BT has unveiled a network of three HD telepresence video conferencing demonstration centres in London, New York and Denver, to showcase the telepresence systems of Cisco, Polycom, Tandberg and LifeSize.

BT opens global telepresence demo rooms

Paul Milligan, 10 June 2009

BT Conferencing has launched three global HD telepresence videoconferencing demonstration centres where customers can compare telepresence systems before buying. The centres, in London, New York and Denver, are showing Cisco, Polycom, Tandberg and LifeSize systems as well as BT's software applications.

BT Conferencing's 'Showcase Network Centres' will allow organisations to try conferencing technology and support services free of charge before making a financial investment.

The company already has 30 immersive rooms around the global which showcase Cisco's telepresense system, and is Polycom and Tandberg's biggest distributor and is the global leader in videoconferencing (revenue).

Jeff Prestel, general manager of BT Conferencing's video business unit, said: 'Our focus is on implementing tailored end-to-end enterprise solutions for customers that are easy to use, reliable and cost-effective in nature. Our global Showcase Network Centres provide customers with the ideal opportunity to experience this, and compare telepresence and video conferencing equipment and services."

Research on BT's own use of conferencing in 2007 shows that use of it eliminated 859,784 face to face meetings (Source: Conferencing at BT - a report by University of Bradford and SustainIT, April 2007).