TelePresence Meets Managed Services
As video moves onto IP networks, managed service providers are exploring new opportunities in TelePresence — the next-generation video conferencing systems that bring distant parties together into a single virtual conference room. Here’s how TelePresence and managed services will converge in 2008 and beyond.
I participated in a TelePresence demonstration about a year ago, and was blown away by the experience. In an ideal TelePresence setting, you forget about the technology around you — and feel as if people on the other side of the world are seated across the table from you.
So, where do managed service providers fit in? TelePresence can be pretty darn expensive to deploy — about $300,000 per custom executive board room. Some systems (from companies like LifeSize Communications) are less expensive. Plus, I expect TelePresence time shares to emerge over the next few years.
In other words, businesses will be able to pay a room fee or service fee to use TelePresence board rooms in upscale hotels, airports and other types of travel centers. I also expect commercial landlords will install TelePresence systems for their business tenants to use and share on a fee-based system. And you should expect TelePresence pods — located in health care clinics, banks and other remote branch offices — to surface over the next few years.
That’s where VARs and managed service providers enter the picture. TelePresence systems require managed services contracts to maintain and support. They also require back-end management systems and remote monitoring systems, to ensure demanding customers get what they pay for.
Already, major telecom companies are evaluating opportunities in TelePresence. VARs and managed service providers would be wise to do the same.
If you’re evaluating the TelePresence market, try to look beyond managed hardware. The real action will take place at the application level. For instance, it’s safe to expect WebEx partners to take a close look at TelePresence, since Cisco is now integrating WebEx with its unified communications strategies.
I disagree with the premise. Big service providers may benefit from telepresence but small VARs don’t have the time or money for this. Price points need to come down dramatically before telepresence earns my attention.
Mike,
I would like to respectfully disagree with your premise. Recently, I was given a demo of LifeSize’s equipment and found the price point to be right in that sweet spot that makes this technology quite easily attainable.
As with any new technologies, the introductory pricing is out of the reach of all but the most wealthy but will come down significantly once the adoption rate spurs mass production. I see this happening very quickly as we move from a communications media of low audio quality, disembodied voice to a high definition, full fidelity, interactive event.
Let’s hope this happens quickly.
Guys, look at ATamp;T’s recent announcement. It’s reality now :
ATamp;T, Cisco tie up on video conferencing
The Globe and Mail, April 21, 2008 at 9:05 AM EDT
NEW YORK — Top U.S. phone company ATamp;T Inc. and network equipment maker Cisco Systems Inc. said on Monday that they will start selling a top-end video conferencing system together later this year, aiming to boost sales to multinational corporate clients.
Cisco introduced a video conferencing system called TelPresence in 2006 featuring life-size, high-definition screens and easy-to-use dial-in features. Sales, while increasing, have been limited to a number of top global companies.
In addition, the tie-up enables video conferencing among multiple corporate customers, compared to being limited to intra-company use as it is now.
The two companies said they will start selling the joint service in the second half of 2008 in 23 countries, and expand into more countries in 2009. It will be sold as a corporate telecommunications service, including remote help and on-site equipment maintenance, rather than a one-off equipment sale.
Financial terms of the partnership were not disclosed and the monthly fee for the service was not immediately available.
The TelePresence 3000, sold in the form of a small conference room with three high-definition screens, was originally sold at $299,000 per unit. In addition to that version, a cheaper, one-screen option will also be available through the ATamp;T-Cisco partnership, the companies said.
There’s a new company in Arizona that rents the LifeSize equipment and also provides a managed service with the rental and the prices are unbelievable – cost of one airline ticket a month – that’s what my company is looking to do. They’re called Face to Face Live. Shouldn’t do anything until you talk to them.
Susan @4: Thanks for the tip re: “Face to Face Live.” I will check them out and certainly report back to MSPmentor’s readers.