Passport from Lifesize, VC for masses

MUMBAI, INDIA: LifeSize Communications, Inc., a player in high definition video communications, has introduced LifeSize Passport, a HD video conferencing system that provides the telepresence experience to the masses.

It is also claimed to be the world’s first HD video communications system to enable Skype audio calls to the more than 480 million registered Skype users.

“With LifeSize Passport, users can communicate in telepresence-quality HD video and audio at a price that enables even small businesses to take advantage of video communications, as well as allows enterprises to cost-effectively implement video throughout their organization. At less than one pound, Passport can be easily deployed anywhere, making it an ideal solution for remote employees and teleworkers.” States the company.

From the LifeSize interface, Passport users can easily connect directly with any Skype user worldwide, as well as with other LifeSize and standards-compliant enterprise video systems, it adds.

Stefan Oberg, Vice President/General Manager, Skype for Business added, “The integration of Skype audio calling into LifeSize Passport allows Passport customers to make free calls to Skype’s global community of 480 million registered users and inexpensive calls to cell phones or landlines, affording small and mid-size businesses significant savings on their calling and conferencing costs. We look forward to continuing to work with LifeSize, a leading provider of video conferencing systems, to integrate additional Skype functionality into Passport.”

Scott Morrison, Vice President, Research, Gartner Inc. says, “Organizations are increasingly turning to video conferencing as a means to reduce travel budgets and improve organizational communications. Typically, organizations are seeking to reduce absolute spend on travel by at least 20 per cent, and in extreme cases, as much as 50 per cent compared to the previous year's budget, and video is seen as a great way to do this. Affordable HD video and audio is a key component of extending high quality communications to teleworkers, remote office works and SMBs worldwide.”