Cisco Launches Pay-per-Use TelePresence System

In an article from meetingsnet.com, I discovered that Cisco Systems was launching a pay-per-use version of their TelePresence program. TelePresence is a videoconferencing software program that provides its users with "fluid motion video, high-quality accoustics (apparently every sound; even the tiniest of them, can be transmitted), and real life-size images of participants." The article also explains that until now, TelePresence was only available to a couple hundred companies. Now, however, Cisco is partnering with Taj Hotels around the world and Tata Communications Company to set up videoconferencing rooms.

On their site, Cisco tells customers that by renting a TelePresence room one can enjoy reduced travel times as well as expenses, an increase in productivity, and a reduction of the impact on the environment that occurs when traveling to and from meetings. The technology even has phone conferencing features such as hold and mute in addition to offering standard meeting amenities like internet, faxing, and catering. The cost to ret a TelePresence videoconferencing room is $299 per hour for one to two people and $899 per hour for up to and including 18 people. I guess you can be the judge of how steep or fair this price is.

So, is Cisco's TelePresence program only for public and private companies? No way! The company is marketing their product to other parties as well. They say it can be used for weddings, birthday parties, graduations and other family gatherings. It can also be used for employee and volunteer training sessions, as well as planning sessions for events. Is this something that event planners will now have to include in their budgets for weddings and other celebratory events? I guess we will have to wait and see.