Cisco announced it is enabling businesses to connect with consumers with full interoperability between Cisco’s umi portfolio and Cisco TelePresence systems used by businesses. Cisco also announced it is enhancing its umi product line with a range of options.
Among the advantages of B2C connectivity Cisco hopes to improve: distance learning, tele-health, virtual professional services and community services. As an example, the company cited field trials currently underway in Korea that connect Cisco TelePresence and umi systems, providing business and government services to consumers through their HDTVs.
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The expanded umi portfolio includes a new Cisco umi Connect, a free HD calling client for PC and Macs (currently in trials) and the Cisco umi 720, available for $399 offering high-definition audio and video delivered with lower broadband requirements (using 1.5 Mbps upstream and downstream), available for $399. Cisco also reduced the price of the original umi 1080 system to $499. A $99 annual service fee for the Cisco umi 1080 and 720 also applies, while there is no service fee for umi Connect for PC and Mac. The umi 1080 and 720 systems include an HD camera, a console and a remote and they connect to any existing HD television and broadband Internet connection to the HD video.
On a commercial basis, Cisco’s umi 1080 system is currently available today only for sale in the United States, although umi is in field trials with service providers in Europe, Latin America and Asia. The Cisco umi 720 system is planned to ship this summer, while Connect (now in beta trials) is also scheduled to be available via free download this summer.
