM , Rating: 1
I can see the personal application of this : dating verification and interviews. Coming soon to your city, be able to do everything but smell the person before you meet them in that dim, smoky bar. I am going to start a franchise for long distance Matches.

Then, as market, emm, err, penetration, occurs, I can see other opportunities. Like establishing a booth in Las Vegas for spousal check in "uhh yeaa hhoney, see no lipstick". Also we can use this for cross country depositions and witness testimony too. Why, the sky is the limit!

Actually, I think this primarily exists so highly overworked execs that make only a few million a year can not have to travel so much for their low wages.




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