* BT One Source for Cisco TelePresence
BT announced late last month that it was launching a fully-managed video solution called “BT One Source for Cisco TelePresence.” The new service combines Cisco’s high-definition technology with BT Conferencing’s management services to provide customers with, according to the company, “an easy-to-use, reliable and cost-effective immersive video conferencing solution.”
BT’s customers using the service can choose a mix of services specific to their requirements. Key features of BT One Source for Cisco TelePresence include:
• Design and provisioning (which includes hardware procurement, room readiness and network path assessments).
• Detailed room configuration design and setup.
• Global Project Management.
• Optional IP overlay network.
• Proactive device and network monitoring along with a 24/7 Help Desk support.
• Hosting services for CTMS switch, TelePresence Manager and Cisco Communications Manager.
• Automated Call scheduling and launching tools.
• Support for TelePresence interoperability with traditional video conferencing devices.
• Producer assisted TelePresence calls.
The launch of BT One Source for Cisco TelePresence follows BT’s recent acquisition of Wire One Communications, a market leader in video communications, which was the first company to launch and implement a managed concierge service for Cisco TelePresence.
BT One Source for Cisco TelePresence is currently available in the U.S. and will be commercially available in Europe and Asia-Pacific shortly.
Our observations: We’ve long advocated the benefits of managed VoIP for several years and we suggest the same benefits can apply to a telepresence service. While most Tier 1 service providers are already certified suppliers for Cisco’s Telepresence, the global reach of the BT network may prove an advantage once it extends the service availability worldwide.
