Easynet Deploys Global Managed HD Video Conferencing Powered by Polycom
PLEASANTON, Calif. and LONDON, Sept. 17 -- As part of its commitment to delivering superbly managed global solutions, Easynet announces that it is to provide managed video conferencing services and Polycom systems to the NDS Group and BSkyB. The Polycom (NASDAQ:PLCM) solutions, from the world leader in unified collaborative communications, include Polycom's high-definition (HD) RPX(TM) immersive telepresence suites and HDX(TM) 9000 high-definition group video conferencing systems.
Easynet, the international managed network and hosting division of BSkyB, will roll out its managed service with a range of Polycom HD products across 12 international operations and to 18 offices for the NDS Group, a global leader in digital television technology, majority owned by News Corporation. Easynet will also deliver the solution between BSkyB's customer operations centers in Scotland, and to BSkyB's headquarters in London. BSkyB is the leading provider of multi-channel entertainment in the UK.
The new managed video conferencing solutions will deliver the benefits of high definition, highly interactive meetings through purpose-built, cinematic RPX telepresence rooms, as well as in more traditional conference and meeting room environments. These deployments will reduce travel budgets, and create virtual meeting environments of outstanding quality that enable more efficient, responsive and agile business operations and decision making. The service will also play a key part in helping BSkyB and NDS Group meet their environmental goals. As part of BSkyB, a carbon neutral company, Easynet constantly looks to reduce its CO2 emissions, and this solution will ensure Easynet and its global enterprise customers will continue to take steps to reduce their carbon emissions by reducing the need for travel.
The new global service will be managed by Easynet's Video Network Operation Center, which will provide secure facilities for dedicated and hosted video management. A concierge-level service at the Center will include complete call scheduling, suite reservation services, call management and assistance, 24 hours a day, from a dedicated team of telepresence experts.
David Rowe, Easynet's chief executive officer, said: "We all appreciate the environmental and cost benefits of reducing work-related travel, but the business community needs a life-like experience to replicate the feel of face to face meetings. The quality of the HD service from Polycom creates an incredibly realistic, secure conference environment, way beyond what has been seen before. The initial investment is easily justifiable, ultimately increasing productivity. It's not only protecting the environment, but is common sense for businesses to adopt."
Tony Harrison, NDS' chief information officer, said: "NDS has already seen excellent results from the pilot telepresence video conference system installed in the UK and is looking forward to reaping the benefits of worldwide deployment, with ease of use, collaboration gains, excellent video and audio quality while at the same time reducing travel costs, carbon footprint and lastly, saving staff time."
Steve Leyland, Managing Director, EMEA, Polycom adds: "With businesses becoming increasingly fragmented and globalized, Polycom's high definition collaboration technologies allow dispersed teams and individuals to become fully engaged in virtual face-to-face meetings that remove the distance between teams, and increase their efficiency and productivity. Easynet's track record in international managed solutions guarantees the smooth running of a world-class service, connecting users across the globe."
About Easynet
Easynet is an international managed networks and hosting company, delivering superbly managed solutions for businesses and enterprises. Owning extensive national and international network and hosting infrastructure, the company sets itself apart through customer service excellence. Easynet's approach is underpinned by professional excellence in understanding, designing, delivering, and managing customer solutions, its ability to work successfully with partners, and its attention to quality. Easynet currently has operations across Europe and also has an operation in Shanghai, China.
The company works hard to ensure its customers are its best advocates. Customers include the Ford Motor Company, Kia Motors, Calor, Tchibo and Kellogg Italia.
Easynet is part of the British Sky Broadcasting group, which has a total market capitalization in excess of pounds Sterling 11bn.
Easynet is the Official Networking and Hosting Company of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC).
For more information visit www.easynet.com
About Polycom
Polycom, Inc. is the worldwide leader in unified collaborative communications (UCC) that maximize the efficiency and productivity of people and organizations by integrating the broadest array of high definition video, wired and wireless voice, and content solutions to deliver the ultimate collaborative experience. Polycom's high quality, standards-based conferencing and collaboration solutions are easy to deploy and manage, as well as intuitive to use. Supported by an open architecture, they integrate seamlessly with leading telephony, workplace wireless telephony, and presence- based networks. With its market-driving technologies, best-in-class products, alliance partnerships, and world-class service, Polycom is the smart choice for organizations seeking proven solutions and a competitive advantage from on-demand communications and collaboration. For additional information, call 800-POLYCOM or visit the Polycom web site at www.polycom.com.
Source: Polycom, Inc.
CONTACT: Anne Perry, European PR Manager, Easynet, +44 (0)207 852 5811, easynet@porternovelli.co.uk; or
Kevin Young of Polycom, Inc., +1-720-596-4772, kyoung@polycom.com
Web site: www.polycom.com/
http://www.easynet.com/
