On the key factors driving adoption of video conferencing

While video conferencing has been around for several years, the key factors driving adoption are:

• Standards based high definition video possible even at lower bandwidths of 1 Mbps. The quality of video conferencing with these new HD systems really satisfies the users' need for visual communications. This has increased the acceptance of video conferencing in general.
• Easy availability of bandwidth coupled with these systems' ability to perform decently even on public networks.
• Managed services are increasing the reliability and performance of video conferencing making the users more confident about this technology. Also, the ease of deployment offered by managed services providers is saving the nightmares for the IT team.
• TCL has been at the forefront of making telepresence services easily available for the end customers by rolling out public telepresence rooms in 9 cities across India and globally with a roadmap to add many more cities within the next couple of years.

On problems arising out of bandwidth availability

Well, bandwidth availability is not so much of a concern these days with penetration of fiber even to class B and class C towns. Again, the ability of these HD systems to give good quality even on BRI ISDN addresses this problem further.

How is telepresence changing the UC landscape?

The integration of the TelePresence with calendaring is one of the significant changes. Add to this Cisco's ability to push the TelePresence meeting on to the IP phone so that users just push one button to connect from the IP phone is revolutionary.

What are the advantages of deploying telepresence?

Apart from the obvious benefits of saving cost by avoiding travel and green responsibilities, TelePresence really helps in achieving better collaboration between dispersed teams and increased interaction between senior management and customers to increase stickiness and close deals faster thereby contributing directly to the top line. This has been possible because both senior management and customers are considering TelePresence as a genuine replacement for face to face meetings.

On the need for integrated, scalable, and customizable solutions

With all customers being different, there will always be a need for customizable solutions. However, nothing can replace the reliability of standardization. So the key is to have elements of standardization intact even in customized solutions.

What are the customer expectations in terms of after-sales services etc?

With TelePresence being used by senior management as well, the expectation on uptime is 100 percent, almost like real time response. While 24x7 VNOC offers real time response, the need for an engineer/part at site cannot be real time and it is this aspect that the customer tries to push as close to real time as possible.

TCL as a managed service provider is able to address customers' key pain areas by providing a single unified help desk for Cisco Telepresence equipment, network, and concierge.