With deployment of TelePresence across 40 of its key sites globally, Procter & Gamble (P&G) expects to reduce around 1,000 business trips per month. The project was developed for P&G using Cisco TelePresence technology.
The system enables projection of images on three large plasma screens, providing visualization of the participants in real size using three high-definition cameras in each room. There is also a spatial audio system for conversation.
Luiz Alves, information technology manager at P&G, said: The goal is for the technology to allow us to increase employees’ productivity by accelerating the decision-making process in addition to optimizing internal and external communication with partners and customers. The Cisco TelePresence system is an innovation that allows a unique experience among people, locations and events, in any part of the world.
P&G aims to reduce the amount of travel, since the Cisco TelePresence system will enable executives to interact and collaborate as if they were present at another location. P&G can also cut on ground and air travel costs.
In September 2008, BT announced the availability of BT Global Video Exchange, a service that enables Cisco Telepresence connections between companies. The new service enables companies to connect to external business partners that have Cisco TelePresence systems.
BT Global Video Exchange is expected to increase the utility of Cisco TelePresence by enabling interconnections between companies. It offers conferencing services, including set-up, live call monitoring and assistance and 24-hour help-desk support; and a multi-layered security.
