Mar 3 2008
Siemens Communications, Inc. today introduced OpenScape(R) Video, the first single-vendor, unified video conferencing solution integrating high-definition (HD) video, desktop PC video, voice and presence into a single powerful communication environment. Siemens' new portfolio of HD video endpoints makes it easier than ever to deliver high-quality video conferencing capabilities for everyone in an organization, supporting enterprises in their quest to cut travel costs and reduce carbon emissions.
Unified video conferencing brings everyone in the organization onto the same communication and collaboration infrastructure, so that the benefits of video communication can be expanded beyond the few conference rooms and users that are equipped by most traditional solutions.
OpenScape Video, when deployed with the OpenScape Unified Communications (UC) Server, also announced by Siemens today, enables video and voice endpoints to easily participate in the same conference calls and use the same directory and call numbering plans. By integrating video end-points with voice via the OpenScape UC Server, video conference calls can now be initiated based on presence information with a simple click on the desktop client. As part of Siemens' Open Communications approach, OpenScape Video is designed to operate in any existing IT or telephony environment.
"The OpenScape UC Server enables any IP telephony infrastructure to take advantage of the single powerful collaboration environment it creates," said Brian Collie, Senior Vice President of Emerging Businesses for Siemens Communications. "When combined with the superior HD video capabilities of OpenScape Video, users also get the best unified HD video experience at a fraction of the cost of more elaborate, yet isolated, video conferencing solutions"
The new OpenScape Video portfolio includes three HD systems and a PC soft client. VHD 600 includes an HD camera, a CD-quality conference phone and a codec that can bridge up to six parties on a video conference call. VHD 400 includes the same components as the VHD 600, but for bridging four parties, and VHD 100 is a single, point-to-point solution to enable one-to-one calls or for the user to join a conference hosted on a VHD 600, VHD 400 or a third-party video bridge. The OpenScape UC application desktop client is a video-enabled soft client.
OpenScape Video is the only end-to-end solution that delivers an optimized HD video stream along with superior CD quality voice, to each individual HD-enabled video endpoint. Participants can customize their video display and will always experience the best video quality for their available bandwidth.
"HD and video is revolutionizing the way we communicate -- in the home, on the Web, on mobile devices and now in the enterprise," added Collie. "With OpenScape Video, all enterprise users can now participate in video communications from any SIP endpoint, and it is as easy to use and reliable as a phone call."
OpenScape Video offers enterprises an easy migration to HD video over IP to help cut productivity robbing travel and the associated costs while providing an enhanced collaboration environment. OpenScape Video is also interoperable with video endpoints from any vendor, so that enterprises can maximize their existing investments.
Pricing and Availability
OpenScape Video will be available at the end of April, 2008, with prices starting at $8,999 for a VHD100 system. Siemens global professional services organization will enable companies to rely on a single vendor to plan and install their video conferencing solutions around the world.