Hi there, below and attached is a release detailing the launch of AT TelePresence Solution, which should be available in NZ in the second half of 2008. This differs from conventional video
communications systems in that it uses “life-size” ultra high-definition video images (1080p) and spatial audio in a
specially-designed environment to give the user the feeling of actually being in the same room as participants in remote
locations. It also has a very simple use model, relying on enterprise calendaring (Microsoft Outlook or Lotus Notes) for
scheduling and a telephone interface to launch calls with the push of a button.
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AT First Service Provider to Deliver Intercompany Cisco TelePresence for Businesses around the World
Fully Managed AT Telepresence Solution Enables
New Way to Collaborate and Drive Business Productivity
SAN ANTONIO, April 21, 2008 — AT Inc. (NYSE:T) today announced global plans to deliver the industry’s first, fully managed Cisco TelePresence solution
that allows companies to connect to their customers, suppliers and partners worldwide.
The new offer — AT Telepresence Solution — is a highly scalable solution that creates unique, 'in-person' experiences with the simplicity
of a phone call. The AT Telepresence Solution will also provide a “meet-me” feature that enables intercompany connectivity — a key component
and industry-first feature that distinguishes the AT solution from any other telepresence offer available today.
The AT Telepresence Solution is expected to be available in the second half of 2008 in 23 countries, with additional countries
planned for 2009. AT and Cisco have started early trials
with key customers. Sales teams from AT and Cisco will target U.S.-based multinational companies and selected companies headquartered outside of the U.S. in
their initial efforts.
AT and Cisco have joined forces to enable the growth and use of telepresence technology among businesses and
organizations. Today’s announcement is the first of what is expected to be many industry-leading innovations to be
introduced by AT and Cisco.
AT and Cisco have agreed to combine the innovative Cisco TelePresence solution with AT’s Internet Protocol (IP) network and Virtual Private Network (VPN) capabilities to create new ways for companies to
collaborate and conduct global business across industries that will include health care, high-tech, retail and
government.
“The AT Telepresence Solution is the latest example of how we’re helping enterprises to improve ‘business velocity’ by enabling
them to move quicker and make better business decisions,” said Ronald E. Spears, AT group president of Global Business Services. “Customers can take advantage of the power of the AT network and our expertise in providing world-class services to enjoy the multitude of benefits of this fully immersive
collaboration technology.”
The AT Telepresence Solution enables businesses to interact and collaborate with others, delivering life-size images via
full-high-definition video (1080p) and spatial audio within a specially designed environment. This creates the
experience of being in the same room with remote participants, whether they are down the street or around the world. The
solution also features concierge service, which complements common enterprise calendaring applications for scheduling
and an easy-to-use telephone interface to launch calls with just the push of a button.
AT is focused on developing industry-specific applications for telepresence across a range of industries — including
health care, high-tech, retail and government — to generate new revenue and growth possibilities for businesses while
also helping them reduce costs and improve productivity. For example, the retail industry, which faces constant margins
pressure and complex sales ecosystems, is continually seeking ways to accelerate time to market while increasing
efficiencies in the supply chain. The AT Telepresence Solution will offer retailers an opportunity to collaborate in real time with their designers, merchants
and manufacturers all over the world to create and modify products and processes in order to drive time-to-market
advantages and improve competitive positions.
Three-screen and one-screen site options will be available, based on Cisco TelePresence System 3000 and Cisco
TelePresence System 1000 endpoints.
In addition, the AT Telepresence Solution provides AT Cisco TelePresence equipment, installation, full monitoring and management of the application, network provisioning
(including AT VPN transport), remote help desk service and on-site equipment maintenance and repair.
“AT is playing a critical role in the delivery of intercompany Cisco TelePresence to the more than 750 Cisco TelePresence
room footprint worldwide,” said Marthin Debeer, senior vice president for Emerging Technologies at Cisco. “AT is the first provider of a complete intercompany solution based on our TelePresence system, using the IP network as a
platform.”
“We currently have 11 Cisco TelePresence sites set up in AT offices throughout the U.S., with plans to expand globally in the coming year,” said Spears. “We’re already seeing
tremendous value from the ability to bring our management team together for face to face meetings on a regular basis,
even though they are scattered across the country. Not only are we saving time and expense associated with travel, but
we are much more productive. When we implement the intercompany telepresence capability, we expect to quickly start
using it to build closer relationships with our key customers throughout the world.”
As part of its work with Cisco, AT has received the Cisco Powered TelePresence Connection Certification for its IP VPN service. The Cisco TelePresence
Connection certification process goes beyond static measurements of network performance and is based on industry
standards with regard to staffing, verification, processes and tools. The process works to ensure that the network meets
requirements for the quality of service, performance and reliability levels to support Cisco TelePresence applications.
The AT IP VPN service is at the heart of the world’s largest global business service network. AT has more than 50 Tier 1 points of presences (PoPs) outside the U.S. and is the largest service provider in the United
States. With more than 3,700 service nodes supporting Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS)-based services in 143
countries, AT’s vast global network carries 14.5 petabytes of data traffic on an average business day.
ENDS
Find More Information Online:
Web Site Links:
AT Web Site
AT Enterprise Services
Cisco Web Site
Cisco Telepresence
Related Releases:
AT to Invest $1 Billion in Global Network and Services for Multinational Customers in 2008
Related Media Kits:
AT's Internet Protocol Virtual Private Network
AT’s Global Network
Related Fact Sheets:
AT VPN Snapshot
Technorati Tags: AT, Managed Network Services, _Network Management, AT Telepresence Solution, IP VPN, Cisco, Cisco Powered Program, Cisco TelePresence
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About AT
AT Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates, AT operating companies, are the providers of AT services in the United States and around the world. Among their offerings are the world's most advanced IP-based
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organizations, and the AT brand is licensed to innovators in such fields as communications equipment. As part of its three-screen integration
strategy, AT is expanding its TV entertainment offerings. Additional information about AT Inc. and the products and services provided by AT subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com.
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ENDS