Polycom to launch RealPresence VC solution

Pratima Harigunani

PUNE: The unified collaborative communications solutions major Polycom is ready to roll out its high-definition, live-experience video conferencing solution called RealPresence in two months in Delhi.

The solution, that is based on a patented technology that Polycom got through the acquisition of Destiny Conferencing Corporation in January this year, claims to provide a cinematic view –based video-conferencing that includes StereoSurround audio and high resolution content in an immersive telepresence environment, supported with interoperability with other video communications solutions as well as an all inclusive environment with all furniture, fixtures and hardware included.

Country manager Yugal Sharma said that the product enables life- like images with real-time feeling and eye-to eye contact with the other side in video conferencing. "The concept was there for last 10 years but couldn't take off due to bandwidth and timing issues."

Polycom has acquired around five customers in India already and expects to pocket 10 to 15 per cent of its revenue contribution in the first year from the new solution.

"It's a high-ticket item but application is easy and unique. It would give a new dimension and feel to virtual meetings. We expect to sell it to 20 to 25 customers in the first year." Sharma added.

While competitors like Cisco and HP too have products to match this offering, Sharma opined India to be a ripe market for a space that is worth around $3 billion worldwide as per various research agencies. Potential applications would span across areas like boardroom meetings, corporate conferences, high-end surgeries, operation theaters, education and distance learning, etc. 

 Also on the anvil are new government deployments like disaster recovery and management for which, Polycom is in talks with various State governments like Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Kerala and others.

"New things happen slowly but once governments apply this and others see the proof-of-the-pudding, it will take off," Sharma said.

Polycom would be introducing solutions for carriers too once the video-on-3G licence, that is expected in April, is out. "From traffic situation assessment, GPS answers, weather queries, fire protection, burglary alerts, security alarms to entertainment, there are many possibilities that are in our kitty," he added.

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